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Original poster

Implications if DS doesn't sit one of his GCSEs

22 replies

gcsemum · 15/05/2016 20:02

DS is struggling with one of his subjects. He sits staring blankly at past papers. He seems to lack any exam technique - doesn't understand the question, can't finish on time ( on the rare occasion he puts pen to paper).

If he didn't sit the exam what would be the implication? What would appear on the certificate?

Thanks.

OP posts:
Balletgirlmum · 15/05/2016 20:03

It would be a U (unclassified) grade.

BossWitch · 15/05/2016 20:08

It would be a u but unless it's English or maths the further implications are zero. Just ignore that one when writing your cv! I do this with my d grade in art - 9 gcses a-b looks much better than 10 gcses a to d!

Original poster
gcsemum · 15/05/2016 20:20

Thanks. I thought it would be a U but just wanted to check.

I'm wondering if a U is better than an E? It'd also mean he could concentrate on other subjects.

A lot of the problems seem to have been poor teaching which I'll take up with the school but at the moment just want to do what's best for DS.

He'll have another 11 GCSEs (crazy) so I'm hoping one U won't make a difference.

OP posts:
Balletgirlmum · 15/05/2016 20:22

11 is crazy.

UnlikelyRunner · 15/05/2016 20:31

He won't get a U if he is absent for all of the assessment. He would get an X or # on the statement of results and it would be left off the certificate. However if he has done any coursework for this subject, he has a partial result and will therefore get a U (presuming the coursework is not enough on its own to get a G or above overall. You can work this out from the syllabus document.).

You may well get a bill from school to reimburse them for the exam entry fee if he doesn't attend and doesn't provide a medical note to cover his absence.

Speak to the examinations officer at his school, they have access to all the information.

Original poster
gcsemum · 15/05/2016 20:48

Thank you unlikely runner. He has done coursework so will get a U. What do you think is best (least bad!) E or U?

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 15/05/2016 20:57

Why not phone the school, explain the situation and ask for him to be withdrawn from the exam. Say you will pay the exam fee.

It would be better for your DS, better for the teacher and better for the school if he is withdrawn than doesn't turn up. Then he won't get anything.

UnlikelyRunner · 15/05/2016 21:07

Agree with noblegiraffe. Withdraw him if you can. U means not good enough to pass. (Pass grades for GCSE go down to G). It will look peculiar if the rest of his grades are ok and then he has an odd one out. Better to withdraw if you can.

samlovesdilys · 15/05/2016 21:10

Please talk to the school, as a teacher I would hate to think one of my pupils felt like that, the poor thing - they should be able to look at the bigger picture if the other 11 GCSEs are predicted ok ...and honestly I would rather have a parent withdraw the student than have a U... I have a feeling UCAS applications legally require all results...even U's...though

TeenAndTween · 15/05/2016 21:30

I would also ask to withdraw and pay any exam fees. Better all round.

Original poster
gcsemum · 15/05/2016 22:05

Thanks everyone. He's predicted A*/A/B for everything else. If it was him being lazy I'd make him sit it. However, the teaching appears to have been seriously lacking. Other parents have employed tutors to fill the gaps. The school must take some responsibility - although I doubt they will.

OP posts:
EvilTwins · 15/05/2016 22:28

What subject is it?

lljkk · 16/05/2016 11:14

DS will get a U in RE. It really isn't going to mean anything for any path he is motivated for (does not involve Oxbridge-law-medicine-vet school).

seven201 · 16/05/2016 11:31

Definitely best to get him withdrawn than get a U grade. Sometimes for jobs you have to hand in exam certificates etc so it will show up. A U is definitely worse than an E.

mummymeister · 16/05/2016 16:08

better to formally withdraw than to get a U. it will stand out like a sore thumb on his results and he will be constantly asked about it. if he wants any of the top unis then they only want to see a/a* at gcse. this is particularly true of the year 11 cohort because they wont have AS levels to base uni offers on.

IDontBelieveAnything · 16/05/2016 18:14

If the rest of his results are OK including his A'levels and degree then I don't believe anyone would care about a single 'U' or 'E' grade.

As mentioned previously it would only matter for a VERY few course.

eatyourveg · 17/05/2016 13:01

A U won't appear on the final certificate (at least they didn't in the past) but an E will. If you can't withdraw and all the other grades are likely to be very very good, I personally think a U is better.

mummymeister · 17/05/2016 15:20

eatyourveg a U will appear on the final cert.

up until this year GCSE's mattered less. however as of 2017 with no AS levels (or not consistently in all subjects) unis will only be able to base their grade requirements on GCSE results, personal statement and teachers support.

so a couple of years ago I would have agreed that it didn't matter but not now.

titchy · 17/05/2016 15:47

mummymeister Universities will do what they have always done and look at A level predictions.

JinRamen · 17/05/2016 15:56

Can you retake GCSEs?

eatyourveg · 17/05/2016 15:59

mummymeister ds1 got a U in an AS a few years back and there is no evidence that he ever took it as it doesn't appear anywhere on his certificates, likewise my U for O level latin in the 80s so it must be a new change

cricketballs · 18/05/2016 17:23

eatyourveg; it will appear to the results that UCAS have access to therefore potential universities; a withdrawal is the preferred option if the school will allow it

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