GCSE results - anxious about what to do next.

[Moschops1]

Feeling a bit lost now as not sure what to do. I can't be the only one in this position though I feel I am, as everyone I know has a place for their DC.

DD got her GCSE results today with a 9 and 8 in her top two A Level choices. But the others were a mixed bag, with her missing out on some scores by just 1 or 2 marks.

Long story short, for the schools she applied to (and had conditional acceptances) because she didn't get the required grade average, she has missed out on a place. We are still awaiting one but if that one comes back with a no, I don't know what to do.

It is just so disheartening because she did SO well in the subjects that she is brilliant in, but it means nothing now and we almost can't celebrate her achievement in that. Schools spout off about 'looking at the individual child and focussing on their talents'. It's not true - obviously if you don't achieve across the board, it means nothing.

I am now trying to look for alternatives but can anyone offer advice about how I go about this, because everywhere I look, it seems to focus on enrolment for NEXT year. I live in London if anyone is in the same boat and can offer any advice.

Thanks.

Hello,

I recommend Leyton 6th form college. My daughter thrived there. They have a mix of A levels and Btecs. It's easy enough to travel to travel on the DLR then central line.

CTK Emmanuel could be worth a look as well, again on the DLR and they have a Btec Creative pathway (combines BTEC Business, BTEC Art & BTEC Creative Media Level 3) for example.

Good luck to your daughter, her results are great

Morpeth school sixth form (Bethnal Green) is also good. They have A levels in art, textiles and RE. I've heard good things about Mulberry Shoreditch as well

Thanks so much, I'll call them tomorrow!

Thanks again - another one on my list for tomorrow! x

These are good grades and she can definitely sit A levels still. My daughter got her results yesterday so I do feel for you. I am pretty sure that she can still do A levels. You mention she was off some grades with one or two marks. In that case you can request a remark, you need to speak to thd examining officer at her school.

I’m wondering who suggested four A levels and why she was only allowed to do
Combined Science. Jumping from that level to Chem A would be a big step. There is no point in children taking on too much and ending up as exam fodder for schools. Best of luck with how things work out.

How about a Craft And Design T-Level? It's the equivalent of three A-Levels and allows for some work experience.

I did a search in your area, and there are several options s available.

https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students/find?SearchTerm=Canary+Wharf%2C+Inner+London&ShouldSearch=True&SelectedQualificationId=54

Could sociology be a third option?
I agree that chemistry is definitely not a good fit.

If she wants a creative career then A Levels are not always the best rout.

Have a look at FE colleges for what used to be called an 'Art foundation Course' it will allow her to create a portfolio to apply to uni if that is what she wants, it will allow her to try different 'art' subjects photography, silk screen printing, life drawing etc.

Congratulations to her.

Did you get is sorted? I am not far from you and have a couple of ideas. DM me if you want. Hope you get it sorted. Congrats to her on excellent results. So frustrating for you all!

Apologies, not read all the thread, but without a pass in maths she'll obviously have to go somewhere where she can do a resit and most schools don't do this. It's worth a re-mark but doubtful that would happen in time for her to get the exact course she wants.

You're probably limited to FE colleges rather than schools so you'll have to do a thorough search of what courses they are willing to offer her. BTec Art or Art and Design is possible, there are various different levels and courses with different contents, just make sure it is at a high enough level to be useful. Perhaps you can see if her school can offer her help and advice, they can tell you about options?

Eh? Why are they saying four A levels? Most Unis look at three - have you checked what she needs?

She passed maths. A five is a decent pass.

I'm not in your area but my eldest is doing A Levels at a FE college and I'm sure your DD would get in to do A Levels with those results. You can also do something like 1 A Level and a BTech. Chemistry doesn't sound like a good choice for her though.

Foundation Art Courses are for post Level 3 and 18+ not instead of L3, so she would need A levels to apply.

OP, definitely look for a BTEC/A level combo - or even a L3 Extended BTEC. My DD's results were unsurprisingly all over the place (very SEN) but she did a BTEC instead of one of her GCSEs and it was a brilliant fit.

I'd try this. If sh has to.do a forth go for Extended Project as she can do it on anything she likes.

An 'Art foundation course' is the old name, nowadays it is a BTEC. The very qualification you are recommending.

I think you are misunderstanding a 'foundation year'.

Have you looked at Hampstead Fine Arts? Might suit your DD. Some of my daughter friends go there and I think they are very flexible and good for kids whose leanings are more creative.
https://www.hampsteadfinearts.com/join-fac-uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22724944259&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8KrFBhDUARIsAMvIApbNav48AYBYAhrFXuMqUO0X_e5Nh3GeIuCbT3Tuxl2xLVGqeWtMXN4aAlWOEALw_wcB

I think there is a L3 extended Diploma UAL or something similar. My DS was considering doing it last year. There are loads of creative courses with various pathways and they work on things like portfolios which would be useful for an arts based university course. Those results are good though. Just because one school wants higher than a 5 to do a non maths based A Level doesn't make them bad results. As long as they get her onto the next level that's all that matters.

I did an Art Foundation - after my A levels.

Here is one - they want A levels, not GCSEs.
https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/communication-and-graphic-design/pre-degree-courses/ual-foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design

Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:
Portfolio of work
Personal statement
1 or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
A Level or equivalent
Or equivalent Level 3/EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Certificates - 2 at ‘Higher Level’ and 1 at ‘Standard Level’ - all grade 4 or above

And 3 GCSE passes including Maths and English at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)
Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement.

I've just clicked the link you put. The first thing it says is "This intensive 1-year Level 3 course gives you the chance to explore your creative practice in different art and design disciplines. It will support your progression onto undergraduate studies."

Look, the exact same qualification taught at an FE college

https://www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-3-diploma-and-extended-diploma-in-creative-practice-art-design-and-communication-2/

Entry requirements

• Have five or more GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above
• Attend an interview at the college
• Present a portfolio of recent art and design work which demonstrates your interest, enthusiasm and commitment to undertaking this level of course

The UAL foundation though is generally done after A levels - students who have done a 2 year creative BTEC extended diploma generally have a decent portfolio so don’t need it. Those that haven’t can still do the art foundation. Unlike other level 3 courses it is funded for students with prior Level 3 quals.

That’s not the same qual btw!

She may enjoy a BTEC more in the future
if you can find any options.

I think we c are talking about 2 different courses. There is a L3 ual course as well. It's a 2 year L3 diploma