Advice on DD dropping GCSE?

Whilst she needs some relief from studying, it's very normal for DC in exam years to cut back on their extra-curricular commitments - so I would think that would be the first option rather than dropping a subject that she is likely to do well in and (presumably) enjoys.
What does she want to do post GCSE? (doe sshe want to continue with art or move into a creative career, for example)?

So many issues here.

That’s total nonsense about her getting 6-7 in all her subjects except art unless she drops art when she will be miraculously guaranteed 8-9 in all her other subjects. Don’t be so silly.

Do the pair of you honestly think her two options if she continues with art are to stay up until 3 or 4 in the morning and neglect all her other subjects or to attend the art classes and sit there not doing anything? Sensible compromise, hmm?

She could resign from being head girl, or she could reduce her obligations as a member of various clubs.

The school may not want her to give up the art gcse because if she’s likely to get a good grade, they’ll want that for the league tables. But if she’s doing enough other subjects to meet the minimum requirements, they can’t stop her.

However, I think the two of you are using this as an excuse for her underperformance in her other subjects. There’s a lot more going wrong than one gcse subject here. She’s struggling and dropping art isn’t going to fix it.

What’s really going on?

If she’s predicted an 8/9 then the school is unlikely to let her drop it simply because she’s stressing. The advice would most likely be to start rowing back on other commitments.

She is not managing her time effectively. It really doesn’t need that amount of work! My DD did Art and Photography at A level - now those required work. She needs to be more methodical, plan what she needs to do and maybe spend weekends doing a bit? My DD didn’t do Art mocks. They just kept working! There’s lots of time until the work really counts. Why drop something she’s good at?

Surely art is coursework as well as exam...even if she just submitted the coursework she’d get some result? It seems a shame not to follow through on what’s she’s already achieved?

The school will probably have already paid to enter her, will have nowhere else for her to go, and art is a subject that is usually done by Xmas.

Stick it out for now. Speak to the school by all means but be prepared to hear a big fat NO. How is it fair on staff that have busted themselves for a year teaching a course and then your child drops it. She can cut back on art by all means and encourage her to put her effort into all her subjects.

I think you and your Dd need to talk to the HoY and the teachers involved. Most schools try to work with students to ensure a balance between subjects. Art might be pressurising now because they know the core subjects will weigh in after Christmas. It is too early for your Dd to start dismissing subjects.