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Original poster

Am I right to be angry ??

154 replies

Sometimesoon · 13/07/2019 12:58

My 14 year old chose his GCSE options earlier in the year , because he is in the higher pathway he has to follow the Ebac system , so he gets to choose 2 subject of his choice ( he chose Music and Graphics) . We heard last week he didn’t get Graphics . This is a child who predicted to get 7/8 , has shown consistently good marks in the subject , has a genuine interest in design , has done his work shadowing in the design sector and achieved a good attitude to learning grade from his teachers . This counts for NOTHING . He had been given art instead and we have been told basically, suck it up . His friends who are predicted a 4/5 have got Graphics ( but in a lower pathway ) we have been told everyone's choice goes in the computer and 95% of the pupils will get all their choices. This seems so bloody unfair . He works hard ,achieves good results and now had his career path screwed. Meeting the deputy head ( after chasing for a week) on Monday. Anyone else had this ? Anyone know what the legal requirements are as far as the school is concerned , Class numbers etc ? . Just want to get my ducks lined up before the meeting . Thank you .

OP posts:
RedSkyLastNight · 13/07/2019 14:31

Which art gcse is it? The one that DD is taking, you can choose to specialise in graphic communication.

newstart1337 · 13/07/2019 14:22

Schools do not and should not allocate subjects by ability. A child who is predicted a 4 has just as much right to a place on a graphics course as a child who is predicted an 8.

Its just the reality that schools cannot timetable students all their choices, they do their best and 95% is pretty good. His career path is NOT screwed and he this will in no way hinder his chances of doing 'graphics' post GCSE.

By all means speak to the school but you will probably just have to accept this.

catndogslife · 13/07/2019 14:21

Is this Graphic Design or Graphics communications GCSE?
My dd took A level Graphic communication and they prefer you not to have taken the GCSE but to have done Art. The entry requirement for this A level is a grade 6+ at her former sixth form in any Art or DT GCSE subject. Art is seen as the best preparation as it covers all the different skills needed. So personally it may be a bit over dramatic to say this has ruined his future career prospects as most schools don't even offer this subject at GCSE.
It may be possible to take Art GCSE and specialise in a more Graphics type area for his portfolio.
Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.
Art and design may be seen as more appropriate to dcs on a higher pathway who are creative types.
At this stage (GCSE options) you need to make choices that keep dcs future choices as wide as possible and for that reason Art may be a better option.

happygardening · 13/07/2019 13:55

I understand you're understandably upset but is "his career path screwed"?
My DH works extensively and very successfully in the design sector he has neither an art or graphic design qualification and I doubt many if any he works with have a GCSE in graphic design. He would say being able to draw/sketch well (and use a computer now a days) is a very useful skill. In fact he frequently complain about many of the designers (many of whom are pretty famous names) inability too draw.

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