AS levels - 2 Ds and an E

[ThisPerkySloth]

Hi not sure what DD is going to do (hasn’t spoken to me since got results just texted “I’m alive” 😔)

but just wanted to ask with a D, D, and an E is there any possibility DD could carry onto year 13? googled and E is still as pass?

is it down to her college? Anyone been or are in this situation?

just asking for my own knowledge - up to DD what she decides to do subject to options available to her.

not the end of the world. Life goes on just different to what we expected or wanted!

thanks

She needs to speak to the college. Does she want to persevere with A levels? They aren't the be all and end all and plenty of other options out there if she doesnt feel they are for her.

Down to the college and very much dependents on WHY she got those grades. Are they a true reflection of her ability? In which case she should look at an alternative like BTECs.
If they’re a result of poor revision or exam technique there’s room to improve, if the college is willing to let her try

My straight A gcse youngest did rubbish in his A levels, (can't actually remember the results but definitely a D or two were involved 🙈) was going through bad teenager spell, said he didn't want to go to uni like his brothers! Had a couple of jobs (one was DWP call centre, you can imagine how bad that was😳), which gave him the push to sort himself out, he did an Access course at college which took a year and then nursing at uni. So if she can't carry on with year 13 there are other routes to get where she wants to go. Don't panic, some kids take longer than others .............so long as they know they are loved and supported in whatever they want to do all will be well❤

At DD’s school (a top grammar) this would usually mean that Y12 would need to be repeated. It’s honestly not the end of the world OP (although having been there with my own DD I can understand why you/she are worrying), so many teens have to do it! Its a much more common situation than you’d think

I think this is key.
What will be different in a year?
Even if the college let her continue, would actually it be a good idea?

If she were to 'jump ship' now to a T-Level she can do 2 more years, and maybe end up with Distinctions/Merits (and go on to uni).

If she continues and ends up with DDE for A levels then she can't then continue at college. However there will be some university courses she can do even with those grades.

My DD has just had similar results. Her sixth form are happy for her to continue but she's been struggling for a while so now seems it might be the time to use the opportunity for a change while she still can.

@Littletreefrog she has just told me teacher said E is considered a fail but was a bit vague as to next steps. College online chat said tutor will arrange progression review for next week. She seems to want to go on and talks about uni. But She stays awake most the night (till 4am sometimes) on phone to friends and now boyfriend then sleeps till lesson time or is cream crackered for 9am ones. Appears to do very little outside lessons but does get homework in on time. But little independent work as far as I can make out. Not sure how she thinks she will get decent grades that way I’ve failed miserably to get this through to her. But she still wants to carry on. 😳 let’s see what college think. 😊

@TeenToTwenties thanks for explaining, DD is very distracted by other things yet still wants to pursue A levels and uni, but she hasn’t put the work and time in. I think she’s capable as she got decent grades in gcse and her choice to do a levels, her school though advised an alternative would be better. She didn’t have grades to stay there though. But if I understood she either jumps now to do something more manageable/ possible or she’s stuck with whatever she gets next year IF college lets her carry on? I have to step back as she won’t listen to me but I’ll hover in the background! Still I like to keep up just in case…..

@ACreamyTeaPlease i may try and suggest thinking about alternatives while it’s a possibility but she is adamant wants a levels (but doesn’t put the time and effort in to get decent grades) - thanks

Throw the towel in and forget the academic route. I’m in education and have had very low attendance and distracted pupils pull it out the bag when it was needed on natural ability. She’ll probably earn more than them with a vocational course in time.

I think you should force her to listen to alternatives, even if you leave the decision up to her.
She may for example be thinking the only route to uni is via A levels.
It is a sign of strength to start over, if that is the best option, not weakness.
What courses/unis could she access with those grades?
Would she agree to a contract re no tech in room after 10pm or something to show keenness to do better this year?

Why are you letting her do this? Take the phone off her at bed time. You're the parent.

Is repeating year 12 an option?
If your DD can't get into good study habits before going to university she will struggle TBH.

University is not school. The teaching staff don't remind students about deadlines and outstanding work. Late submission incurs penalties with marks being deducted. At DD's university 5% of the final mark is deducted for every calendar day that the work is submitted late. There is no hand holding. You need to be self motivated to do well.

It won't work. She will be wasting time. Look into apprenticeships on the gov website Academic route is not for everyone. A levels need a lot of effort

@RampantIvy her sixth form is “university style” and she’s not developed good study habits despite everything being at her disposal. I have explained and explained till blue in face the need for regular study and self motivation. I can’t see how uni would work out well especially with all that debt. Didn’t know about penalties and deductions at uni.

a “terrible, terrible” part of me thought if DD fails everything, maybe it might be a wake up call and although DD would be very upset she may be forced to take a more realistic approach. Maybe have a better outcome as a result.

hopefully we will find out next week what her options are.

cheers.

@TeenToTwenties all good points and I wish I could get through to her. She’s not talking much at present, no go on tech I’ve tried everything. Hopefully will know more once meets tutor on options to progress. I was posting just to get some understanding of options. Forcing to listen or do anything is not an option. But I’ll still try when she’s ready to listen and talk. Thanks

You could write down options with pros and cons maybe? She might read it even if she doesn't say so?

Obstinate / head in the sand teens are hard.

I think your worst outcome is that the sixth form allow her to progress on those grades. I have seen plenty of times pupils be allowed to progress on the understanding that they put in massive amounts of work to catch up the work missed while arsing around in Y12, while at the same time putting in more work to the Y13 content than they did in Y12.

Given that they got the low grades because they couldn't be arsed, it's unlikely that they will actually step up to that massive challenge. I've seen students then continue to perform badly in Y13 and drop out before the exams but without the cushion of another 2 years of funded education.

What you actually want is for the college to say NO and to force a change.

In a similar situation here 😞. Need Ds to go onto year 2 but missed on 1 subject by 1 mark.

Problem is this A level is essential to go onto her chosen university course. Was getting an average C on all tests all year.

Really hoping we can appeal and continue into year 2. Picking up different AS level for next year seems such a waste of time and won't help at all with university plans 😞

@noblegiraffe the college are letting her carry on but doing a different AS in year 13 rather than carry on with the subject she got an E in. She’s even looked at minimum unis will take. She doesn’t want me involved so I won’t! I asked the question largely for my own knowledge. Change is down to her now. Thanks for replying.

That’s gutting missing by 1 mark. My DD is being allowed to pick up a different AS for next year - she hasn’t discussed much so I don’t know what that means for uni but she doesn’t need specific subjects I think.

hoping you get the outcome you wish for / need. 🤞

Luckily enough we saw the head of dept yesterday and she agreed to let her continue with the A level! She felt she was let down by exam technique rather than knowledge so will be getting plenty more practice this year!

Such a relief, onwards & upwards for both of our children!

That’s good to hear, you and your child must be relieved.

mine - I’m keeping my fingers crossed (stepping back is not necessarily giving up) and just have to let her do her thing. I still truly believe that with about even 50% more effort she should get some decent enough grades. I’m her biggest critic but also her biggest fan.

Best of everything good to them both ❤️