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Original poster

DD Y12 Progress report... not great

54 replies

passwordaboutyou · 13/03/2025 11:59

I've just had DD's Y12 progress report through and it's not great - she's basically scraping through at D/E grades (this is A levels). In people's experience can this drastically improve? Her attitude to learning (according to the report) is 1/2 (so good) and she seems to be working a lot and is doing the extra curricular activities suggested .

I know it's still early days but she's always been keen to go to uni but I don't think she would get in anywhere half decent if her grades don't improve.

Has anyone else had this and their DC turned it around?

TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 13/03/2025 20:02

Tickledtrout · 13/03/2025 19:32

It's all going to hang on how good the school is at teaching those A level subjects. Youngest DD had similar GCSE grades ( including 5 in maths). And left with AAB including Psychology and Business ( both with significant stats elements). The key thing for her was that she left school for an excellent state sixth form college where teachers were confident in teaching and assessment. She felt confident too.
Tutoring will help too, if you can afford it. Or look at unlearn. The sooner you start, the better.

Also what is Unlearn?

OP posts:
Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 13/03/2025 20:09

Uplearn! Looks great but doesn't cover her subjects

OP posts:
user2848502016 · 13/03/2025 20:15

TheAmusedQuail · 13/03/2025 15:47

A 5 for maths is exceptionally low for A Level acceptance. Without knowing her at all (which is better really, because it shows no bias) I'd say she will struggle to pass an A Level with an entry grade of GCSE 5.

Do you think the dyslexia could have an element of dyscalculia or ADHD in addition?

Edited

No it's not if she's not doing maths or science- a lot of very clever people are terrible at maths!

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General education
user2848502016 · 13/03/2025 20:21

I think you should talk to the school and see where she needs to improve and whether they think she definitely can improve. There's still a lot of time to get her grades up.
Realistically she's probably not looking at getting straight As and going to a top university but if she can improve to 3Cs or a BCC she can get on some decent university courses with that if that's what she wants to do

ScabbyHorse · 13/03/2025 21:33

She can apply to do foundation degrees with lower grades

Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 07:54

ScabbyHorse · 13/03/2025 21:33

She can apply to do foundation degrees with lower grades

Thank you, I’ll look into that.

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 14/03/2025 08:01

TheAmusedQuail · 13/03/2025 15:47

A 5 for maths is exceptionally low for A Level acceptance. Without knowing her at all (which is better really, because it shows no bias) I'd say she will struggle to pass an A Level with an entry grade of GCSE 5.

Do you think the dyslexia could have an element of dyscalculia or ADHD in addition?

Edited

That's not 100% correct and depend a lot on the subject.

DD had a 5 in maths and will be sitting A-Levels this year in Drama, history and sociology, predicted BBB, she has a place to study history from September.

@passwordaboutyou I would ask the teachers for feedback on her work. Is she aware where the work is lacking? I also agree with PP that she has to use her free/study time religiously.
DD's school has 15hr teacher time, they expect 15hr self-study in school and another 5-8 hrs at home per week. Home study time has to increase prior to mocks.

Does she have adjustments in place for dyslexia? If she struggles with organisation, I would try to get her to set up a routine/system how to tackle her day and the work she is given. DD has ASD/ADHD and routines work wonder for her.

Runnersandtoms · 14/03/2025 08:06

TheAmusedQuail · 13/03/2025 15:47

A 5 for maths is exceptionally low for A Level acceptance. Without knowing her at all (which is better really, because it shows no bias) I'd say she will struggle to pass an A Level with an entry grade of GCSE 5.

Do you think the dyslexia could have an element of dyscalculia or ADHD in addition?

Edited

No it's not. Our grammar school (high achieving) requires 5 in maths and English, average of 6+ over your best 6 subjects and 6+ in any subject you want to do at A-level.

6namechange3 · 14/03/2025 08:09

Also A levels aren't for everyone, you have got some excellent advice on how to improve, but there is no harm in looking at alternatives. My son left sixth form after 3 months ( lack of motivation rather than ability in his case) He has a job he really likes for now but he also doesn't have low A level grades so he can return to study via an access course with no fees at any age up to 24. Strangely when I am putting no pressure on him he getting quite interested in this, in very a different study area to what he originally picked for A level.

