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Original poster

Year 'out' to retake GCSEs?

60 replies

Echobelly · 21/10/2024 17:55

DS is in Y9 and as the expectations ramp up it's clear his ADHD, even though he is bright, is making it hard for him to keep up and GCSEs could be a massive hurdle. He catches up a little more with peers each year but he's also August born and I fear that he just won't be ready to get strong enough GCSE results when he's still 15 to make it to A-level. But given a bit more time to catch up and retake some of them (without the pressure of all 9 subjects) he could be able to do better and be ready for A-levels.

I gather it is possible to take a 'year out' this way and there are costs attached, which we could bear - I'd be interested if anyone has experience of doing this. Like, where do they do the retakes private insitutions, public? Is it always in-person teaching or can it be done online? And so on.

Obviously there are many variables as to whether this would be the right solution for him, it might not even come to this, but I'm trying to get as clear an idea as possible what the options are.

OP posts:
Original poster
Echobelly · 22/10/2024 11:02

Calliopespa · 22/10/2024 10:32

Yeah what is up with gcse English ?

Show quote history

It was the one worry for oldest DC at GCSE - the school had everyone's March mocks independently remarked and DC was downgraded to a 4. Turns out that was BS, as they got a 7 in the end.

But it's so weirdly specific and not actually indicative of writing or comprehension ability considering it can affect student's ability to take essay subjects at A-level.

OTOH the specific-ness might be better for DS than a more open-ended approach to English, but only if he can get his head around what they are asking for, which I honestly found very hard to fathom.

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cestlavielife · 22/10/2024 11:00

One step at a time.
Focus on creative or practical.

Don't think straight path gcse a leve uni

Think practical gcses . Review. Maybe btecs. Maybe uni later on practical apprenticeship. Maybe not.

He needs five gcses not 9 or 10.
Don't cram him. Let him lead his path.
His well being and good mental health is uppermost.

TeenToTwenties · 22/10/2024 10:57

Working with animals - I have some input on that.
If you want to be a vet then you will need top notch A levels and years at uni.
Then there are jobs at various levels down to minimum wage.

There are animal care qualifications you can jump into at whatever level suits and work up.
My DD started at level 1 as no gcses, and is now on a level 2 course (gcse equivalent).
But someone else could do a T-level and then eg go on to do vet nursing at uni. (Or do level 2 for a year then T level for 2 years)

You certainly don't need to be ruling out A levels, but I think you would be wise to talk up other options so they can be taken without feeling like a failure.

IAmNotSureAtAllReally · 22/10/2024 10:55

It would be worth asking in the home ed forum rather than secondary ed. It's really not unusual to do a three year ks4 in home ed and the sixth form colleges I've spoken are completely happy for people to enter a year later than usual.

Singleandproud · 22/10/2024 10:42

I find working backwards helps, order the print prospectus for the local colleges and a couple of universities. Obviously that might not be his destiny but he can look at the options and entry requirements and have a goal in mind.
If he wants to work with animals and be outdoorsy it might be useful to get prospectuses for rural colleges too many of which are residential for example Easton college in Norfolk focuses on agricultural / equine / floristry / animal care courses at FE and HE.

Calliopespa · 22/10/2024 10:32

Echobelly · 21/10/2024 18:23

Thanks for input. I think a year out is not an option if he just struggles really badly and isn't getting anywhere near 4+ in anything (though I don't think that will happen); in that case I would rethink options for further study/work.

If he shows improvement in his ability to study and does OK in some subjects but not quite well enough to progress to A-level (we wouldn't be looking at super high grade requiring 6th forms) then I think this could be a good option that gives him time to be ready. I'm aware he'd have to retake Maths and English regardless if he doesn't make the grade - I think he'll be able to manage a 4 or maybe even a 5 in maths, but English language will be a challenge, especially as I think the Eng Lang exam as it is is ridiculous and hard to get your head around (I am a English graduate myself).

I wouldn't be worried about age difference - he'd literally be 17 at the start of Y12 and 18 when he takes his A-levels, so he wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.

He has a diagnosis on inattentive ADHD since age 9, but no ECHP. It didn't seem like he needed one but maybe we need to look into that now. He takes equasym but we're going to talk to consultant at catch up next month as to whether this needs altering as he's really running out of steam at the end of the school day and he is quite a bit bigger than when he started on it.

@PinkFrogss - I'd be happy for him to take fewer GCSEs, but not sure if they allow that at their school. His sibling sat GCSEs this year and it was 21 papers, which I felt was a huge ask and put oldest under a lot of strain even though they are very able and motivated. I'm happy, and DH is moving round to accepting, non GCSE courses at 16 as well.

Edited

Yeah what is up with gcse English ?

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 22/10/2024 10:30

ADHD/dyslexic DD in Y11. DH and I both very academic, so I understand a lot of what you are saying.

First of all, kids with ADHD seem to be a couple of years behind peers in many ways. DD's exec function has always been way behind chronological age. Definitely check the dosage on the Equasym, we've just increased dose and it's making a difference. You can also get 10mg instant top ups for the evening if they are flagging.

