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Original poster

Help please with decision to drop a GCSE subject in year 11

30 replies

noavailablename · 18/09/2013 16:48

I would be really grateful for advice.

I have a very stressed yr 11 dd. She is struggling with GCSE music. Not because she isn't a good musician, but because her music teacher has left the school, having covered less than half the syllabus in year 10.

Due to building work, the class are being taught in a portacabin and have no access to rehearsal space, computers or recording equipment.

The teaching is now shared between 3 temporary staff, only one of whom has any up to date knowledge, and she has been brought out of retirement.

Realistically I don't think there is time to salvage anything from the situation.

My dilemma is this:

I want to help dd maximise her chance of a place at a good school/college for A level, but the competition is fierce.

Is it better to drop a subject, or continue with the certainty that the only outcome will be a poor grade? Which would be the better option in terms of applying for sixth form?

She is currently studying 11 GCSEs.

TIA.

OP posts:
longingforsomesleep · 18/09/2013 17:36

Not sure which exam board your dd does, but if by any chance it's Edexcel the exam only counts for 40%. The other 60% is made up of performance and composition. DS1 did GCSE music with tolerable cello playing skills and a complete unwillingness to do any work whatsoever (in any subject) but still managed a C.

I'm playing devil's advocate here - if your dd wants to go to Oxford then perhaps sticking with this situation might help her develop some of the skills which could help her get there? She could perhaps be more proactive in seeking out help from the teachers. You could get her revision guides and listening tests. Not sure encouraging her to give up in case she doesn't get a top grade is the best thing for her?

What instrument does she play? Would the person she has lessons with be prepared to help at all? DS3 has just started GCSE music and has already done with his piano teacher all of the theory he is currently doing in school.

Original poster
noavailablename · 18/09/2013 17:18

Thanks all. I am letting her read the replies.

Music is important to her, and I know she would score highly in performance.

I just think the teaching is going to be poor for the next two terms. Sad

She is not planning to do Music to A level, but is hoping to apply for Oxford. The sixth form she is keen on is at a school that really values music. That is why we are really torn at the moment.

OP posts:
callamia · 18/09/2013 17:05

Ten subjects is more than enough. Most sixth forms will really only be interested in the basic subjects (Eng/Maths etc) and those subjects relating directly to her A level choices.

If you're concerned, ask at the sixth form of your choice - but I think removing stress sounds like a good thing. On the other hand, one poor grade amongst the remainder being very good won't really cause her a bother in the future - particularly if it is explained.

LIZS · 18/09/2013 17:00

10 subjects would be ample. Doesn't sound like a very viable gcse option. Unless she needs music specifically drop it.

monikar · 18/09/2013 16:58

I have a DD in year 13 so have lived the GCSE trauma. You say that less than half the syllabus was covered in year 10 - they have two terms left so realistically they may be able to cover the work in the time.

My DD didn't do music but I have a friend whose DC did and some of it was based on performance - is your DD likely to score highly in this?

Personally, I think it would be better to drop a subject which you feel will yield a poor grade as inevitably a certain amount of time will be spent on it which could be put to better use on her remaining 10 subjects. My DD did short course PE as an extra GCSE in the time when normal PE lessons were running for the others - I feared a poor outcome and discussed the possibility of dropping it but the teachers were extremely reluctant, even though in reality it only meant her joining back in with the others doing games at this time, so you might meet with some resistance. Saying that though, if you feel it is best, then with hindsight, I would persist.

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