DS hates sixth form

[4sausages]

DS has almost completed year 12. He's doing 3 A levels but only doing well in Computer Science. His form tutor phoned a few days ago and pretty much said if he doesn't pass the exams he's just taken then he's out. She's also said that he's very introverted, refuses to ask for help, won't engage in group work etc. He hasn't been happy for months and up till now I've been trying to convince him that it's only two years, will help him in the future etc, but now I'm not sure it's in his best interests to persevere for another year even if he does pass the exams. He's hopefully making an appointment with the careers advisor today to see what options are available to him. He wants a career in computer programming and as I say is doing very well in Computer Science (nothing lower than a B so far, many A and A*s). I don't know if an apprenticeship is an option at his stage but even if it were, DS doesn't want to rule out uni at this stage. I wonder if starting year 12 again doing a btec might be an option.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice please?

I don't have personal experience, but I do know a couple of people whose dc redid year 12 at a new place and came out with good qualifications that got them to uni. I'd certainly explore the BTech option with your ds.

Thanks for replying, OhYouBadKitten. Advice from the careers advisor was to apply for the btec and ds has done so. Just waiting to hear now- fingers crossed.

Good luck, hopefully he will be a happier lad. :)

Whilst I'm really keen that threads are posted in the 'right place' Sixth form threads often get more traffic in Secondary.

We are in the same position . Ds2 has hated every minute of sixth form. He is a bright boy. Should be more than capable of a levels . But hates it. On anti depressants. Getting lots of input. But still desperate to get out. Looking at btec sand apprenticeships but because he is depressed very unmotivated. Sorry no help. You are not alone

Romain I feel for you. My DS doesn't suffer in the same way yours does by the sound of it. My boy is different already, possibly knowing that he has my support quitting the very well-respected sixth form we were all so chuffed he got in to in the first place. He seems to be positive about the new start and things are looking up. The sixth form just doesn't suit him - like your DS he's very bright - but we are all different and what suits many 17 year olds doesn't suit them all. If your DS has a best subject or any ambitions for the future I'd explore them. If he's that unhappy now things can only get better - maybe even a change will help. I wish you and your DS well.

My son did BTEC IT and loved it. He did it straight from GCSEs but many of his peers had completed one year of A levels first and moved for various reasons.

I would recommend it is he is doing well in Computer Science and is looking for a career in computing.

My son attended a very good and quite large college. He spent year one doing the same units as everyone else and year two there was a choice - he picked the programming stream. So, do check what options and modules he is likely to do at the college or sixth form he is currently at. Also, ask the same questions at other providers in your area. He may be better moving to get the right choices to lead on to the career he wants.

My DS is currently doing a BTEC extended diploma in Computer Science. He loves it. Majority of work is assignments with deadlines and 4 exams which are marked externally. He plans to go to University after he finishes the course next year. Entry requirement is DDD.

BTEC extended diplomas (equivalent of 3 A levels) are a great option for those who don't like A levels but want to go onto uni or further training. UCAS points wise a triple distinction is the same as 3 A*'s. Obviously Russell group/Oxbridge aren't going to see them as the same but plenty of universities accept them.

We're looking at them for my son who is bright (at grammar school) but completely uninterested in academic work. I have seen a couple of BTEC extended diplomas that I believe would really grab him in a way A levels won't (he can't even think of 3 A levels he wants to do).

I do know someone who did a games design (I think) extended diploma, went on to do something techy at uni, then a masters and is now earning well in IT in the city. He dropped out of a levels after year 12.

There were quite a lot of people in DD's sixth form who repeated year 12 with different subjects, or in a different place.

apprenticeship might work, but they tend to be more teaching ICT skills than coding, iyswim. Depends if he would benefit from some kind of ICT skills.

Oh, and the apprenticeship salary is rubbish. Be warned.

I'm not an expert in BTec, but worth considering that there may be a difference between the curriculum of an IT course and a Computer Science course. (I'm speaking as the parent of a CS student). Perhaps your DS can look at which universities he's interested in attending and check what their entrance requirements are and work backwards from there as to which BTEC is the best for him, or indeed whether a fresh set of A levels other than the CS one might be the preferred option. Note that for many of the more competitive university CS courses a Maths A level is a requirement (and Further Maths preferred).

Ds1 hated 6th form, completely chose the wrong A levels, finished Y12 scraping AS pass. Started a 2 year BTec in applied science (forensics) achieved a triple distinction and is off to University in a few weeks to do a 4 years Masters in a vocational medical subject. Would definitely recommend BTEC route.