Has anybody got a dc who fluffed AS then went on to do well at A?

Remus, if it makes you feel any better my DS came home yesterday with AS results e,u,u,u. The school won't have him back next year for A2 (not surprising) and don't let them start again. He did have a bad year (death in family, plus own illness) but was also v v lazy. Did not listen to constant warnings.He has no confidence, no enthusiasm and no commitment - so no point in looking for new A level centre. God only knows what happens now for us. I feel that I have failed him.....
If they want to turn around bad grades I'm sure they can - and your DS sounds like she will. Mine has a lot of growing up to do before he realises the error of his ways.

(Hers were languages & Business Studies iirc)

I haven't but a friend's DD had terrible AS grades - similar to yours in the OP (I can't remember exactly)

She worked her socks off in Y13 & came out with brilliant A2s

Horsemad and Remus, you're both very kind, thank you. We were really not sure what went wrong at AS, he was expecting As and Bs. He says, looking back, that he thought he was working really hard at the time, but it was only when he stepped up a few gears that he learnt what hard work really is! He got into 'the zone' and enjoyed studying hard.
You're in for a tough year, as am I, as DS2 is applying for medicine this year. Things have always come easier for him, so I am worried about his ability to work as hard as DS1. We'll see.

Mindgone, I was choked reading your post! Your son was so determined, bless him. What a star!

What went wrong with his AS? Was it a case of he didn't put the effort in, or was the teaching a bit iffy?

DS is off to speak with Head of Sixth Form today, so that will help decide whether to re-do the year or continue and work like billy- o !

DD got C in Psychology -which she wants to do at uni. B.s. for everything else. We're happy with that but she's puzzled why she did less well in the subject she felt went really well.

She's determined to work harder next year but I think Psych will get a lot harder.

Remus, yes! One over here! Two years ago, my DS got BCCC at AS, then turned it around to AAA last year! He worked his ass off, and we were all gobsmacked! We were wondering if he should resit the year, but the HoY said that he had seen Bs and Cs turned into As and Bs, which is what DS needed.

We started by getting photocopies of his papers back, to see if a remark would be advisable, sadly not! But, that was really useful, as he sat down with his very helpful teachers, and found out where he went wrong, and where he needed to improve.

Next, we found good private tutors, who were a big help. We asked for friend's recommendations to find these.

Next, DS found the exact exam specifications on the internet, and worked to them.

He was fortunate to have the choice of January resits, so he decided which exams he would resit in Jan, and which in June. Think strategically about these, where she needs the most marks, and where she can pick them up.

Which subjects is your DD doing? DS did chemistry, biology, maths and economics, and dropped economics. Not sure if all this advice is as relevant to essay subjects.

He studied every day, with only Christmas Day off, and did as many past papers as he could find, making a chart of his results for them.

Reading back, it's a wonder that we all survived the year! He needed ABB for his chosen course, and was so desperate to achieve it. He was good friends with the kids going for medicine, and asked them for any study tips.

My longest ever post! But I was so desperate for any encouraging news when I was in this position two years ago. Best of luck to your DD, and you, for a tough year ahead. Please feel free to ask any questions.

I don't think you need A level psychology to do it at uni. DS's friend got AAAC at AS with the C in psychology, wanting to do it at uni last year. She dropped psychology as it seemed the sensible thing to do, and has just finished her first year at a RG uni doing psychology. :)

DD got C in Psychology -which she wants to do at uni. B.s. for everything else. We're happy with that but she's puzzled why she did less well in the subject she felt went really well.

She's determined to work harder next year but I think Psych will get a lot harder.

To do that, they'd have to work very hard indeed. DS says he'll work that hard but I'm not convinced.

Someone today on the Yr 12 support thread, I think GameEnd, said that her son got BCCC at AS but got 3A* through sheer hard work in yr 13. An amazing turnaround.

I have taught lots of students who gave improved their overall grade from AS to A2. The extra year can make a big difference in their knowledge, skills and application.

Watching with interest as DS has ballsed up. Did no work all year and got A B C D - problem is, his preferred unis want all As and it's unlikely he'll get As now even if he works like a maniac next year.

He's deciding between ploughing on and seeing what offers he gets, or retaking the whole year again.

I could scream, he's so arrogant...

Pop over to the yr 13 support thread and ask them

We had BBEE here for ASs. Expected one E but the other subject teacher is sending all papers back for remarking.