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Original poster

Remark of 'D' grade course work when child gained an A* and A in external exams in Biology

39 replies

ikky · 25/08/2014 17:06

My daughter has done exceptionally well in her GCSEs - 9 As, 1 A and 1 B. She completed her controlled assessment in biology, but was never given her score. When we received her GCSE, we saw that she had gained a B in biology: D in the controlled assessment; A and A in the externally marked papers. The D in the controlled assessment bought her overall grade down to a B; she was three marks off an A grade.

Her school has a policy of only allowing pupils to only take A levels in subjects in which they have gained A grades. She wants to be a doctor, so needs to take biology for A levels.

We have already asked for her A grade paper to be remarked, but I don't think she will gain an increase in her marks, so our only hope is the controlled assessment, which I have been told can not be remarked.

What should we do? Make a formal complaint because she was not given her controlled assessment score, this would have given my daughter the opportunity to appeal against her score or even work even harder in her GCSE or request that she be allowed to take the subject for A levels in the school, using her externally marked exam results as proof that she has the ability to do well in this subject in A levels.

Please help. My daughter is really upset. One of the teachers who saw her crying, actually tried to reassure her by saying that she does not need biology to study medicine. This is clearly wrong. Any advise appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
ikky · 25/08/2014 19:03

Thank you all for all your comments. I've shown the comments to my daughter, and she managed a smile and a quiet thank you.

OP posts:
mathsgsceresit · 25/08/2014 18:56

DS needed chemistry for Medicine, not Biology.

Original poster
ikky · 25/08/2014 18:54

I will be making an appointment to see the head of Biology. Should I go and see the headmaster first, or wait until I have spoken to the Head of Biology? I don't want to go 'crying' to the headmaster until I have spoken to the Head of Biology, but I just think he/ she will stick to the school's policy.

It's reassuring to know that not all medical schools require biology, but from my research, the ones in London, do. She wants to stay in London.

OP posts:
Dunlurking · 25/08/2014 18:21

What a horrible situation to be in. Surely the school would make an exception for her here? Have you tried asking for an appointment with the head of Biology?

Life would be easier if she had a Biology A level. Has she looked up a number of medical schools to see what requirements they list? Many moons ago I applied with Physical Science, Biology and Maths and it narrowed my options considerably. I had to contact lots of Medical Schools to see if they would accept those 3. I still ended up with 2 offers but I struggled with the Biochemistry as Physical Science didn't have much organic chemistry in it.

Also making my place. My ds's only B to spoil his run of A/A*s was his Biology. His CA was moderated down by 3 marks, and he missed his A by 2 so he wanted a remark of the CA. But it sounds as if that isn't possible then? He's not wanting to do the A level. Just being fussy.

Kez100 · 25/08/2014 17:30

Was the mark wrong or was it the grade boundaries that caught the school out?

I know my sons triple science friends were upset with the grade boundaries on their internal work (and it affected all the triple scientists). So, a remark would possibly make no difference?

LeBearPolar · 25/08/2014 17:20

titchy is right: you can't ask for just your DD's CA to be re-marked, the whole cohort would have to be done. Other students may or may not be happy for this to happen...

outtolunchagain · 25/08/2014 17:17

I would appeal to the school and ask them to make an exception, but I would also concur that it is a common misconception that biology is required for medicine .

fuckweasel · 25/08/2014 17:16

The teacher would not have known the controlled assessment grade when it was done, these boundaries are released only after GCSE results. She would, however, had an idea that it probably was not A or A* standard given previous years boundaries. Alternatively, the whole cohort's marks for controlled assessment could have been down graded after controlled assessments were externally moderated (meaning the marking was not rigorous).

As for Biology not being required for medicine, actually it is not a requirement for all courses. Chemistry definitely required, Biology sometimes required, sometime preferred but not always a must.

I would appeal the school's decision on the basis that your daughter is clearly able given her other results and performance in Biology exam papers. I have allowed students to carry on to A level on a case by case basis who do not necessarily have the grades usually required.

titchy · 25/08/2014 17:14

Chemistry is the required science rather than biology. I don't think science ISAs can be remarked as they are internally marked and only the whole cohort can be redone, not imdividual ones.

She can either continue where she is without biology - it shouldn't matter for medicine if she has chem and one other science.

Or she can appeal on the basis that her exams were A or A star, and a better indicator of a level performance- I don't think practical skills are assessed at a level.

Or she could go elsewhere.

LeBearPolar · 25/08/2014 17:14

NHS careers says this, for example:

Undergraduate courses

The majority of medical schools require A levels in chemistry, whilst others will accept AS level in chemistry, depending upon the other qualifications being offered. Some require biology at A' level.

forago · 25/08/2014 17:13

Surely someone who got A* and A in their biology exams - i.e the bit that tests knowledge and facts under a presurised and controlled situation is fit to do biology A level!!

I feel sure there should be a way round this. Either the school will have to allow her onto the A level course or you can try and get the courseowrk up to a C. I'd apply to have everything re-marked - can't hurt can it?

LeBearPolar · 25/08/2014 17:13

A quick google would suggest that some medical degrees require Biology, some don't. It seems more common for Chemistry to be a pre-requisite, in fact - so perhaps a bit of research might help set your DD's mind at rest.

alwaysdoinglaundry · 25/08/2014 17:10

Oops 10-20 people who didn't have it, it wasn't purely a female thing!

alwaysdoinglaundry · 25/08/2014 17:10

Not all medical schools do require biology. I'm a GP, there were 10-20 girls in my year who didn't have it. It would be ideal to do it, but all is not lost. Maybe check out the requirements of the med schools so you know how much your choice is restricted if she can't take it?