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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

New Year 12 starters parent support thread (snappy title eh?)

999 replies

OhYouBadBadKitten · 31/08/2016 19:19

here we are.

OP posts:
FantasyAndHope · 10/10/2016 20:45

need
Teacher is old school. She's doing English lit so there's some cross over In terms of context for poems and texts in English but structuring essays there's no cross over unfortunately

catslife · 11/10/2016 19:40

It's dds 17th birthday tomorrow and presents are wrapped and card written. When I went shopping for cards, realised that there are 16th birthday and 18th birthday cards but none with 17 on!
Unfortunately the provisional licence hasn't arrived yet as they wouldn't accept passport photo as it's too old! BTW the NI number is also needed for provisional licence!
That doesn't sound great fantasy. Has your dd tried asking the teacher for a copy of the mark-scheme?

MsMermaid · 11/10/2016 22:20

catslife happy birthday to your dd.

We realise the ni number is needed for the provisional licence, but we have a driving school near here that has a large private site with road layout on, so they will give lessons to 14-17 year olds without their provisional licence yet. We've booked a few lessons with them which will get dd started until we can get her a licence. Her first lesson is booked for her birthday :) Passport application has been sent off today, hopefully that will arrive within a couple of weeks.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 12/10/2016 08:31

Happy Birthday to your dd catslife :)

OP posts:
FantasyAndHope · 12/10/2016 12:11

Happy Birthday to your DD cats
And she has looked at the mark scheme she kinda gets it but there's bits that a teacher could easily clear up for her, and he won't

mintthins · 12/10/2016 16:01

DD has just heard she has an interview next week for a volunteering role that will be invaluable for her very specific work experience needs. She's never had a job before, or really seen either her dad nor myself have to go through interviews, because our work roles just don't recruit that way. So, she just thinks she needs to rock up, and they will be have her. I think I have actual steam coming out of my ears. Blimmin heck she's great on the whole, but sometimes really is a teenager.

Icouldbeknitting · 12/10/2016 17:30

mintthins Can you ask school if they will give her a mock interview? I'm not going to suggest parental involvement because that probably won't go well...

When DS had to write a letter asking for a work experience place it was an eye opener. It is hard having to sell yourself but no-one is going to do it for you while you stand modestly on the sidelines. I really felt for him and offered to help but my input was not required other than providing the formal ending.

I am liking Y12, after last year I almost feel redundant. This time last year I was booking sixth form open evenings and comparing their prospectus and now all I'm doing is making sure he has change for the bus.

FantasyAndHope · 12/10/2016 17:39

DD is happy there's being lots of suspensions for 1 weeks going on at her school for drug abuse Shock all new pupils too. So it's caused an atmosphere in her year group
DD however has planned a nice weekend with her friends and having her first legal alcoholic drink

mintthins · 12/10/2016 17:48

I know that school do mock interviews later in the year, but that's a super idea about seeing if they can bring it forward. Thanks. There probably won't be time as the interview is next tues, but no harm in asking. Thank you!

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 12/10/2016 20:53

good that the school don't tolerate it Fantasy.

I'm liking Year 12 too. :) dd is getting so independent but in a nice way - checking in that things she wants to do are ok. She's blossoming in a way that's making me really proud.

Sorry if I keep being a bit smugtastic - it's not always been a smooth journey for her in school and she's had to keep some of her personality hidden in order to fit in.

OP posts:
FantasyAndHope · 12/10/2016 20:56

I prefer year12 and barring R.S DD is liking year 12 she says it's much better and sixth form just has a different feeling.
It's good they don't tolerate it yes OYBK its just shocking they think they can do it on school campus in the 6th form common room? Shock

EllenJanethickerknickers · 12/10/2016 21:36

Not good, Fantasy. Mind you, when I was in the sixth form we were allowed to smoke (cigarettes, not dope!) in the common room. Shock Sometimes it's hard to remember how much times have changed.

I can't imagine there ever being a time that schools turned a blind eye to illegal drugs, obviously.

HushisLush · 12/10/2016 22:20

Same here Ellen, how times change!

Name changed but regular...

I'm a bit agog though Fantasy. Nothing such as this has happened here.

DS is narrowing down his choices a bit for degrees to er, Maths! He'loving it at A Level. 'Maths is great' according the DS Smile

raspberryrippleicecream · 12/10/2016 23:40

DD is still Ancient History, although she is also loving Maths. Despite only doing it because she couldn't do drama.

HushisLush · 13/10/2016 06:48

I bet Ancient History is really interesting raspberry.

DS and his mates have been researching maths degrees at Uni and looking at the RG type ones. All his mates are very like DS. Smile

FantasyAndHope · 13/10/2016 09:34

Hush
The school are shocked alcohol yes but not drugs.

ExitPursuedBySpartacus · 13/10/2016 13:34

Maybe it is just my area then, but drugs are pretty prevalent. I know of one girl in DDs year (has now left for another sixth form) who regularly takes ket. And several of the boys take drugs (I have no idea what). At Leeds, DD asked one of the boys in her year who was there why he wasn't with his mates and he replied that they were 'doing drugs' so he was keeping out of their way. I just hope and pray that DD never gets involved.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 13/10/2016 14:11

I think dd has been in a very fortunate bubble, either that or she is entirely blind to it. Drugs have not been a feature of any of our conversations. Kids hacking into computer systems- yes, too much to drink at parties - yes, who is going out with whom - yes, drugs - so far no.

OP posts:
ExitPursuedBySpartacus · 13/10/2016 15:28

Lucky you!

Me - Why did R look so weird at Prom?
DD - she'd been taking Ket mum.
Me - Ket?
DD - Ketamine
Me - that's a horse tranquiliser!!!

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 13/10/2016 17:26

Blimey! Bet it was a fun night for her :-/

OP posts:
HushisLush · 13/10/2016 17:40

Well Kitten, your DD and my DS can join the blissfully ignorant club then! DH always accuses of me of living in a middle class (and middle aged!) bubble...

Nermerner · 13/10/2016 17:45

I thought dd had been untouched by drugs until she told me her friends smoked dope at PONY CLUB CAMP Shock

MsMermaid · 13/10/2016 17:54

Dd seems to have been untouched by drugs so far. She doesn't go out much though, so it's entirely possible that a she's in a naïve bubble too. It may be a bit of a shock when she goes off to uni, it was too me!

HesMyLobster · 13/10/2016 22:42

Phew! We've made it to half term!
Last day for dd today as tomorrow is an inset day.
She was expecting to be overloaded with homework but has been pleasantly surprised, she's just about on top of it so she'll be able to have a proper break.
She has handed in 5 essays this week so is ready for one!

Dd is definitely in a bubble too - she's not interested in parties etc so has so far avoided any hint of drug use.
Dd2 (year 10) on the other hand is a different matter entirely . . ! Confused

MsMermaid · 14/10/2016 07:17

We've got another week til half term here.