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Original poster

DS wants to drop A levels - but what next?

15 replies

WM73 · 30/06/2019 18:15

Our DS says he hates studying and no longer wants to continue with his second year of A levels. He could do well but 'can't be bothered to study'. I want to support him but really don't know whether to try and encourage him to persevere or not. I think his school would be happy to see him drop out. He has no ambitions or motivation and really doesn't know what to do next. Any one got any suggestions please???

OP posts:
mouldyhousemouldylife · 30/06/2019 18:20

Btec? Apprenticeship?

marshmallowkittycat · 30/06/2019 18:25

Is it a case of can't be bothered or is he struggling a bit and won't admit it? A Levels don't work for everyone. Does he want to go to Uni?

However, I'd be asking him to stick with them until he at least has an idea of what he's going to do instead.

Apprenticeship, vocational course or working for a bit.

BlueberryFool123 · 30/06/2019 18:27

I’d say he has to have a plan (and you will support him investigating, but won’t do it for him). If he doesn’t have a plan then he can’t drop out.

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Tiggles · 30/06/2019 18:28

My Ds is bright but really not academic. He'd not manage a levels although has some good solid gcse results (13 a to c)
But is flying doing a chef apprenticeship in a Michelin star restaurant. Looking at completing it several months early and then doing one at the next level. He had a passion for cooking not for writing although there is a lot of the writing too.

Kez200 · 30/06/2019 18:38

Look at BTECs. They are study with generally a vocational side and suit some children. Both of my children did really well with BTEC, as did I.

Apprenticeships are also possible but they can be competitive so he will probably find securing one difficult without a passion, so to say. Not saying he shouldnt look into them, they are great, but they arent a "failing" option. He will need to come across as mature and committed. Not easy for anyone if they arent!

Original poster
WM73 · 30/06/2019 18:50

It's a combination of can't be bothered and consequently struggling. I think you are right though, he needs to come up with a plan. Thanks

OP posts:
frippit · 30/06/2019 18:55

This was my son. I would say get him to have a good think about what he enjoys doing. Look at apprenticeships, btechs, etc. He is probably feeling stressed about not knowing what his next steps should be.
He will only be 17 so still has all his life ahead of him. Hopefully this little wobble will give him the push he needs to start seriously thinking about what he wants do.
We found that you really need to do your research on apprenticeships and it might be that the good ones are filled for this year. So start researching.
My son eventually chose a practical course at an agricultural college and is now a qualified tree surgeon. He turned down an excellent engineering apprenticeship which at the time I was gutted about. But now I can see that he made the right decision as he hates being indoors and this was at an oil refinery.

lljkk · 30/06/2019 19:05

I imagine applying pressure to him to come up with plan B & C. His life, his choices to make, but he has to choose & try some choices out, not just drift.

TooOldForAllThatShit · 30/06/2019 19:58

DS1 has just ditched his Maths, Physics and Chemistry A Levels for a BTEC in Art and Design. His aspirations have changed from becoming an Astrophysicist to opening his own tattoo parlour so he can draw on people all day.

We've 'discussed' it until we're blue in the face but what can you do. It's his life Gin.

velourvoyageur · 30/06/2019 20:16

I just finished my postgrad this term when I really, really couldn't be arsed over the last year. I also hated GCSEs and A levels with an absolute passion, would come home and cry! They're still useful though and it's absolutely possible to push through without feeling inspired - is he afraid he'll fail if he doesn't have that internal motivation? I would ask him if he thinks that everyone doing degrees and A levels are doing them because they love every second of it. A lot of people are doing them because they realise a certificate saying you're smart is a testimony employers will trust more than anything you can tell them about yourself. Some people are brilliant at convincing others to give them a chance but that's a rare talent, and most of us have to go through the regular channels to get nice jobs which pay for hols as well as rent. Sorry to say it but imho disengagement with studies is never a good reason to sack it in - he should just bank some good grades for insurance.

Roy75 · 01/07/2019 16:26

Giving up is not the best thing to do !! He should understand that pain is necessary, a lesson which is meant to turn him into something phenomenal.. Dreams,Success and Goals are not easily obtained but the only way is to get into the fire and not be afraid to get burnt..He just have to make a strategic plan in order for him to continue with his A levels.. I'm sure he is not getting much hugging, so you should now give him that 'HUGGING' and make him feel that he can do this.
Tell him to make good choices great things happen and to stay 'POSITIVE'
Unless he has big plans, which makes him Innovative or Creative then l guess he can embark on whatever goals he wants to achieve with his Innovation.

LoafofSellotape · 01/07/2019 16:28

I’d say he has to have a plan (and you will support him investigating, but won’t do it for him). If he doesn’t have a plan then he can’t drop out

Most definitely!

Chamomileteaplease · 01/07/2019 17:42

IMO A levels are bloody hard and if you aren't motivated, just awful. I don't blame him for wanting to leave.

I echo the others saying look at apprenticeships and BTECs. If he looks at what is available and what the alternatives are it will either give him a good idea and plan or make him realise that he should stay put.

probstimeforanewname · 01/07/2019 17:48

I agree with previous posters - by all means research the alternatives and see if anything floats his boat but otherwise it's only another year or less of his life and A levels will open a few more doors than GCSEs do. There's no need to rush off to uni afterwards if he feels he's on a bit of a treadmill.

user1486131602 · 01/07/2019 17:56

Mine was the same! I told him he could leave school once he had a job! I then took him to the local job centre and told him to find one. After that I had the lady in said JC to explain what the zero hour contract meant and what effect it would have on earning power etc. Once he found out he’d be earning about £2.50 on a zero week, and he didn’t fancy working in McD either, back to school work it was, just finished A levels with A* and B grades....off to uni this sept for another 2 years!
So much for I can’t be bothered to study!

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