GCSEs 2018 (14): the aftermath

The extra maths qualification DS2 is doing is the Level 2 Further Maths from AQA. I think it's a "GCSE equivalent" rather than an actual GCSE. It still uses letter grades, but will change to 9-1 grades from 2020. Paper 2 on Thursday, then he is done.

DD1 did the FSMQ (at her state comprehensive, interestingly enough!).

She knows that the grade boundaries will probably be low and that she doesn't need to worry about it. But it's still put a bit of a downer on things. She loves maths and has really enjoyed the extra challenge that the Add Maths course provided. It's the first time she's really been able to get her teeth into some actual tricky maths in a school environment. So she's a bit gutted to have struggled so much with the actual paper, having enjoyed the course so much right up to the end.

Even at the grammar school only the top maths set sit it.

mmzz DS3's school used to offer a FM level 2 qualification which DS1 took. It is/was aimed at top set maths to extend their maths knowledge. It's at a GCSE level. They don't offer it anymore, teachers have found the new GCSE hard enough to cover the whole syllabus.

Some schools offer additional maths which is a level 3 qualification FSMQ (free standing maths qualification.) Mostly private schools and grammar schools IME. They still sit it at the grammar school I work at.

I would not be too concerned about the Additional Maths today ...IMO The exam may have been set on the basis that the GCSE's Maths papers are (or supposed to) harder and more in depth now since the change to 9-1...so OCR have not quite got the exam geared to the right level...so boundaries will be lower. I think a few of these exams this year are "testing boundary" papers unfortunately.

Totally agree Ellen. It’s a new area for me but was really pleased to discover there are a couple of levels at least between 16+ and the full degree level so we ll do some research over the summer and see how he develops over the next year before seeing which way to go.

He s also planning to get a job of some sort over the summer which is probably a good idea even if it’s stacking shelves

Sounds like they’re lucky to have the teacher they do have then.

Definitely in that case, Oratory. My DS2 (18) has just finished a computing BTEC at college and TBH, they have had very variable teachers as well. If your DS can get on an apprenticeship, that would be probably be the best training. Even after A levels, don't ignore level 3 apprenticeships along with the level 4 or degree level ones. Just getting a foot in the door means it might be worth doing a lower level apprenticeship than you are qualified for.

Thanks Ellen that’s not very encouraging but better to be prepared and aware of the issues. I know you really only need maths and not not cs to persue a computing career but on the other hand DS doesn’t plan on heading for a top uni course (probably apprenticeship) and it’s a subject he enjoys the most and really wants to do so he might as well try and do the a levels he most wants to do.

Oratory1 - Totally agree with Ellen - if you read any of the teacher forums there are massive issues with CS (I thought it maybe just at GCSE level)...less schools/colleges offering the subject going forward despite high demand/interest ...the resources some schools have seem ill equipped...sad really because I thought this was an area where the government were targeting growth.

Provision for Computer Science A-level is also an issue in our area. DS2 isn't affected as it's not one of the subjects he wants to do, but several of his friends are.

The sixth form attached to DS2's school is planning to run it as a timetabled A-level, but the other nearby schools (the ones with more accessible entry requirements) will only be able to offer it as an after-school class run jointly between three schools.

Blimey Jufus and Alexander your descriptions of your local schools puts our local adequate one in perspective.

Oratory DS1 moved schools for sixth form, partially to make sure he could do CS. His old school lost their CS teacher in May of Y11 and dropped the A level, so DS1 started doing CS at his new sixth form. They had also lost their CS teacher in May, but had managed to appoint someone. This last minute appointee turned out to be useless (DS and his mates actually complained) and left in October of DS's Y12. They couldn't find a replacement until April of Y12, so DS and his classmates taught themselves. He took the AS level at the end of Y12, got an A (!) but decided to drop it and concentrate on his other 3 A levels.

Recruiting and retaining CS teachers is a very difficult job. Most computing types can earn more money actually programming rather than teaching. And teaching is definitely not an easy option.

DS1 is just finishing his 2nd year at uni, doing maths and wants to be a programmer eventually. You don't need a CS qualification to get a job in the industry. You don't need CS A level to do a degree in CS.

However, DS3 will be doing CS A level, at yet another different sixth form. I hope he has more luck.

Jufus your Dd has done so well & has been totally let down. I hope 6th form is a fresh start.

Our local school is in a similar situation. Last year only 35 children applied for year 7. They closed the 6th form a few years ago when not one child opted to stay on.

Then they got told they weren’t allowed to take any more NQT’s, the Academy Trust were told they were not allowed to open any more schools & finally a few weeks ago parents were told the LA was taking control back.

We sent Ds to a private school to avoid that school (where he had an awful time but a good education) until we moved him last year to a school in a neighbouring area with the middle school system.

Luckily Dd was able to avoid going there.

Hmm its difficult chicken - DS said if he knew now they weren't doing it he would think about other schools as its the subject he most wants to do but if it disappears in sept I'm not sure what he'd do. Hoping if its that late they will find a way round it.

This summer is the last opportunity to sit ICT GCSE but some exam boards are bringing in Level 2 equivalent ICT qualifications, so perhaps the teacher was talking about that?

Ellen - She sat IT early, exam was April. Exam board was OCR

Third - I don’t know!! My DS spoke to teacher as DD wasn’t home either.

Oddsocks what does she mean by resit?

Oratory I have the same fear about German. There are only two students taking it for A level, one of whom is DD1. They are both very able and keen, and the Head of Sixth Form has promised they will run it as long as neither of them drops out! But Languages are in a very fragile state throughout the school and I live in fear that their very lovely and inspiring German teacher will decide to jump ship. If we get to December and the course is still running I will begin to breathe easy.

DD1's preferred fall-back would be Chemistry, but it's now in the same option block as one of her dead cert subjects. So she might have to contemplate Biology if German doesn't run. Which will not please her one tiny bit.

Oddsocks how can she resit her GCSE next week?

Teen we're in Northants but close to MK. Gotta drive through the forest near our village to get to DD's first choice sixth form. X

Got home from work today to be told that DD’s IT teacher has called and offered DD the opportunity to resit her IT exam next week!!

Is it just coincidental that DD had her 6th form induction today and DD has chosen IT as A level subject? Or has DD fluffed her IT exam...

Very wise sticker - I remember being advised once to look round schools your not interested in as it all helps build a picture !

A bit worried about CS at DS school as in what if they don’t have enough uptake (3 or 4 possible takers at the moment) or if the one teacher they’ve relied on leaves. I think I need to have the conversation - if they don’t run CS would you change subject or consider moving schools. I don’t necessarily think it will happen but doesn’t hurt to think about it. Same thing re considering trying starting a 4th subject in case your physics isn’t up to scratch and you need to switch. I think I ll let him finish on Thursday and have a few days sleep before I broach that one though 😀😀😀

I don't think mmzz's DS does add maths. I think he's finished.