Daughter unable to progress to Level 3 after GCSE resits

[ThisTealWarrior]

Hi all, my daughter has successfully completed Level 1 and 2 of a vocational course. The sticking point are her GCSEs. Third attempt, got the results yesterday and has again received a 1 and a 2.
Her tutor has contacted her yesterday and said that due to these results she cannot move onto the Level 3 which she hoped to do.
DD is saying that it was never made explicit to her that she couldn’t progress without the GCSE passes. I had parents evening back in April and the tutor said she thought it would be a good idea to move onto Level 3. No mention of this being under the condition of a 4 in either/or both Maths and English. DD is saying that the tutor had implied that she could still move onto and just retake the GCSEs again. I emailed her today and she said her DD to come in on Monday to look at another course, presumably another Lever 2.

My DD feels blindsided as never expected to not be allowed to move on. She is much more practical than academic and is very upset. Do we just accept this or has the tutor been negligent in her communication so there are grounds for a complaint.

just thought I would get some thoughts on this? Thanks all

Surely you're dd should be aware of this? At her age many would be applying for universities and writing statements. Unless she had SEN, there is an element of independant learning at college and seeking out what requirements are needed for the next course. If shes redone these exams 3 times I would suggest an appreniceship
might be a better fit. As others said btecs are the equivalent of 3 alevels and if shes struggling with english at GCSE she will struggle with this course.

The requirements for the course she wants to do should be available online and not a secret. So it shouldn’t be difficult to find out. Sounds as though she is not in a great college anyway. If she has passed her beauty course can she not get an apprenticeship or start working in the field straight away. Some people are just not cut out for exams. Please also get an assessment done to identify any learning needs. If there is anything she will struggle through life unless she learns strategies to overcome her struggles and she may also be eligible for adjustments.

You should only have to resit GCSE if you get a 3, I.e miss by one grade. Otherwise FS should be offered.

My DS did a Level 3 BTEC with only FS English because despite 3 resits he couldn't pass GCSE. He is bright and can read perfectly well but, something to do with processing difficulties, he can't game the exam paper to get marks. He did need a lot of support to complete written assessment at college. But fortunately is now happy in a hands-on job.

This must be devastating for her. Was just listing to Lucy Powell talking about why this is so damaging to young people.
my DD got a 4 in Eng lang and still a lot of A level courses at almost all 6th forms round us are closed to her. Shes clever but ND

Yes i appreciate that the requirements are readily available but my point is they were not made clear to her. She went in on the last day to sign her paperwork for the next course only to be told yesterday it’s now not an option. My issue is the lack of transparency hence why I will be making a complaint.

Yes very damaging for young people. Limited options for young people who are not academic.

I know our issue is different but my DD got 10 4-6s and yet a lot of doors are slammed in her face. She’s only 16 & imature due to ND. It’s cruel
so I feel the pain for her

Why do people still say this? Apprenticeships are competitive now! They’re for kids with good GCSEs who just don’t want to continue. Not for the trades to pick up people who can’t pass anything.

You really want your electricians, plumbers, joiners etc to be able to do maths and read and interpret complicated instructions, guides and drawings.

Agree with @FillTheGoldenCupWithRoses they are very hard to get on

Usually FE collages offer essential skills application of number and communication instead of GCSEs. Having said that I had 152 applicants for 20 places on my course so I am prioritising those with English and maths GCSE

Not all apprenticeships require GCSEs, and many will accept Functional Skills

If your dd was getting 4/5s at GCSE A levels are not the best option - that’s not shutting a door in her face that’s honesty. Working for 2 years and then getting 3 Es is cruel, it’s much better she is on a level 3 course where she has every opportunity to succeed.
We tell young people they can get what they want and every opportunity is open to them and that’s not true - it’s cruel to tell them that.

She got one 4 in eng language and that’s the issue. Despite always being predicted 6/7 + and never scoring lower in any exams. No idea what happened but options change dramatically. She’s ND and 27 exams over 6 weeks was too much

If exams are an issue then A levels are not the right choice. The pressure of A level exams is awful. Most level 3 courses would accept a 4 at GCSE if she had 6s or some 5s in other exam based subjects. Sixth forms probably wouldn’t but most FE colleges would be flexible.

What employer would want someone with a 1 in M or E?!

Lord, I hate this bloody education system! I have never got my GCSE in Maths yet I have a degree and a Masters from Russell group Universities. I received a distinction in my Masters. I think it's a disgrace that you need a bloody Maths and English GCSE to do someone's bloody Hair and Nails!!!! It's oppressive! What have either of those exams got to do with it? I've managed perfectly well in my career without Maths GCSE ffs!

One who can see past exam grades to the skills of the person in front of them?

If we want less academic kids in work and not on benefits (ditto disabled people) them employers need to be (or incentivised to be) open minded and see the skills people have, and not only the skills they don't have.

A supported internship might be appropriate. There are entry level jobs becoming available as the government addresses the issues of NEETs. There are some level 1 apprenticeships, not enough though as employers won’t offer them. FE colleges do a lot of work to support these students, funding in FE is lower than sixth form funding despite working with immensely vulnerable students - mention it to any political canvassers who call at your door.
You are right though it is difficult which is why we need to focus on level 1 and 2 courses and reintroduce FS exams. Gove has a lot to answer for.

Michael Gove wanted everyone to have the opportunity to do maths and English GCSE.
Please use your vote accordingly.

Supported Internships are only for those with EHCPs. DD did one last year.

Unfortunately it was not in the area she had her Level 2 C&G and did not lead to a job.
Fortunately she was interested and was offered an unpaid studentship at the same place.
Unfortunately events have now lead to her not being well enough to take this up.

Well she is currently employed in a cafe. She serves customers, takes orders etc. but I will be sure to tell her boss to fire her because she only has a 1 in maths!
What a ridiculous comment!

My last post was in relation to this comment, very out of order and discriminatory. You are basically saying that anyone with any type of learning difficulties shouldn’t be employed.

Thank you, I totally agree. I wish the education system could see the skills and abilities that young people have regardless of academic ability.

It's a genuine question. Nearly all jobs require a certain basic level of literacy. Don't put words in my mouth and tell me I said people with LD shouldn't be allowed to work?!

Yes but a basic level of literacy is different to having a GCSE.
GCSEs are social constructs. They are a made up thing imposed by governments and educational systems. They are not a natural or physical phenomenon but rules imposed on society. They only have power and meaning because we are told that they do.