Year 12 - 2024/25 - Support, Discussion and Looking After Each Other

[BlackBean2023]

A survival thread for Y12 parents (24/25) now that GCSEs are over and our young people move onto KS5

I come across this kind of student in my teaching. Some pupils do relatively better at maths as they get older, often because the bits of maths that they enjoy (abstract, algebraic maths) become more and more important relative to the easier bits of maths (maths involving words and numbers).

I agree with the ceiling in maths. A family friend has a dilemma- DC got an 8 in maths however it was a low 8 and took lots and lots of work and tutoring. They're worried that maths a level is just too hard for them but the DC is adamant they want to take it. Should they discourage it?

@Pythag that's so interesting! Yes, DS actually happier with abstract maths whereas 'easier' maths is where he has tended to lose marks, often due to silly mistakes and simple calculation errors.

Dd always gets the labelling questions wrong! Think there was one with a circle in paper 3 this year?

I would let a motivated person with a grade 8 do maths. Typically a motivated person able to get an 8 will survive A-level maths if they continue to put the work in and they actually enjoy it. Hopefully they are the kind of person who will ask their teacher if they get stuck, get to lessons on time and ready to learn (you can tell I am getting ready to meet my new year 12s next week!). They just need to go in with their eyes open!

The only discussion is the opportunity cost. What are they not doing instead of maths? What would that outcome look like? A grade B at maths (for example) might be better than any of those outcomes.

Its probably a B in maths vs an Aish in something like biology. Mind you, there was a lot of pushing by the parents

When at the college last week discussing ds's choices, the teacher asked him if he just got maths, that is partly the reason she was happy to try him with FM.

The college accepts a much broader range of students though.

DD is exactly the same. Her maths teacher commented on it. She loves the harder stuff but is less confident on the basics. She was expecting an 8 but ended up with a 7.

Thought it was all going a bit too well… 🙄

Ds knew there were only likely to be a v small number doing drama, two of the others didn’t get the 6 needed so there would be just 2 taking it. He was actually ok with that but the other student has pulled out this weekend ☹️

It’s the one A Level he was absolutely set on from the start and there’s no way of moving anywhere else. While he has the grades to do several other subjects, chances are they’ll be full - the sixth form is extremely oversubscribed. The only one he’s remotely interested in is Economics but he has precious little chance of it.

We’re waiting to hear what school say tomorrow, he says he’s not fussed but I know he’s really disappointed ☹️

Sorry to hear that, @Pharos - how disappointing. I can’t help wondering whether Drama would have been a bit rubbish with just 2 of them (does the A Level include group work like the GCSE does?). Anyway I know that’s not the point, and I hope a good alternative turns up for your DS tomorrow.

Hope you got sorted @Pharos ?

Well today is the first day of sixth form at DD's new school. She is very excited but also nervous as to what to expect too. I feel she will love it and I will be interested to see how it goes as she moves from a selective all girls school to a mixed non selective school which is 3 times the size.

Of course DD is more interested in what she is wearing and how lunch time will go than anything else 😂.

Good luck to any new starters today and hope those that started yesterday had a good first day.

So it seems Drama might be back on 🙄😁

The lovely deputy head who knows ds v well called yesterday morning to confirm the other student had pulled out and to talk through the options, Economics and English Lit both had spaces.

Ds mentioned that his friend who just missed the grade to take Drama was still really interested, she suggested friend email her asap stating this and she'd see what she could do. Friend was having to take German instead so jumped at the chance to change back. It should be confirmed later today so they're both very happy. Think school were also reluctant to not run one of the creative A-Levels - in a heavily STEM-based sixth form, they need to keep the other subjects going.

@JessyCarr I take your point about group work being a problem with only 2 but ds and his friend mesh together really well on stage, certainly better than the original student. Friend is a really good actor but not as strong at the written aspect so working closely will benefit both. They do have to do a trio as part of their final practical but they'll find a way round it.

@bluefineliner hope dd had a good time!

Who else started today?

@Pharos We did.

Tomorrow for us. Shorter days with a later start on both Wed and Thurs but a long day on Friday.

I feel really worried as my son's closest friend has moved to another school and although he does still have some friends from their group, it's mostly girls and I am worried they will drift off. He's autistic so everything is just harder.

He thought someone he met on NCS may be joining but turns out they are not.

He doesn't seem concerned but I am and just want him to enjoy this time. Always something to feel worried over.

He has some very long days and then some where he only has two lessons ..I think they have to be on site for their study periods in Y12 so will be interesting to see if he manages to get work done!

Great news about the drama A level, fingers crossed it works out ok.

DS starts tomorrow. He's been really pooly for the last few days so a bit upset he's missed out on the last few days of holiday. We have the timetable through, Mondays and Friday are full on!

Tomorrow for us too, but just back to school, so no real surprises. Although his form group has changed and he's not pleased. 10 am start tomorrow and then back to 8:50 as normal. They have to be in school until morning break and then can come and go as they please.

Another start tomorrow, at 8:30am. School 6th form (which was my first choice but DD's second choice - she wanted a selective grammar but it was way too competitive for external applicant places).

Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths. FM could be dropped down the road if need be.

I don't know why I expected to see some PE/sports on the timetable.. there is none. Luckily she does running/athletics at a club and plays tennis once in a while. Her timetable is mostly OK except Thursdays with a late 4pm finish.

No uniform requirement sadly. DD went shopping for "school stuff" with her own money (gifted from relatives) and she's bought a ton of clothes.

PS. Oh, and we asked the school for DDs English and Maths scripts. She was 2 marks off a 9 in Maths and grades were a bit lower than DD expected in both English exams. Not holding my breath for grade change on any of these... but at the moment we are waiting for teacher reviews.

@anoukis No PE in 6th form according to DH. I was surprised as well. Although DS will still have an afternoon of games / team sports.

I wonder if DS would benefit from seeing his scripts in English and History. His grades (8) were below expectations and maybe he would learn from his mistakes.

That's really good news @Pharos . 2 on a course though - blows my mind how different post-16 study is going to be for different kids depending on where they are. Can't imagine any of DDs classes will be much under 25, I wouldn't be surprised if some were around 30.

We don't get a timetable until Thursday! To be fair it's the biggest 6th form in the country, it must be a mammoth task (over 2,000 joining this year I think). DD hasn't decided on her enrichment options, she's not at all sporty but is considering joining the college gym, I've told her she needs to do something active really, I don't know, I went to 6th form college and mostly skivved off my enrichment option, preferring the local cafe, I've not told dd this though. Most of her friends have been trying out for sports teams, but dd really struggles with co-ordination and just doesn't have the skills for team sports to be any fun. She doesn't play an instrument, isn't really arty. I'm sure she'll find something.

@wonderstuff PS?

Good luck to those starting back tomorrow!

DS starts on Thursday for an induction day before school proper on Friday.

yes.

Dd is rejoining the agricultural college down the road.

My friends son is starting there tomorrow. We’re about 30 minutes north Winchester.

Day 2 of timetable today and early reports are that DD is loving Economics A Level. I am pleased because I did too! And continued it at uni. Socially things seem to be going well so far which is great, albeit very early days.