Y12 2023/24 - support, discussion and looking after each other

[BonjourCrisette]

GCSEs are over and we are beginning the next stage. Let's hope it's a bit less stressful than this summer has been! All welcome to discuss, share experiences and support each other as our children move into Y12/BTECs/apprenticeships and start a new phase.

@Sadtimes1 @TheTurn0fTheScrew

She's gutted. She's not been placed in the oxbridge band.

She got a b predicted grade for psychology and yet parents evening teacher said she was one of the 4-5 in the year who could get an a star, sociology she was predicted an a despite getting 100% in the mock. I see why it's come out as that based on the grades but it does seem like they should be looking at more.

She is going to speak to them when she's back and ask what she needs do to be able to move bands.

@Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky I am so sorry, that sounds ridiculous. Hopefully, she can sort something out when she gets back. A child who has achieved all 9’s at GCSE should surely be in that group, unless level of work/understanding has really changed.
My DS is predicted A’s in computer science and Chemisry (8 and 9 at GCSE) but only B in Maths (8 at GCSE). He isn’t happy either.

@Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky I'm sorry to hear that, it seems utterly daft. Predictions at this stage surely can't be set in stone, and your DD seems very motivated, so there's every chance they'll improve.

I have a feeling my DC1 will be having a similar experience after her mocks in a couple of weeks, so no doubt I'll be coming to you for advice then!

What does being in the Oxbridge band entail? Presumably she can still apply, should she want to? What subject is she interested in doing at university?

I think I would be booking an appointment to go and talk to form tutor or head of year in those circumstances @Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky. It seems baffling. But maybe let DD talk to them first and book an appointment if she doesn't get anywhere.

Means they get support with interview practice etc.

Yes nothing to stop her applying anyway - I said if she wants to go for it I am happy to pay privately for a tutor to support that side of it.

Shes going to speak to them but worried if they do add her it may be too late for some stuff as applications for summer schools etc are opening up.

@BonjourCrisette she wants to do HSPS at Cambridge (Human, Social & Political Sciences)

Sorry to hear that @Sadtimes1, hopefully that gets put up too.

I think there is also the pressure of expectation - she was always pretty much top in class and obviously as numbers at a level are smaller there's more competition. Her friends are all expecting her to be in that band.

@Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky yes, that definitely seems to be a thing. Will be interesting to see if the mocks change anything. Some teachers seem loathe for predict A* anyway as you can only hit it or get lower.

Gosh, that sounds like an interesting course! And sounds like she has great A Levels for it.

The pressure of expectation is not much fun. I hope she can find a way to convince them to let her join the Oxbridge band. And do go and talk to them if she's not successful initially. Sometimes it helps if they know there is lots of support at home (not sure if she's in a new place or not and whether they know you are supportive etc).

@BonjourCrisette same school.

In that case, maybe you need to be That Parent!

I had a phonecall from DS2s school. Sering the number made my heart sink but it was his maths teacher ringing to saying they're amazed by DS2. I can't believe the change in under a month of low dose of medication. They said they only have to explain something once, and are just awed at his natural ability, and hes getting the highest marks in tests.. He's talking to them more and classmates too.

He's still a long way from being able to go to assembly or mentor, or work experience etc. And university is probably off the table. But I'm just so pleased he's well enough to enjoy his favourite subjects again

@PennywisePoundFoolish Brilliant! so pleased for your DS.

How lovely to get a call to tell you that @PennywisePoundFoolish 😊

That sounds amazing - you must be so proud of him!

That’s lovely news, @PennywisePoundFoolish! Great that they took the time to ring.

So pleased for you and your son, @PennywisePoundFoolish - that sounds like a great step forward. And really good of them to ring and let you know.

@PennywisePoundFoolish that is so lovely!

That's great @PennywisePoundFoolish

@PennywisePoundFoolish that's brilliant!

Adding to the general gladness about your latest update @PennywisePoundFoolish.
End of half term here, DD been fighting off a cold all week. Starting college has been worse than starting nursery was for continuous bugs!

@PennywisePoundFoolish
Awww..your post warmed my heart!
Bless your DS.

Xx

Does anyone else have child studying computer science, maths and physics ? Ds is starting to really struggle with the workload.

@NCTDN DS is doing maths, FM, and physics having dropped his fourth subject (economics) because of the workload before Christmas. It was a lot.

@NCTDN My DS is studying Maths, computer science and chemistry and the workload is very heavy. I signed him up to Uplearn but he never has time to use it as he has so much work to do from school. It’s relentless!