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Original poster

Options when English GCSE unobtainable

33 replies

WatermelonPink · 19/05/2023 19:34

DS (Y10) has been took off English GCSE because he’s not coping and is finding it too challenging. He’s feeling very depressed about his future as English GCSE is a pre-requisite for pretty much everything.

I’m not sure exactly what he’s doing instead but school said it was still a qualification just a lower level than GCSE. DS doesn’t want to do it because he thinks it’s pointless as it’s not a GCSE

Just wondering if anyone has experience on what options and progression routes are available for kids who don’t get their English GCSE?

OP posts:
OutDamnedSpot · 19/05/2023 21:19

Is he definitely being taken off English? Not taken off something else to spend more time on English? It would be very unusual for a school to decide to pull a child out of English: it’s unlikely to be in the best interests of the child, or the school’s results.

BunnySneezes · 19/05/2023 20:54

Has he definitely been taken off English Language, not literature?

If so, functional skills is a very decent alternative and often more accessible.

clary · 19/05/2023 20:51

That's assuming it is FS 2 that is being offered. Or it might be level 1, then progress to L 2 in year 11?

clary · 19/05/2023 20:49

Op my DS1 really struggled with English and got E-E in Yr 11 then retook at college and got E again. Luckily he had also taken,and passed Functional Skills L2 which is an equivalent level (tho not breadth) to a C grade (old money) GCSE.

He has had no issue with interviews and jobs on that basis. Not A levels or uni but these would not suit him anyway.

Wish he could have been offered FS level 2 at school as @CatsOnTheChair says. I agree, snap their hands off.

Bobbybobbins · 19/05/2023 20:30

Level 2 functional skills can be accepted in place of gcse English for some eg college courses. I am surprised that his school has taken him off English language as it is so fundamental.

Rummikub · 19/05/2023 20:04

Is English lit being continued? This can be considered in lieu of English language.

If it’s functional skills level 2 then this can be accepted instead of grade 4 English.

What does he want to do?

CatsOnTheChair · 19/05/2023 19:58

If it's functional skills he's been offered, it meets the requirements of an equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE, and I'd snap their hand off for it to be taken age 16, rather than failing a GCSE and having to retake it with whatever he does 16-18.

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