What would you do with these GCSEs? Worried about DSs decision.

[RainbowToucan]

DS has worked hard for his GCSEs and done well but has always struggled academically and not much confidence in his abilities. He has nothing lower than a 5. His top marks are 8 in Biology. Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Photography are all 7, Art&Design is 5.

He’s had enough of school and the academic environment and wants to do either photography or media & film btech. I agree he’s better suited to more active learning and vocational environment. He has always been a keen movie watcher.

His school current doesn’t have the nicest kids or social environment tbh, most of the sixth forms are like that around here. The college is fab but doesn’t offer A-levels, school is the only real option for a-levels.

He’s strong in Maths and Science and at one point wanted to become a nurse or paramedic for which he’d need a-levels.

I feel like it’s too soon to decide but by committing to only photography or media he’s throwing other opportunities away.

ultimately it’s his decision, I think I just need some reassurance. His dad is barely in his life and doesn’t get involved.

So I just need advice. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and my mental clarity just isn’t there at the moment.

I don’t want to be a controlling mum but I also don’t want him to waste his education

Firstly whatever decision he makes now doesn't affect the rest of his life - there's lot of options available to those who wish to further their academic studies later in life including foundation degree courses for those without conventional qualifications.

Secondly a levels aren't for everyone - if his passion is it he won't do well. A btec can get you directly into higher education in related fields too.

I would get him to check course content, film and media isn't just watching movies! But then he needs to follow his gut instinct because he's got to study not you

I should add if he wants to switch to nursing or paramedic studies at 18 it's completely possible!

I think it's good he wants to do either of those at btech. From what you've said the environment will suit him better. If he's had enough at school too, I can't see how it will benefit him to stay.

He can always change his mind and do something else later on. But if he is genuinely passionate about doing those btechs I think he should go for it.

My DS is a paramedic - he did a Level 3 BTEC in Public Services (also did extra curricular things like St Johns / Scouts)
Then paramedical science at Uni

I would (secretly) worry he's limiting his options too but ultimately it's his decision.

But I would say that his GCSE results are perfectly respectable results and a lot of children would only dream of achieving them. Reading the secondary education board on here would have you feel like most children come out with all 8s and 9s and it isn't the case at all.

My own DC achieved similar results (no 8s though and only 1 7) and just got ABB at A Level and into a top 20 university so please let him know how brilliantly he did and how the world is still his oyster.

Also my DC didn't have a great time socially at school so moved to another school for sixth form. They found this much easier and didn't have any baggage of lost friendships etc.

I don't think that's correct re needing A levels to be a nurse.
I am sure I read here recently that a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social care was a perfectly valid (and in some ways better) route.

Loads of my friends are retraining and going to Uni in their 30s now. I think it's not a bad idea.

We never truly stop learning, but it's easier to find your passion and a willingness to read around a subject once you have some real world experience.

How to find something meaningful to do in the meantime though, I don't know.

Film teacher here, reporting in! Where has the desire to do media course come from? I can't see it reflected in his GCSE choices and the lower artsy grade may not augur well.

How did he do in English?

I know MN wouldn’t let me down 😁

Photography 7, Art&Design 5, English 5.

He’s basically always been a film watcher rather than TV so there is a bit of passion there. He’s not remotely interested in stories/reading/books though (a bit dyslexic) and this is what worries me - as so many films are based on books! I think he’d lean towards filming/lighting/special effects.

Wow your DC has done amazingly!

My son really struggled with the general organisation involved for GCSEs, on a practical level, three subjects at a-level is easier to manage than 10 GCSEs. I think he also has the potential to do just as well, if not better at a-level as it’s more focussed.

Our local colleges offer a Swap not Drop programme up to October half term if students fund they've picked the wrong subjects for them. Perhaps your local ones do too although other courses might be full at the point of swapping.

It's been a while since I worked at our 6th form but I think media studies has a heavy leaning towards analysing films so if he didn't like analysing texts in English he may not enjoy it. You probably won't be able to find out the exam board used but you could have a look at the specifications on AQA / Edexcel etc and see generally what the courses might cover.

I have very good GCSEs but I wasn't really passionate enough about anything to do A Levels. The only one I did well in was Accounting (and guess what I do now!) - so I'd recommend sticking with what be enjoys. Definitely worth him double checking the course content though!

The Btec will give him opportunities to work on those technical and practical skills OP but they need to be rigorous, organised, methodical and there's more writing than most expect. Watching films is great as a starting point but as an inspiration for style, aesthetic, plotting and so on.

He should read through the actual spec /course description and find out about assessments.

I think film and media are important and massively overlooked contributors to the economy. However, his GCSE results and the previously stated desire to enter medical or paramedical roles suggests that he's making an odd decision.

Well done to your son on those great results!
The most important thing now is to support your son in the next step he wants to take. He is staying in education and if he does something he is happy with then it won't be a waste of time.
Btecs are a great option.
I would advise that together you look at the whole content of the course to make sure it is what he wants to do.
After those results I would want him to do a level 3 Btec in whatever subject suits. I wouldn't want him to do a lower level. A Btec level 3 will be equivalent to 3 A levels.
I disagree with some of the point on here.
3 a levels are hard to organise. There is a lot of work for two years and not assessed until the end. If he's had enough of school and does something he doesn't want to then he could drop out.
I also disagree with the comment that the grade 5 in art and design may not bode well. My DS got similar yet makes good money from that area.
Also he will mature loads in the next two years so may find the organisation easier. A Btec is great for this as they set regular coursework which counts toward their final grade so it's not 'wasted' work! There may also be exams for the course - these are spaced over the two years and based on one subject at a time so easier to focus on.
Good luck to him - an exciting time!

I’d agreed if the only careers he’s ever mentioned are in Healthcare then those seem odd options to take and would mean he couldn’t apply directly to go at 18.
However perfectly possible for him to do those BTECs then an access course then a healthcare degree, so he’s not ruining his life if he does choose them, just taking a longer route.
would agree he needs to look into the courses a lot more to see if he’d really like them. I did an old spec film qual but there was SO much writing - as much as my English lit a level, but was actually more work because I had to do more research as it was newer to me.
If he just needs a break from the academics, are there any one year creative courses he could do at college? Then start quals for a healthcare degree in what would have been Y13.

He could a BTEC media production foundation year then switch if he wanted to. Or even wait till he’s 19 and do Access.

I have had students go from BTEC Business to nursing at uni. It’s the work experience that was key.

Id suggest he does some research into all his options. See what he’s drawn to.

Does he realise that media and film will involve a lot of essay writing. Analysis of texts/sources just like English Lit?

⬆️That’s A level film and media

Level 3 media production is a much more practical course with access to editing suites and industry standard cameras.

Example

www.stratford.ac.uk/course/level-3-extended-diploma-creative-media-production-technology/

This gives an example of the units studied.

bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/courses/creative-media-production-and-technology-ual-level-3-diploma-l122/

Hi OP

I think I share your concern that he may be reducing his future options if he doesn't take A levels. What are the reasons he has had enough of the school environment? The lessons and sitting exams? Or the people he is around - and he considers that the college option would suit him better?