School and BTec

[Inquis]

My D didnt achieve grades for A levels in their secondary school. However they do BTEC but still grades are low. My D is on SEN, can I negotiate or appeal? School hasn't send any letter as they havent offered place.

Does he meet the entry criteria for the BTEC ?

There’s no point pushing for him to move on to the A level if he won’t cope with it.

Hi Dotcheck, doesn't meet criteria but feels extremely anxious and upset as wants to stay in same set up. Its anyway difficult for SEN to accept changes - they will have less subjects to study compared to GCSEs so they will have more time to work and cope

Does your DC have an EHCP? The only thing you can do is speak to the school. Their grades must be below 4 if not offered BTEC?

I think more information is needed here. Did he get below 4 on all his subjects ( including English math and science)?
Or did he miss the grades needed for a specific subject?

If he didn’t pass any of his subjects, and his school only offers A levels and a few BTECS, then it isn’t the right place for him- he may be better off at a college where there is more choice in subjects. Was this discussed during his EHCP reviews?

I think it very much depends on the SEN and the reasons for the low grades (and how low they are).

I think it is perfectly possible to not qualify for A levels but to still achieve well on a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (and I guess T Levels but I don't know enough about them.)

The good thing about BTECs is at least some level of coursework. If doing the Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent) there will be some coordination across the course so different units won't all set their deadline for the same time.

The other thing with BTECs is the work is more 'defined'. With A level they need to do about 1 hour independent for every hour of lessons, but it won't all be set as 'homework'. Whereas with BTECs they would know what they are working for more clearly.

Some people struggle with terminal exams but can excel with vocational courses.

Did you have any plan Bs at all?

Achieved 4s only in English and Maths. All other subjects lower grades including subject specific. No EHCP unfortunately.

Thank you Teendivided for detailed information on BTEc course. We have plan Bs. But considering SEN my D is very upset especially many friends are going to do BTec in school. Had plan B since last 2 years but change is difficult. School didn't give enough support except year 11, that too after repeatedly requesting them

Phew- we’ll done that he has passed English and math!
Do they offer a BTEC extended diploma in a subject he likes?
What does he want to take?

With those grades I'd be planning for 3 years in college.
1st year for a BTEC level 2. With not having to resit English and Maths that should hopefully be reasonable straightforward, allowing time to get used to a new college and the BTEC way of working.
Then, provided they get a merit on the Level 2, they would probably be allowed to progress to the Level 3 BTEC / T-Level.

Dotcheck, yes at least saved from retake. They offer BTEC in subject D likes and done in GCSe but got low grade.
Teendivided, our plan B is exactly what you posted level 2 and then hopefully level 3.
But D still wants to try in school so I thought may be can negotiate/request with school? Not sure if it will work like appeals parents do?

No point trying to persuade the school at all. Your dc isn't yet ready for level 3 BTEC. Whether that's due to anxiety or their SN is irrelevant. Level 3 is not appropriate at this time. They would end up failing which would probably be far worse than changing to a college, however daunting that is.

Tbh if the didn't respond to requests for support it's unlikely they'd suddenly support them in sixth from to do a course they're not ready for so staying isn't really a good option.

Great that they've got maths and English though - they can really focus on the subjects they're interested in!

What is the subject he/she want to do?

Would agree with this strategy. Do they offer level 2 btecs?

Yes Lizs - they do offer level 2

ICT and Maths

Titchy - that's true. Not a great school.to.support SEN

My DS was in the same position last year, sort of. His school didn’t have 6th form but there’s a 6th form college that meets his social and emotional needs well, and is the natural progression from his school. They accepted him on a BTec (level 3) and resit maths. It took a bit of persuasion and he’s been closely monitored but is thriving there. Give school a call. I understand about SEN not managing change well as DS is exactly the same

What grades did your DS achieve in other subjects to do Level 3?

There is/was a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing.

Thanks Teendivided. College did tell us