Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

When do schools usually decide whether a student should do foundation or higher tier GCSE maths?

36 replies

Phial · 12/07/2021 15:49

Just posting to find out what is most usual.
DS1 going into Y10, predicted a 5, so I am just wondering when this decision is usually made, so we can work out our best approach.
I think he is capable of more than a 5, might need some tutoring and I am trying to work out when this would most benefit him.
Thanks.

OP posts:
Iloveitall · 12/07/2021 18:48

What is a 5 equal to in old money? A C?

olivo · 12/07/2021 18:46

Sorry, I missed predicted grade, not current. We don't do predicted GCSE grades in year 9. I would want to see plenty of evidence of ability at grade 6+ to enter for higher but there is plenty of time.

olivo · 12/07/2021 18:42

At the end of year 10, we would normally have an idea, but after year 11 mocks, decisions then entries are made. A solid grade 5 in my subject at the end of year 9 would probably make me think higher by year 11 but it is dependent on so many things.

actiongirl1978 · 12/07/2021 18:35

I'm an exams officer. This year I had tier changes until end of april.

UserAtLarge · 12/07/2021 18:34

On what basis is the 5 predicted? If it's a computer algorithm based on SATS, then ignore it. If it's based on something more like "if he continues to work at current level of progress", you can give it more weight.

DC's school doesn't make higher/foundation decisions until January of Year 11. But realistically a DC would need to be in at least a middling set at the start of Year 10 (at DC's school that is probably at least 6 out of 9 sets) to have any chance of being entered for higher.

I also think you need to consider if it's really important for your DC to get more than a 5. There is a lot to be said for "banking" a 5 on the foundation paper and devoting more time to other subjects that might need more work than busting a gut just to raise it to a 6. If he is interested in a future career in STEM, for example, then clearly getting more than a 5 in maths will be more important.

Bobbybobbins · 12/07/2021 18:11

Definitely worth speaking to the school about this - personally I would say 5 estimate would typically be higher tier so I would ask the school their process for making the decision and what do they base it on (possibly mock papers etc?)

examina · 12/07/2021 17:40

Early March in year 11 - which was particularly awful for those pupils told to downgrade to a foundation level in 2020 just before the exams were cancelled...
Btw just going in y10 very early to be taking any predictions seriously. Most boys come a lot during y10 and y11 as they mature a bit later than girls, which is not always appreciated when assessing the individual child.

Original poster
Phial · 12/07/2021 17:31

Thanks all. I was slightly worried I had already left it too late but I really hope not.
I was more wondering about the expectations of sets as if the set is too low, he won't learn the stuff he needs for higher.
I'll look at tutoring and maybe ask his teacher in the early part of Y10.

OP posts:
BarefootHippieChick · 12/07/2021 16:40

In my kids school those in the top 3 sets in year 11 sit higher maths, sets 4-6 sit foundation.

rosesandsalvias · 12/07/2021 16:29

Entries decided March time, although can be changed right up until the morning of the exam (costs school more to do this)

lanthanum · 12/07/2021 16:22

Most schools would make the final decision for each individual after year 11 mocks, but there will be a default assumption for each set, and setting may well be reviewed at various points.

I would look for the tutoring sooner rather than later. Firstly, that means the improvement will be seen sooner, and so he may move up a set. Also, getting it underway before the pressure really piles on means you can perhaps ease off later on.