DD has very high CAT scores, but the combination of SEN and very specific interests means academic achievement has always been a bit of a challenge.

For GCSE, we dropped languages, did one early and she's also doing a BTEC in Creative Media Production in place of one GCSE. That way there is a much more manageable exam load.

She's now on track for a fairly decent set of results. We have prioritised Maths, English and Music.

As long as they get 5 good GCSEs including English and Maths, that is all you actually need to go on to university.

Would agree A levels may not be the right path after GCSE, have a look at L3 extended BTECs - they are equivalent of 3 A levels and many universities will take those instead. It's a different path not a lesser path.

Original poster
Echobelly · 22/10/2024 10:21

Oh yeah, as I said, I don't want the messaging to be 'You'll be fine because you have a lot to fall back on'.

I was reading something about motivating teens with ADHD and it suggested using their interests. I think his current interest in working with animals might be a good one to work with and I might be inclined to say 'Yes, you can work with animals but you'll need to work towards qualifications if you want to do the kinds of jobs you can make a living off'. I'm not asking any of my kids to have to make megabucks, but I think for anything working with animals that might allow you to move out of your parents' you'll need some academic type qualifications.

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Thommasina · 22/10/2024 10:12

I'm sure he'll be fine. There are plenty of options out there. He sounds very young. I'd honestly be more concerned that you don't know where his strengths are. Also, having the fallback of being 'privileged' is not OK. Encourage him as if you aren't privileged and that he will need to earn some money one day - that doesn't mean a top lawyers salary of course, but might keep your mind on real life options.

Seeline · 22/10/2024 10:10

I would say that whatever the route, your DS has to feel that it's what he wants and he has had a (significant) part in the decision making process.
As a parent I know that you want what's best for your DCs, but if you put too much pressure on them to go a certain way, that they're not fully on-board with, it can go horribly wrong.

Original poster
Echobelly · 22/10/2024 09:46

I would say I'm not panicked about it in myself - at the end of the day, we're pretty privileged and I'm sure outcomes for DS will be fine whatever he is capable of academically. But I want to find a balance between 'It'll all be fine' (my tendency) and 'You will totally mess up your life if you can't take A-levels' (DH's tendency)

I'm not insisting on A-levels but it also feels too soon to rule them out either. DS recently turned 13 but honestly at the moment still much more like a 10 year old than a teen, but he could make a bit of a cognitive leap in the next year or so and become more able to deal with everything - or he might not. He doesn't have any obvious vocational leaning, I would certainly go with it if there were. It's not clear at this stage whether vocational learning would 'hook' him any better than academic. He is interested in working with animals and his cousin has recently started an animal care course at a well reputed college (which doesn't require academics, although cousin did do A levels) and that might be something to aim for.

It's just such a shame GCSEs are so exam led and so fixed - if he could do a subject that involved an assessed project on something that piqued his interest, like Japan, I think he could do a good job of it and it would help him in other areas too, but I can't see there's anything that gives that kind of leeway.

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Original poster
Echobelly · 22/10/2024 09:03

Thanks for all of this, it's really helpful and a lot to think about.

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TeenToTwenties · 22/10/2024 08:41

Non A level options:

apprenticeships

vocational courses (eg business, computer science, animal care, various trades, hospitality, event management, outdoor pursuits, public services, health and social care ....).

Do well enough on vocational courses you can progress to uni too (for related courses or those not requiring A levels).

Thommasina · 22/10/2024 08:32

AgainandagainandagainSS · 22/10/2024 08:28

’Wanting’ to go to university does not mean you should go. Most young people ‘want’ to go because of the student experience rather than the studying. If he is not academic enough to take this pathway then it will be long, painful and expensive. Plenty of other options out there.

Oh yes? What are these myriad of options?

OP, my dd has slow processing speed. She did in fact repeat a year of A levels and ended up scraping into a non RG university. Had an amazing time and now has a fantastic job.

AgainandagainandagainSS · 22/10/2024 08:28

’Wanting’ to go to university does not mean you should go. Most young people ‘want’ to go because of the student experience rather than the studying. If he is not academic enough to take this pathway then it will be long, painful and expensive. Plenty of other options out there.

Singleandproud · 22/10/2024 08:04

Does DS even wat to do A levels? Even if the entry requirements are low A levels are hard and take a level of independent work - if he is struggling with GCSEs you are setting him up to fail.

Let him do GCSEs with the rest of his cohort and then let him choose a more appropriate path afterwards, that might be level 2 courses, it might be a BTEC with more coursework rather than an A level where he is required to regurgitate what he learnt over 2 years which is difficult. It could be a hands on apprenticeship.

TeenToTwenties · 22/10/2024 08:00

Summary so far:
. Look to see if you can repeat current year and if it would help
. Go (just as parents?) to some 6th form open evenings both A levels and more vocational to see the options and progression opportunities
. Pick GCSE options strategically, thinking about BTEC options too
. Keep in background possibility of officially dropping or unofficially abandoning a subject or 2 part way through gcses (better to start full set as you don't know where the struggles will be)
. Help your dc be organised and help with revision so you all learn what works for him
. Don't Panic!

