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Original poster

RE remark - missed 9 by 1 mark

130 replies

Darbs76 · 23/08/2019 08:13

Ds2 did his RE exam one year early, as did the whole school. He was predicted an 8, got a 9 in mock (based on the previous year marking) and got an 8 yesterday. I was absolutely delighted but my heart sunk as I knew he wouldn’t be happy with that. Why does he put so much pressure on himself? His Dad and I have never put pressure on him, he did so much revision, the PS4 was redundant for weeks and he couldn’t have tried harder.

So we have asked school about a review and they agreed as 1 mark off. What is the likelihood? He is aware it could go down, but he would need to drop by around 20 Marks by the looks of it for that to happen.

We are trying to speak to him already about expectations for next year, how all 9’s is unrealistic and ultimately in about 10yrs time no-one will even care what grades he got, certainly no-one would question if he had 8’s or 9’s. That said I’d love him to get a few 9’s.

Just venting really as I really hate this new numbering - a B for example is now a 6 which doesn’t sound anywhere near as good. Why the 9? As if A star wasn’t high enough without a strong A star being introduced. It really piles on the pressure for kids like mine.

Thanks for listening

OP posts:
Ligresa · 28/08/2019 13:23

It’s insane that a pupil who’s one mark off a 9 is slated for having unrealistic expectations for wanting a review

No-one is slating him!

Ligresa · 28/08/2019 13:22

I see the 9 as a First, 8&7 as 2:1 and 2:2 I think there is more correlation between 7&8

Well that's just your unrealistic view of what they mean. I don't think of GCSES in anyway comparable to degree classifications.

Blueandredandblue · 28/08/2019 13:05

My eldest got a 9 for GCSE maths. He got close to full marks and wants his paper back so he can go over the two, yes - two, marks that he lost. Some children are just that way inclined. My ds is, sees the world as a series of equations to be applied and solved. It's my job as a parent to support him in what makes him tick.

howwudufeel · 28/08/2019 11:50

As a PP has said, 9s wouldn’t exist if there were a useful way of letting universities and employers know that the candidate has excelled in the subject. It’s insane that a pupil who’s one mark off a 9 is slated for having unrealistic expectations for wanting a review.

Ineverwinthelottery · 28/08/2019 11:23

I see the 9 as a First, 8&7 as 2:1 and 2:2 I think there is more correlation between 7&8

Ineverwinthelottery · 28/08/2019 11:19

But looking at last years A grade boundaries they are very similar to this years grade 9s therefore for Oxbridge where A GCSEs do count surely the applicant with 9s will take precedence over an applicant with 8s if it came down to looking at the GCSEs .
I know they say the exams are supposedly now harder but the boundary for a 9 still sitting at where the A was so it should be achievable by those students able to attain A iyswim.

Ligresa · 28/08/2019 10:07

The only advantage i can see with 9s is that you have a good idea that they will cope well at A level. Being one mark off does the same job.

LimitIsUp · 28/08/2019 10:03

Why do they exist? It's a moot question to which is the answer is "for no good reason". Even Oxbridge aren't going to sniff at grade 8s in their selection process. Most commentators haven't worked out why this distinction is needed yet

ChangeItChild · 28/08/2019 09:32

It would be a shame to miss out on a 9 for just 1 mark, I'd definitely be getting a remark, just in case. Even though an 8 is amazing.

If they do find the extra mark, you get your £55 ,remark fee, refunded.

Hoghgyni · 28/08/2019 09:26

So that they can put in a 10 in a few years, in the same way as they invented the A* when too many grade As were being dished out like sweeties!

Ineverwinthelottery · 28/08/2019 09:21

If 8s don’t make any difference to a Uni application then why do 9s exist- just saying!

LimitIsUp · 28/08/2019 09:15

That is indeed rubbish re 8 v 9 making a difference for some university applications

LimitIsUp · 28/08/2019 09:12

We didn't go for a remark when 1 mark off. I think he needs to learn that this is good enough (better than good enough) and not quest for constant perfection. Perfectionism isn't great for mental health

Ligresa · 28/08/2019 09:10

8 versus 9 could make a different for some Uni applications

Rubbish.

Ligresa · 28/08/2019 09:09

But we can't constantly agree with what everyone does surely?

The OP IS putting pressure on her ds to achieve 9s. I can fully believe that it doesn't actually feel like that to her and she really does think she is helping him. Some people agree. Some people think that by giving money and encouraging a remark then she is subconsciously reinforcing the belief that an 8 isn't good enough.

Abracad · 28/08/2019 09:08

8 versus 9 could make a different for some Uni applications. Personally if the teacher thinks there is scope for the extra mark, I’d do it.

howwudufeel · 28/08/2019 09:05

It’s the low level sniping that it ruining the place. iMatters post is an excellent example of that.

Ligresa · 28/08/2019 06:55

I think imatter has a point. Saying she's 'ruining mumsnet' IS ridiculous.

MonChatEstMagnifique · 27/08/2019 22:10

OP, you sound like you've got the balance of being supportive but not putting pressure on your son just right. Of course you should get a remark if he's one mark off a 9. No, it won't matter long term but if he has achieved enough marks to get a 9, then he deserves to be awarded that 9.

Some children have high standards and expectations of themselves, it doesn't always come from parents or the school. Just keep doing what you're doing, reassuring him that his best is good enough but it sounds like he's a clever boy who wants to push himself and there's nothing wrong with that if he's coping.

howwudufeel · 27/08/2019 21:59

I’m not being ridiculous. People like you ruin mumsnet.

iMatter · 27/08/2019 21:55

Don't be so ridiculous

howwudufeel · 27/08/2019 21:52

iMatter Yes you are. You think you can parent the OP’s DS better than she can.

iMatter · 27/08/2019 21:27

I'm hardly "ripping her to pieces" @howwudufeel 🙄

So many children put so much pressure on themselves to achieve top grades in every subject when those grades are only achieved by a tiny minority with the new GCSEs.

I would hate to think anyone's child thought they were a failure for getting less than 9s.

howwudufeel · 27/08/2019 21:04

imatter The OP has said several times she has spoken to her DS about expectations. She sounds completely sensible but carry on ripping her to pieces if it makes you feel better.

iMatter · 27/08/2019 19:49

Is he hoping for all 9s next year?

You really need to work on managing his expectations.

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