Munnygirl · 14/03/2025 08:12

TheAmusedQuail · 13/03/2025 18:55

My bad @passwordaboutyou I misread her subjects at A Level. Apologies.

I think 7 is entry level for A Level? So not that high.

Edited

Have you anything nice to say? You’re also wrong on with that comment

ValentinesGranny · 14/03/2025 08:17

HRTFT... DD's school wanted a 7 and preferably an 8 to study an A level in that subject, especially maths and sciences. There are plenty of universities that accept lower grades and have great outcomes, but you need to be realistic.
DD is predicted A/A* and above in Maths, physics and chemistry. She still used her five UCAS places strategically...One she viewed as aspirational, three that she is expected to meet their offer requirements and one security place.
I think there can be a snobbery about BTec and vocational courses verses A levels, but they aren't suitable for everyone. Our 2DSs did BTecs then gained apprenticeship places. Both are now earning well in careers they love. What does your DD want to do in terms of a career?

IndiaMaybe · 14/03/2025 08:18

OP, are the grades what she would get now, or what she is predicted to get at the time of sitting the exams? My son's school show where they are now, so if you're not sure, this is definitely something to take into account.

i have worked in sixth forms, and the jump from GCSE, especially in literature based subjects is big. Does your daughter know what she is finding hard?

I would my be panicking just yet. IME some students have a slow start and naturally find their groove, while other do find A levels very tough going.

Many school sixth forms have mentors. Might be worth asking if there is anyone who can give her a bit of extra support. When I had this role, I regularly helped with study planning, organisational guidance etc, and for those who were really motivated, it often did help.

It sounds like she got perfectly adequate GCSE results for the subjects she is taking. Most non-selective schools certainly don't require a 7 for A level progression, and her results sound solid enough for her to push her A level grades up.

good luck.

IndiaMaybe · 14/03/2025 08:19

*wouldn't

Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:19

6namechange3 · 14/03/2025 08:09

Also A levels aren't for everyone, you have got some excellent advice on how to improve, but there is no harm in looking at alternatives. My son left sixth form after 3 months ( lack of motivation rather than ability in his case) He has a job he really likes for now but he also doesn't have low A level grades so he can return to study via an access course with no fees at any age up to 24. Strangely when I am putting no pressure on him he getting quite interested in this, in very a different study area to what he originally picked for A level.

Thank you - I do sometimes think that working would be better for her. she's had some part time job in summer holidays and she has such a great work ethic and loved waitressing for meeting people and gave her so much confidence. Not saying it's what she wanted to do for the rest of her life (no shade at all on waitressing BTW) but it really suited her.

OP posts:
Munnygirl · 14/03/2025 08:20

ScabbyHorse · 13/03/2025 21:33

She can apply to do foundation degrees with lower grades

💯 this. Your daughter can tag in a foundation year to top up any grades should it be needed. My daughter was at a similar stage in year 12 though different subjects to yours. I remember that her progress report shocked her so much that she worked and worked and worked and is now sitting at an A, B and a B/C. It can be done but it does take monumental effort. I’m sure your daughter will get there.

RampantIvy · 14/03/2025 08:21

DD's school wanted a 7 and preferably an 8 to study an A level in that subject,

Wow, that is very selective.

DD took GCSEs in 2016 before they were reformed. The minimum requirement for 6th form was 5 passes at C or above including English and maths and Bs in subjects to be taken at A level. Most of the students who just scraped by on Cs took untried subjects like psychology, and they struggled in all subjects.

Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:25

I've had an email from one of her teachers this morning - for P&E her grade was low because she was taken out of class for her dyslexia assessment (she gets these every couple of years) when a test was happening so they couldn't grade her properly and she can't resit it - which seems ridiculous. She got a B on her other test. They don't seem worried at this stage.

For those asking about extra work - they get 5 hours per subject extra homework and she does do extra too. She does come home during her study periods but this was something the school had suggested because she finds it hard to concentrate in large study groups and she does seem to be producing the work.

I actually feel more confused about her marks TBH

OP posts:
Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:27

Also thank you for ALL the advice on here - it's really helpful.

