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Original poster

Dropping a GCSE, non core subject?

32 replies

Goldenbear · 31/01/2023 13:47

As thread title states, my DS is really struggling to produce the work needed for music GCSE. He has a medieval composition to complete for coursework which is proving problematic as we don't own the £2000 software and he's only a couple of hours a week after school to use it to finish the piece. He feels that the work involved is 3 x that of other subjects and it is taking away from his efforts and revision for other subjects. For example, he is in top group for all core subjects and has been put in for the triple science GCSE but after a couple of mocks before Christmas (more to come after half term) he dropped to a 4 for Chemistry and the teacher has said it isn't good enough and unless he improves this 4 in February mocks he will be moved down and won't be able to sit the triple science. He feels that music and his lack of progress with the subject is demanding a disproportionate amount of his time and he can't afford to devote half term to the composition (music teacher suggested we download the free trial of software but we only have chrome books, could probably by a laptop but it seems excessive considering). He wants to quit it as that would still leave him with 9 GCSES, does anyone know if this is possible at this stage? After the science teacher's dressing down, he was actually called out of the classroom to be told off about that and she said he wasn't working hard enough, he is getting visibly stressed. He never ever gets this upset and is very laid back but I am worried about him. He really dislikes school at the moment and he used to like going, he can't wait for 6th form college.

I would imagine the school will say no but has anyone successfully done this, any advice would be much welcome.

OP posts:
redskydelight · 31/01/2023 15:44

My DC wanted to do this, but they weren't allowed - the school cited not wanting to set a precedent and also not having anyone to supervise him as the issues.

If it's just the composition, can't he just spend every spare minute for a short time getting it done to a handable in standard? Come in early, stay after school; lunch times (if they are long enough)? Could he get permission to use tutor time?

minisnowballs · 31/01/2023 15:31

I think it's a really stressful time for music GCSE - DD1 is also in music composition hell- compounded in her case by the fact they didn't have a music teacher for a year during Covid. She has grade 5 theory and is about grade 6/7 and it's still tough.

But I think it is a pinch point and once this composition is out of the way it will all feel better (it's just front loaded because of the coursework element). Hers has to be done in school - we don't have any software.

No advice really - she'd gladly drop it at the moment but I suspect it will be less stressful once all the composition and performance bits are done - and then it's out of the way largely. Good luck1

ChicCroissant · 31/01/2023 14:25

IIRC, the school wanted ability around Grade 2/3 on an instrument for GCSE so not expecting Grade 5 theory or anything like that, and that's mainly because you have the option of higher marks in the performance element for higher grade pieces. Her solo piece is probably around a Grade 4, not sure about the ensemble piece. DD has done some music theory before but had not tried any composition and it's 30% of the course (performance is another 30% as well) so it is a new element for a lot of people, I think. She's certainly not Grade 7, I can't believe they wouldn't let you take music with that!

I know we have recently been looking round sixth forms and colleges, and that the pressure is really on for the Y11s just now. The teachers keep reminding them of how close the exams are, and they have extra lessons, both after school and in the upcoming half term. I'd have folded under that kind of pressure myself tbh. I would speak to the school (either the music teacher and/or the head of year) to say that he's finding it hard to fit it all in, I don't think telling him to work harder is very helpful of the Science teacher! My own DD is pretty monosyllabic at the moment, I'm keeping a careful eye on her.

Original poster
Goldenbear · 31/01/2023 14:08

Yes, to general stress he is not a boy that cries at all and his teachers say he is so laid back he is horizontal but he looked weepy this morning.

OP posts:
Original poster
Goldenbear · 31/01/2023 14:06

ChicCroissant, thanks for that insight, it is useful to get a comparative perspective, is your DD quite a competent musician? I am unsure if DS has bitten off more than he can chew with Music. When I was at school and studying GCSES (mid 90s) I wasn't allowed to take music as I was only at Grade 7 for the Cello. DS was probably grade 4 at the start in Guitar, he needs the teacher's help with the software so that's another issue.

Skiphopbump, I'm hoping if I spoke to the school they will feel the same but I suppose it sets a precedent so likely to say, 'no'.

OP posts:
Skiphopbump · 31/01/2023 13:59

Dropping music seems very reasonable in the situation you describe.

ChicCroissant · 31/01/2023 13:58

My DD is taking GCSE music and doing the same coursework - we don't own the software either, if she needs extra time she uses it one lunchtime a week. DD certainly doesn't find that it's taking up as much time for her as your son does OP, it is a very stressful time for them with the exams fast approaching - do you think it could be general stress rather than that specific subject that he's worried about?

My DD is still working on the same piece, not that it's much consolation! I doubt you'll be able to drop the subject, but if he feels it is taking up too much time I'd speak to the teacher and encourage him to focus on the subjects he feels more strongly about (like the Science, if he likes that).

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