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

Failed Maths GCSE - Appeal or not?

34 replies

mirjon66 · 14/08/2021 11:27

Hi

My daughter failed her maths GCSE by 3 marks, she was very upset as her teacher said she could get a 4. My eldest daughter did her AS Level in Sociology this year and was put down for Special Circumstances by the Head of 6th Form but my other daughter wasn’t given Special Circumstances even though they both went through the same experience(s). Should she have been given the same?

Should we appeal it as it was so close (her friend failed by 1 mark).

Thanks in advance for any replies.

OP posts:
boomwhacker · 14/08/2021 12:16

Covid didn't count as for special consideration as everyone taking exams this year was in the same boat. I'm amazed at this "3 marks away" thing as schools were able to make judgements based on a range of assessments. If she got a 3 not a 4 then that should have been a holistic opinion of where she was- not just the mark from one paper. The school should have shared with you a document saying which assessments were to be used for creating the teacher grades and you should have had the chance to say that the assessments, for example, happened when your child was absent/struggling. Did you receive that document?

Moonlaserbearwolf · 14/08/2021 12:09

I would definitely ask the school for advice and appeal if possible.
Does the fail mean your daughter won’t be able to do what she wants to do next year? What are her plans?

Blubell46 · 14/08/2021 12:04

@mirjon66 morning could you email the teacher and ask for advice ?

Tbh she may need to sit the exam in Autumn term. All special circumstances needed to be raised before submission and I think you are too late.

If she sat exams like my son we were provided with marks for each subject and signed by the marker and the counter marker.

They may have provided information in her envelope if you wish to appeal and what grounds yiu can appeal.

Good luck

Phineyj · 14/08/2021 12:03

I think you should appeal.

Original poster
mirjon66 · 14/08/2021 12:02

Thanks for the replies.

I didn’t know you had to ask for Special Circumstances. My eldest was put down for it by the head of 6th form apparently.

Her teacher told her she failed by three marks after she got her results.

I’m not a mind reader who knows how they worked out the grades. Granted if she sat the actual GCSE and failed by 3 marks that is different than her teacher working out what she should get based on numerous tests, mock etc.

How do I know if they have made a mistake unless she appeals?

Thanks for the replies. For those with the harsh comments my girls had to deal with a father who said ‘go f*ck yourself’, among numerous other swear words and put downs, plus we were homeless for a few weeks, she would definitely have got those 3 marks if not for that and Covid as well.

Will leave DD to decide what she wants to do.

OP posts:
Seeline · 14/08/2021 11:40

Weren't grades assessed by teachers this year using a range of tests, coursework etc? How did she have a final 'mark'?

2021V2 · 14/08/2021 11:37

You are not understanding the pass mark here pass mark is say 50/100 you child gets 49 she has failed. Else you appeal and she passes the next person with 48 says what about me I was only 1 mark off her and the girl above me for 49 and has now passed …… etc

2021V2 · 14/08/2021 11:35

You can’t apply special circumstances after the event.

4 marks, 1 mark below or whatever it doesn’t matter. Saying your DC could get a level 4 doesn’t mean she should or would get one! She was under - I doubt very very much you will get anywhere with an appeal. Get a tutor resit in the exams in the autumn term.

PeonyTime · 14/08/2021 11:32

Did you apply for special circumstances?
Do you think school followed their procedure. afaik, there is no remarking to be done this year. How are you hoping to gain 3 marks?