Year 13 2024/2025 - support, discussion and looking after each other - continuation from year 12 thread

[elkiedee]

I've just realised that the year 12 2023/2024 thread is full - oops! - last message on 16 August - don't know if someone started another continuation thread but I can't see it. This coming year DS1 does A levels and university applications, DS2 will be in his GCSE year.

If there is a thread already started please let me know.

Yes, DD can be quite anxious at the best of times and she felt like one type of stress at once was enough, as well as feeling like a bit more time would be helpful in terms of maturity and feeling ready for university and independent living etc. So this year we have exam stress, and next year applications stress. But the applications stress will be shortlived since she will already have grades and then hopefully she can relax and enjoy the rest of the year and do a bit of growing up.

Yes completely agree my DD is planning to apply grades in hand. It’s the right thing for her and is less stress as she’s not ready for uni yet. She’s looking forward to a calmer gap year with less stress. She’s at a peak point in her sport too with a second shot at the major championship in her category she went this year and wants another go next year but the build up is at same time as exams so it’s a lot to juggle for her but does keep her focused too.

DS is going to uni so he can continue his sport to a high level as it is the best route. I think if this was not important he may have deferred a year. Still pushing to get the form in but school holding it up.

DS is just now starting to talk about dropping his EPQ so he can concentrate on further maths. I can see it’s not totally necessary but I’d be surprised if any more time does get spent on FM. He did a couple of hours a day over half term on FM but when I suggested making a start on the EPQ he said he had ages to do that.

Seems to me he’s dropping it because he’s realised a certain level of effort is required. AIBU?

Seems to me he’s dropping it because he’s realised a certain level of effort is required. AIBU?

Well he's right, it does require a certain level of effort! I'm not sure about EPQs really. I know that some Unis will reduce their grade offer with one but I don't see the point of doing one if it distracts from the A levels.

DD's old secondary school insisted that all students do an EPQ whilst in her current 6th form college it's optional and she's chosen not to. However, her English A level includes a coursework assignment involving a lot of research, analysis and writing so I think she's already getting the EPQ experience. Perhaps it's a more useful exercise for a STEM student or a student who will be interviewed for a Uni place - it would give you something to talk about?

That’s why I was keen on it, @Sweetpeasaremadeforbees He’s doing three maths-based A levels (m, fm, physics) and dropped economics early. I thought it would be good to still have something that required some writing and self-directed research.
It’s going to be up to him, of course. I suggested he get a steer from his tutor first since his school is also very keen on them.

DC1 isn't doing EPQ. At her college they start them in the summer of term of Y12, at which point she was still doing 4 A levels. However she then dropped the 4th for the start of Y13. She was a bit worried about missing the boat and "just" doing 3 A levels, but since getting a couple of early offers she's completely forgotten that she was ever bothered.

Hah, thanks for the reality check @TheTurn0fTheScrew
I expect that will probably be the way DS goes as well.

I would assume if your DS wants to do a Maths type degree the Unis he applies to are going to be more interested in his A level results and any TMUA/MAT test results really!

My DC did an EPQ in Year 12, provisional grade is a B (we have marks but grade boundary not decided yet).
One of her offers has taken this into account (Keele) and for one they required an A so have not (Loughborough).

Thanks all. It does seem EPQs are a bit of a rarity. DS says there are only four people left in his EPQ class now. He’s going to talk to his tutor and have a think.

Ahhh DS head of year has said the first appointment to go over the ucas form is the 9th December. It has already been read by another member of staff. I do not want to be that parent but not sure if I should email to ask if she may possibly have an earlier slot. It is mad ss it is ready to go.

DD's school doesn't do EPQs at all and they don't seem to have any problem with girls getting into a whole range of good universities every year, which I suppose would be the only reason to do one unless someone actually wants to. I agree that A Level grades are more important.

And most of them only do 3 A Levels unless looking at the US for university so I don't think that will be an issue for anyone either.

That’s interesting @BonjourCrisette. So it really doesn’t seem to be an issue, from what I’m hearing.
@mumonthehill DS now probably needs to get his personal statement/teacher references de-EPQ’d so we’ll no doubt be even later!

DS now probably needs to get his personal statement/teacher references de-EPQ’d so we’ll no doubt be even later!

DD changed her mind on the course she wants to do after visiting one Uni so she too is rewriting her PS to cover that! I just want it to be done and dusted.

My DC did 3 x A levels last year and got an A grade at EPQ too. We found it useful for the additional UCAS points they give (if your offer is points, rather than grade based) but also useful for their interviews, and showcasing a particular passion. I’m glad they did it (as are they), but it was about 200 hours of work.

Hmm, 200 hours does sound a lot. Thanks for the perspective @atesomanybananas I’d estimate maybe 30 (40?) hours has been done so far on background reading/planning etc.

We've been looking around universities over half term and free weekends, not at formal Open Days. DS and I have now visited four of his five choices. (I know this is "back to front" but there were only five places outside London which offer the combination of topics he wants!) He definitely has preferences based on the "feel" of a city/campus. Now he just needs to get the offers (he has 2 so far).

I’ve really enjoyed the uni visit weekends with DS @PhotoDad. Any places you particularly liked/thought would be good to be a student?

@Changes17 so much depends on the course surely?

Well yes, but then also it’s a decision about where you’d like to live for the next 3-4 years.

Agree - my DD is looking at a humanities degree and tbh the courses seem fairly similar in the ones we visited. For her it's definitely about where she wants to live for 3/4 years.

With dd, I would've said that the first thing is campus or city. However, ds top two choices are one of each so that doesn't work for him.
How far from home is a big factor to make a shortlist.

Agreed. DS seems to be aiming for something similar yet different from where he’s grown up. So a medium sized/small city but fairly far away. Likes Sheffield and Durham. Maybe Leeds would be an option.

DS is STEM and so the courses are very similar everywhere! So it's all about "feel." So far he has really liked Nottingham (he's outdoorsy and likes green open spaces, he doesn't care about clubbing).