Year 12 #2: Carols, commutes & a few stocking fillers

[Stickerrocks]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/further_education/3410431-year-12-1-gcses-are-sooo-last-year

I don't think it's an issue doing a 3 year 6th form in the same school or college. My niece has done it along with a at least a couple of others I know.

I looked it up (such a Christmas-y thing to do!)

www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-funding-how-it-works

One for the maths fans. Best wishes to those who still have school to finish and happy holidays to everyone else.

The exact rules are that you have to be under the age of 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to A Level (Level 3) or you have to be under the age of 18 when you commence your FE course.

However many colleges allow a one year re-take as you would be the same age when you finish (19) as someone who commenced the course at the age of 17.

I think it’s a shame though that schools again vary so much. Some schools will bend over backwards to help a student whether they get funding or not and, as A1ways found, others are either less able or less willing to do so.

What I have learnt from this thread is how much schools vary in their approach to so many things. And the difference isn’t always due to how selective they are or private/state it is often just historic or the particular views of the slt

I guess too sometimes it’s just an indication that there is no one right answer

Whistl linked to the much more comprehensive version than I read!!!

Oratory1

Liking the maths puzzle, maybe give to DD when she stops being stroppy (will this ever happen?)

Like the idea of BTEC, still waiting for College to come back to me.

DH and I had a blazing row about DD at 11pm last night.. am exhausted today as hardly slept.

Oratory I copied your maths solution out and showed DS. When he read the last line, he broke out into a huge smile!

Twinplusone some DH and my worst rows have been about the DC.

It is when it really matters to get it right but the solution isn't obvious, so we come to different conclusions about what to do. It always resolves itself in the end though. And it will for you too.

Whistl probably the worse row we’ve ever had

Just told DD that I’ve had enough of her treating me like 💩 I know she’s being having a difficult time of it, but can’t keep making allowances. She is so rude and I’m only trying to help.

sometimes they need the red lines drawn more clearly for them.

Twin no solutions for you here (just been told the Christmas cards I had been asked to buy for grandparents aren't good enough so she had bought alternatives), but sending you

I need some Christmas present advice!

I'm getting seriously twitchy about dd's lack of presents. So far all she's got to open on Christmas day is a bag of sweets and a new charging cable

She knows she's got nothing to open. The reasons are:

She got an iPhone 7 for her birthday which cost a LOT and was meant to be a joint Xmas/ birthday present
I paid for 2 Ed Sheeran tickets for next August which she was meant to pay me back for but can't afford it.
I have said I'll pay for driving lessons as her christmas present which she was meant to pay for but can't find a job.

All in all I've spent well over £1000 on her in the last 3 months (including birthday) and I'll probably spend nearly the same again on driving lessons, test, insurance etc. I don't think she's deprived in any way. I just feel bad on Christmas morning when she's got almost nothing under the tree.

So what do you all think? Should I twitch and buy her something that I can wrap up in a box?

Or should I just be sensible and save my money?

Headphones? Power bank? Book? The last could be viewed as educational? What subjects is she doing?

Kick - buy her some small token inexpensive stuff to open on Christmas day? Cosmetics, skin care, costume jewellery, Christmas socks, a Chilly bottle, a book, (like the one Sticker mentioned a few pages back) etc. You could probably find her something in Paperchase, or there are racks of Christmas stocking type gifts near the tills in many high street shops

She's got to have something to open on Christmas Day. I can remember back to being 16, and I would have felt a bit forlorn with just sweets and a charging cable despite the previous phone, driving lessons and concert tickets

Christmas socks and pants. Something cheap but frivolous. Those colour changing sequin toys or cushions are fun.

Bishop what about a book of home made vouchers? So maybe a voucher for 'Your choice of supper', 'A family night at the cinema', 'A candlelit bubble bath prepared for me' etc? You'd know best what she likes! Doesn't cost much but gives her something to open and look through?

Well presentation night went well so dd said. Dgd got the English Literature award ( a certificate and a £15 amazon voucher) lots of people there apparently. Last years year 13s were also there to get their certificates and awards and how amazing and grown up they looked! Real individuals wacky clothes and almost all at unis. Another year and that will be dgd. Does not seem possible does it? So gutted I wasn't allowed to go but dgd gave me her certificates and award certificate to put it in her treasure box I keep with every single school report awards swimming medals 42) and her art books etc. A small box is now almost the size of a trunk! Even her baby wristbands are in it!. Even her mums things are in it along with eldest dds and dgs.

Belated congrats kilash great news;

I bought dgd a Dictaphone and a recommended uni psychology book just these 2 presents cost £160. I have 4 dgc so that's £160x4 a lot of money with not much to show for it. Its not how much you spend but the thought behind it. I try to instil that in my family. We are poor and I never worry about getting presents. The dgc love their Xmas stockings more than anything which are filled with knick knacks, polished 2p pieces they gamble with after lunch playing 'Newmarket' fruit and nuts and sweets. Sometimes the simple things in life are best.

How about a pair of L-plates and the driving theory test book? Or gloves, or earrings or new pyjamas?

DS has 4 things to open on Christmas morning, and that includes a calculator! It was only 3 things yesterday so I went into a panic and bought a pair of headphones (that I hope will arrive before Christmas!). He has some none-wrappable presents too but there's nothing else he wants or needs and I'm loathe to spend money on things that won't be used. I'll give some cash though.

I wish I could turn back the clock and thrill him with a toy garage and some brio again but I guess he's growing up and the days of getting his bodyweight in presents is over.

(Saying that I bought DS2 some dumbbells, forgot what they were, and then nearly putting my back out when I tried to lift the box!)

Thanks everyone.

You are all right. She does need something else. And you've reminded me that I have bought her some fluffy socks already! I think they are in the wardrobe

I have just bought her 2 more things. It's only cost around £15 but at least there are a couple of surprises now

Congratulations to sost' s dgd