OP posts:
loubielou31 · 14/03/2025 08:28

This could almost be my daughter, dyslexia and struggling with the essay parts of her subjects. DD is also very black and white so the ambiguous nature of RS (philosophy and ethics, I think maybe the same A level) is not a comfortable fit, this will take some work but actually will be good for her.
Definitely ask for some extra support about good essay structure and techniques for the exam's. My DD is going to have to step up her game with regards to out of class consolidation but the teachers have been great at sharing resources.
DD has a good idea of what she wants to do next and the work she will need to do to get the required UCAS points but I have looked at alternatives.
There are foundation degrees, usually two years and then you could leave uni with a qualification or do a one year conversion to a Bsc. (So three years total) These seem to be more vocational.

Lots of places also offer a foundation year, so a year to get you up to standard before you start on the normal undergraduate course. This is an extra year of fees and loans, it will cost more over all.
There are options to explore. Good luck

Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:33

loubielou31 · 14/03/2025 08:28

This could almost be my daughter, dyslexia and struggling with the essay parts of her subjects. DD is also very black and white so the ambiguous nature of RS (philosophy and ethics, I think maybe the same A level) is not a comfortable fit, this will take some work but actually will be good for her.
Definitely ask for some extra support about good essay structure and techniques for the exam's. My DD is going to have to step up her game with regards to out of class consolidation but the teachers have been great at sharing resources.
DD has a good idea of what she wants to do next and the work she will need to do to get the required UCAS points but I have looked at alternatives.
There are foundation degrees, usually two years and then you could leave uni with a qualification or do a one year conversion to a Bsc. (So three years total) These seem to be more vocational.

Lots of places also offer a foundation year, so a year to get you up to standard before you start on the normal undergraduate course. This is an extra year of fees and loans, it will cost more over all.
There are options to explore. Good luck

Thank you - it's hard isn't it - sounds like some good alternatives out there which I am now going to investigate.

Out of interest was your daughter reassessed for dyslexia in 6th form?

OP posts:
Happyinarcon · 14/03/2025 08:34

I don’t know if it’s possible where you are, but we put my daughter in online schooling. The lessons were through zoom so she was able to watch it live and then watch again later if she needed. It’s amazing how much time and energy kids have when they get to focus on learning in the peace and quiet of their own homes. No hassle of uniforms, no drama with other kids, no morning travel etc.

loubielou31 · 14/03/2025 08:39

passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:33

Thank you - it's hard isn't it - sounds like some good alternatives out there which I am now going to investigate.

Out of interest was your daughter reassessed for dyslexia in 6th form?

Show quote history

Until now we were going off the indicative test done by the school (at my request) when she was in year 8. But we have just paid for a private assessment with a proper diagnosis that can be used to apply for disabled student allowance, if she goes to university or further study.
I was told years ago that they often want a post 16 report even if the dyslexia diagnosis has been in place for years so we waited until now to pay. (Trying to get a formal diagnosis through school was never going to happen)

ScabbyHorse · 14/03/2025 08:40

@passwordaboutyouA levels can be a difficult time for loads of reasons. Universities want students to attend so usually have lots of options for getting them there. I’ve had a very tough time with my DS, he was predicted AAB but got much, much lower than that due to many issues. He’s accepted a foundation degree place now and is looking forward to starting in September. it’s been a rocky ride ! The main thing for me was getting him mental health support and letting him chose his own way while being there emotionally and offering advice. They are trying to find their own way and it’s so so hard to watch sometimes!

Original poster
passwordaboutyou · 14/03/2025 08:49

loubielou31 · 14/03/2025 08:39

Until now we were going off the indicative test done by the school (at my request) when she was in year 8. But we have just paid for a private assessment with a proper diagnosis that can be used to apply for disabled student allowance, if she goes to university or further study.
I was told years ago that they often want a post 16 report even if the dyslexia diagnosis has been in place for years so we waited until now to pay. (Trying to get a formal diagnosis through school was never going to happen)

Show quote history

That's tough - we were lucky and got her official assessment via her primary school. We were told by her secondary they only have funding for 4 children for the whole year (of 240 girls) for dyslexia. She has been reassessed twice now - I'd never heard of it before so I wasn't sure if it was just a school thing.

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