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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

advice - resit plus essays.

10 replies

Misthios · 05/08/2024 17:18

DS has just finished 3rd year of a science-based degree (we are in Scotland and he still has a year to go). He has failed one of his exams this year, he is doing two subjects. Passed both exams first semester, failed one in second semester. DS has a (proper medical) diagnosis of dyspraxia and ADD. He is not medicated. He had his resit today and felt it did not go well, it was his least favourite / most difficult topics, he had a mindblank half way through....

Anyway, at the exam the university have set him 2 x 1500 word essays on topics he has been studying, due on Thursday lunchtime. He did not know he was going to be asked for these and is now in a total flap.

I have told him that this is an amazing opportunity, and that the uni has clearly recognised that not everyone demonstrates their ability through traditional exams. And that if he throws everything into these essays and does well, that might be enough to pull him through even if the exam went as poorly as he thought.

Am I reading this right, or giving him false hope? And yes, we are investigating getting him additional help going forward.

OP posts:
Motheranddaughter · 05/08/2024 18:56

Surely that is far too little notice

Bunnyannesummers · 05/08/2024 18:59

Are these instead of the resit or as well as? Which will count towards his final grade?
Did He ask for an alternative format?

Misthios · 05/08/2024 19:00

Test under time pressure though? One essay tomorrow, one Wednesday, proof read / tidy Thursday morning, submit lunchtime.

OP posts:
Misthios · 05/08/2024 19:01

Bunnyannesummers · 05/08/2024 18:59

Are these instead of the resit or as well as? Which will count towards his final grade?
Did He ask for an alternative format?

As well as. He is not sure what will be used for the final grade. He is hoping both.

OP posts:
titchy · 05/08/2024 19:22

As well as. He is not sure what will be used for the final grade. He is hoping both.

Ok - he doesn't know, and you're assuming it's to give him an extra chance. FIND OUT! This format shouldn't have been a surprise - why was it?

Bunnyannesummers · 05/08/2024 21:45

It sounds really odd, he needs to get clarity first thing tomorrow.

didyoudothat · 05/08/2024 21:51

Agree it sounds really odd. The assessment/ re-assessment requirements should have been explained in course materials right from the beginning of each semester.

He needs to get into the VLE (tonight) and look at the module information as well as the programme progression requirements.
He should also get in touch with the module leaders and programme lead to clarify his understanding. All as soon as possible.

Whatonearthdidyousay · 06/08/2024 17:12

Those are only 3 page essays. It should be doable. I think hope is the best approach.

CormorantStrikesBack · 06/08/2024 17:23

Motheranddaughter · 05/08/2024 18:56

Surely that is far too little notice

I’d assume the lecturers are considering it more as an open text book exam if he’s struggling with traditional exam formats. If so and this is a second chance that’s very generous of them.

Whatever is going on he ought to put in for extenuating circumstances, he’d probably need medical evidence so getting a gp appt to discuss how he’s currently struggling with his ADD might be worth exploring. This could mean if accepted he potentially gets another shot at the assessment.

poetryandwine · 06/08/2024 19:25

Are these essays part of the published assessment scheme?

If they are not, I agree that they are likely to recommend some kind of second chance or alternative assessment. I know last minute essays can be difficult for someone with ADD and dyspraxia but I hope DS is able to make good use of this opportunity.

Does he have grounds for Mitigating Circumstances? Is he receiving support for his diagnosed disabilities?

Best wishes to him

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