GrumpyMuleFan · 22/10/2024 07:51

My DS is very similar. He is very dyslexic and was in a specialist school until y9. He consistently had time off school during y7/y8 for medical treatment. He was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) at end of y9. He is now in y11 and doing GCSE this year. We have faced lots of similar issues and concerns.

He is bright, ambitious and works extremely hard and wants to go onto sixth form and university. Working memory/volume to learn and passing English are his biggest challenges with GCSE. I often wish he could have another year, just to let it all sink in.

His school have been very helpful and he is doing seven GCSE. He has also worked solidly through the summer and now, over half term. Maths is a relative strength and through trial and error we found a marvellous tutor who is really supporting him.

If your son is August born, and it's an option, I would hold him back and repeat y8 now. I know of several families who have done that. All of the GCSE work builds on earlier understanding and if that is shaky, your problem starts right there.

Other things to do are learn how your child learns. Then max out on those things. A big part at GCSE is organising the information and being able to access it in an easy, consistent way. Work in note books, handouts, Google classrooms (presentations, prep submitted, prep marked), different websites - can all be a challenge to manage.

Totally agree that once you get to sixth form, a lot can change for DC with these profiles. My nephew was very similar and did BTECs and has just graduated from a RG uni with 2:1 accounting degree and now has a good training position.

Good luck OP. 😃

TeenToTwenties · 22/10/2024 07:26

BTECs at GCSE level could be a good suggestion. As pp said it would reduce final exam load. You/he would also gain understanding at how they work prior to 6th form.

sashh · 22/10/2024 06:05

Just to add to the options OP FE colleges can take students from age 14. I'm not saying it is an option for your DS just pointing out it is there.

Thommasina · 22/10/2024 04:48

I feel quite sorry for your ds. Your dhs attitude shines light on the original post. OP, you sound as though you are panicking.

Fewer GCSES, tutor, a mix of A levels and BTECS could work well.

Which are your ds favourite lessons?

Does he do a lot of sport? PE A level can have 30% coursework I believe, also Geography has a coursework component depending on board.

I really wouldn't recommend using that extra year for gcses.

Octavia64 · 22/10/2024 04:25

When choosing gcse options many secondary schools use a "pathways" system now to try to match kids to courses that are right for them.

Many schools will offer the option to drop a gcse (usually a foreign language) to do additional maths and English (sometimes tagged as "booster" or "learning support"). These are usually aimed at students who came in with lower sats results.

Do you know if your school has such a system?

Many schools also offer BTECs alongside GCSEs as for some students it reduces the exam load and coursework means the effort is spread out among the two years.

Original poster
Echobelly · 21/10/2024 21:33

I think that lining up options is exactly what you do in order to manage something that may or may not happen 🙂

But I should find out if it is possible to do fewer subjects. The school offers BTECs, but only 2 or 3 I think.

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Hercisback1 · 21/10/2024 20:59

I'd let him go through GCSEs as "normal" with fewer subjects if possible.

Line up options for afterwards, not preempting something that may not be a problem.

Original poster
Echobelly · 21/10/2024 20:55

TeenToTwenties · 21/10/2024 19:16

You can go to university with T-levels/BTECs.

you need to be aware that if he takes a year out post GCSEs he will lose his ability to 'restart' 6th form. This means that if he resits some GCSEs to be allowed to take A levels, but then starts A levels and can't cope, he'd only have 1 year left in 6th form which isn't enough to get T-levels.

Oh, I didn't know that, no, a year out wouldn't do any good for A levels in that case! This is exactly why I'm asking about this stuff now and not in two years' time. It's also because of DH's stress about it. He was privately educated, super high expectations from his parents and has difficulty understanding that your life does not have to go down the toilet if you don't succeed academically. He agreed with me today that we need a Plan A and a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C) for post GCSEs because I think a lot of what scares him is he doesn't know what the options are. I worked in education/SEN publishing for long chunks of my career and maintain an interest in education so I'm more aware than he is of the alternatives out there. I also have worked the last few decade in real estate and facilities management, where I have met plenty of people with great careers who were not academic.

@Jessie1259 - I'm definitely thinking tutors for maths and English through Y10 and 11. DH is excellent at maths but is someone who it's totally natural to so just does not have the patience with DS to tutor him as he doesn't grasp it easily. DS is not actually bad at maths - he can find it hard to remember what technique he's supposed to use, but once he does he is OK and it's a closed-answer subject, which he finds easier than open ended things like English.

@Foxesandsquirrels - that's interesting to know. May be one option if he is still lagging a lot next year, but agree another school would be better.

It's just such a hard call to make when making these choices so relatively early in his life! Like I said, I want to line up some options so we can do the best for him when the time comes, whether that's retakes, taking A-levels, or doing something totally different post 16.

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