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Original poster

What are the implications of only doing 6GCSEs

64 replies

hopelessholly1 · 16/12/2024 08:14

did not grow up in the UK... hence the question.

DC has SN. Insanely bright but currently out of school. ASD, depression, anxiety...

we are waiting for the EHCP to come through and a few local specialist settings for academically able DC have been suggested but DC can do max 6 GCSEs there. they want to do a-levels and then go to uni (study science or maths). Are there any downsides to not having 8 or 9 a levels? I genuinely have no clue.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 16/12/2024 08:32

You can do A level sciences from double science.
Some more selective school 6th forms may be ruled out (though theybprobably wouldn't be suitable anyway perhaps). Our local v good A level colleges only need 5 GCSEs.

Better 6 than attempting 9 getting overwhelmed and dropping out.

RampantIvy · 16/12/2024 08:32

As a PP has pointed out triple science goes into greater depth than double science and if your DC is in A level classes with students who have taken triple science the teacher may assume prior knowledge for all of them, so there may be a bit of catching up to do.

As an aside universities aren't interested in D of E and don't take it into account when making offers.

AspirationalTallskinnylatte · 16/12/2024 08:31

Double science is fine for the A level.

Frowningprovidence · 16/12/2024 08:30

Look at the entry requirements for the next step. So, for instance, my sons sixth form asked for 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths, then subject specific ones of a 7 in maths, 6 in science etc.. but there is no requirement for 8 or 9 subjects.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 16/12/2024 08:30

Double science is fine for Alevel.

Grassgarden · 16/12/2024 08:28

6 is fine just so long as they get the grades they need to do A level. For maths and sciences this is usually a 7

TickingAlongNicely · 16/12/2024 08:27

He might need to do some extra self study between GCSEs and Alevel to just cover the extra topics for science A levels. However its a common scenario as not all schools do Separate Sciences.

Original poster
hopelessholly1 · 16/12/2024 08:24

they would be doing Math, English ,double science (DC wants do physics and potentially biology at a level. Is double science a show stopper here). There is no MFL.... and PE, RE and duke of Edinburgh.

OP posts:
elliejjtiny · 16/12/2024 08:23

6 is fine as long as your dc is doing subjects he/she is likely to pass. Doing 6 gcse's at the end of year 11 and then doing some more at college the next year is also an option.

socks1107 · 16/12/2024 08:23

My daughter has 4. Is in her first year at uni and thriving! She hated GCSEs and struggled to pass what's essentially a memory test. It hasn't held her back at all and first two uni assignments were grades with top marks

timetodecide2345 · 16/12/2024 08:20

My daughter ended up with 6 due to illness and it hasn't made any difference. What would have made a difference is not doing English or maths and passing.

Talipesmum · 16/12/2024 08:20

It would probably depend on what the six were. She would need eng lang and maths for future qualifications - these are the ones that are often cited as a minimum- and then the two or three science GCSE’s needed for a level science. Could she stay in the same setting for a levels? Can they advise?

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 16/12/2024 08:19

It is what 6 / what grades, that makes the difference. English, Maths, separate Science, Humanity.... English and Maths is what gets the college place and at the correct entry level for A Levels, then depending on what A Levels whether he has the corresponding GCSEs to match the A Level choices.

NantesElephant · 16/12/2024 08:17

I think 6 is ok - our local further education college requires 4 to get onto a lot of the post GCSE courses.

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