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Original poster

Advice please new GCSE result to A level

30 replies

onionsndsage · 09/02/2021 06:19

My son received the GCSE grades given out last summer. He got a 5 in Biology. He then started A levels in September one of them being Biology. After several weeks he was told there had been a mistake and he could no longer study A level Biology because he needed a 6. I knew it was a requirement at his school but thought they must of been more lenient this year due to Covid. I argued his case and he was allowed to 'resit' the exam whilst continuing the A level. The result is due this Thursday, we are terrified in case he hasn't got a 6. He's doing well in his A levels, Biology is his weakest subject but he was predicted a D based on very early observations and that has now gone up to a C. It's hard to see how they come to this after a relatively short time into the 2 year course. So what I'm asking is, is it reasonable to ask them to allow him to continue the A level if he doesn't get the desired GCSE grade? We are all living in unusual times and I'd like to think the school would take this into account. To be predicted at them moment a C at A level (whilst schooling from home) must count for something? I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst case scenario. Communication to the school isn't as easy as pre Covid. Advice please.

OP posts:
AppleKatie · 09/02/2021 07:38

You need to cite their duty of care towards him. To kick him off now when he is passing is detrimental to his future.

I speak as an A level teacher btw. Currently teaching several years 12 ‘non qualifiers’. They wouldn’t be in my class if it wasn’t for the pandemic but the school I work for decided it was unreasonable to stop supporting ‘our’ year 11s in the middle of a pandemic. I have to say I agree, it’s the kindest approach.

clary · 09/02/2021 07:22

Yes I agree with PPs, they can't stop him doing it now bc of something that happened before he started the course.

If he was doing really badly all round then that's a matter for discussion, but if he is working at a C then that's certainly fine and worth doing. It's not one of those MN schools where everyone gets A/A* is it? not real IMO

I would ask the school what they propose and argue strongly that he has proved he deserves to stay.

Friend of ds2's got 5 in one of his A level subjects (2019 so took the exam) and after some discussion on results day was allowed to take it. He's now predicted a C or maybe a D, yes it's his weakest subject but still grade worth having.

PracticingPerson · 09/02/2021 06:59

I would challenge this very hard and put the n a formal complaint as making this change now will seriously disadvantage your child.

Is he doing four or three subjects?

Have you escalated to the head? I would request they do not remove him from the course immediately but ask for urgent zoom meeting with the head.

I once saw an education solicitor, I got 15 mins free consultation and paid £200 for a letter that resolved my problem.

If they'd prevented him doing the course I would say tough, if you'd lied I'd say tough - if they let him on and now want to kick him off- not ok at all.

Plus the way it was done is dreadful.

Original poster
onionsndsage · 09/02/2021 06:54

Thanks for your reply. I think school have been so busy with everything going on it just passed them by. There has been no communication from the school as to what they expect him to do if he doesn't achieve a 6 other than that he won't be allowed to continue the course. Initially his Biology teacher point blank told him at the end of his lesson he had to leave the course, i really had to fight for them to allow him to sit the exam. It's all unprecedented.

OP posts:
AppleKatie · 09/02/2021 06:42

This is the schools fault not his. They shouldn’t have allowed him to start a subject they didn’t want him to complete. Now he is working at a C level that gives you even more ammunition. Of course he will need to continue to work hard (consider revision guides, extra work etc...) but I would fight the school if they thought he should drop now 6 months in. What would they propose he do instead at this point?

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