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Original poster

Was there any point in picking options?

55 replies

reddA · 20/06/2017 12:03

Sorry, I'm probably over reacting but DS is in year 8 and we chose options from 3 different blocks of subjects earlier in the year.

He chose Geography, Graphic Design and Triple Science. He has received his subjects for September and has been given History instead of Triple Science. The Deputy head has told me that Science now clashes with Graphic Design as they have changed the option blocks.

I asked if he could do Science instead of Graphic Design as it was much more important to him - he's currently amongst the top in the top set and it is his best subject. I was told the class was full so no.

Not sure what to do now, we are happy to change any of the subjects if he could do triple science so it's not like we're being completely obstinant! It's not really a GSCE he could do outside of School either as far as I'm aware - unless anyone knows if he could?

It's annoying that he was never going to get his 3 options anyway as 2 were in the same block without us knowing so would have clashed regardless.

Sorry for the ramble, just a bit pissed off Angry

OP posts:
TheHobbitMum · 20/06/2017 12:42

I would be appalled too! Triple Science absolutely must come first! If there is the demand they need to have more lesson blocks, I would be furious. I'd meet with the headteacher and find out exactly what is going on

TeenAndTween · 20/06/2017 12:39

If he is towards top of top set then it is appalling that he isn't being allowed to do triple science.
Maybe contact Head of Science and ask for him/her to intervene?

AndHoldTheBun · 20/06/2017 12:37

In similar circumstances, we kicked up a massive fuss with the school (very politely I might add). Asked around to see which other kids where being denied their choice of core subject (very much needed for uni application) due to the class being full. Various parents met with HT to express concern.

The school u-turned pretty fast, and ran two classes that year (as they previously had done most years for that subject).

Original poster
reddA · 20/06/2017 12:13

I have no idea, they keep changing things! When DS1 was doing them he did GCSE's over 3 years starting in year 9 and sitting some in year 10 and some in year 11 IIRC, that confused me but this is different again, seems to be GCSE's over 3 years but all exams in Yr 11 - wish they'd just leave it alone! Confused

OP posts:
PaperdollCartoon · 20/06/2017 12:07

You're right to be pissed off. Science will stand him in better stead than graphic design. The blocks are complicated business but history and science aren't transferable! But why are you doing options for Year 9? GCSEs don't start till Year 10?