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School's bad GCSE results - how to address?

52 replies

matchingmoll · 05/09/2024 10:38

Hello, I have a child going into Y11 - she's doing quite an unusual subject at GCSE and according to data published by the school, this year's 9-4 pass rate for this subject was calamitously low. Like, so low I would assume the teacher - who I have concerns about anyway - has failed to teach them part of the curriculum, or there's been an admin failure, something like that. It's a 50 percent fall in the pass rate, it's that bad. There's another couple of subjects that have similar issues. I need to ask about this, no? What's the best way to address it with the school and make sure that they are doing the right things / sorting whatever issues there are?

OP posts:
EduCated · 05/09/2024 11:55

Agree, what do those numbers represent? Are we talking four students, of which two totally tapped out and disengaged, or are we talking 40 and 20 students failed despite working hard?

To some extent, focus on your DD - there’s no reason to think she won’t be part of the 50% who pass, so focus on finding out how she can best succeed - what board/syllabus is it, make sure you both know it, ask about best revision sources etc.

elkiedee · 05/09/2024 11:24

How many students were there taking this GCSE last year and previous years, and is it similar this year? How many students does that 50% drop actually represent?

Would it be possible to look at past exam papers and the syllabus with your DD to see what she feels they have covered, or not, and at examiners' reports? Perhaps as preparation to meet with school.