A level results disaster

[LadySadMum]

DS was predicted CDD which was low and based on not doing much work in year 12. However he really started working much better in year 13 and seemed to be getting better marks in his results for mocks and class tests.

So we were hopeful that he would get better than the predicted grades. He seemed happy after each exam, completed all the questions. There were a few questions that he said were hard but this is normal, right?

Anyway he got CEU. Obviously he missed his firm and insurance but it’s not even enough for any foundation courses.

The C is fine and the E was in his worst subject so can understand that. But the U is unexpected and I feel it can’t be right as he wasn’t that bad at it!

We’ve asked for a review to make sure all the questions were marked correctly and if it changes to an E that would get him onto a foundation degree. We made a mistake as we didn’t ask for it at the time (we were shocked and didnt think to ask) and by the time we contacted the school again they had left.

The exam officer is not available until next Wednesday now so it’s an agonising wait.

The worst thing is we’ve had to lie to everyone that everything is OK and he’s been accepted into uni. His grandad is ill and would be devastated if we said he failed. We also don’t want to navigate all their questions and worries until we’ve worked out the next steps ourselves.

So now we’re getting congratulation messages from all the family and his uncle is also visiting later today, probably with a present. It’s all so so awful.

First of all, don't panic. Breathe and calm down.This isn't the end of the world by any means. It's just bump in the road. There is always a way forward, and often more than one.

Bombing one's A-levels is frustrating and upsetting but should not be a source of shame. I think lying about it is a mistake. Failure teaches us important lessons. It's quite possible that twenty years from now your son will say this A-level disaster was one of the best things that ever happened to him. Handled wisely, it will force him to grow up, get serious, make an effort, and take responsibility.

Can't he take them again next year?

I very much doubt that his grandfather, who is ill and perhaps nearing the end of his life would give a hoot his grandson hadn’t received the marks he had been predicted.

i dont think lying is advisable as it brings more questions, pressure and the need for further lies at a stressful time.
Would have been better to say his results were unexpected and we are getting remarks and reevaluating. We woulds appreciate your support and some privacy whilst we work through this stressful time and will explain when we are able.
In your situation. get re marks, if no improvement resit and reapply.

He could do an apprentice or something now and a degree later. He's very young.

OP, I say this kindly, but you sound like a family that only says what people want to hear and not what they need to hear. From you son saying the exams went ok and answering all the questions then getting a U, to you needlessly lying to family. You could have said the results were a bit disappointing and so you are considering clearing. You have made the situation worse for your son and have set a very bad example. You need to stop the charade, tell the truth and create some space for your son to realistically consider his options.

You may be able to transfer later to a brick and mortar - there often a lower cashing out qualification after year or two depending on p/t f/t and course with OU as well.

We've started looking into it as may be in this poistion next year- but will likely mean contacting uni directly and asking if they'd take them - it certainly a cheaper option than foundation year.

The outright lying is probably not best - I'd have been very vauge saying not as good as hope and currently sorting and play interference for him.

Sounds like he needs to resit because those grades really aren’t the grades of someone who will cope with university. In fact, if he cannot get grades higher than that he has no business going to university.

Tell him it’s best to resit the year.

This is a very negative view point. And I take serious issue with the ‘no ability to do a day’s work comment. On average, Graduates earn more over the course of their lifespan, have better health and also live longer. University brings many many benefits beyond a job.

Although I agree it is not for everyone! Financially it is worth it, despite the awful debt.

A couple of thoughts:
Uni isn’t the be all and end all. If he’s not particularly academically inclined, there are lots of other great options.
A degree doesn’t necessarily guarantee a job.
The debt is huge.
The OU is cheaper - my daughter did it for next to nothing. It’s hard work, though, and requires a lot of self-discipline.
What does he actually want to do?

I agree. I also really agree with making him work part time - I know a lot of people say “oh it cuts into their study time” but in my experience (as a maths tutor) part time work can be a huge positive. It helps them keep a schedule, time management, helps them make new friends when all their school friends leave, and it also can build a bit of confidence (often knocked after bad results). Out of my students who’ve had to resit, part time work has almost always been a positive.

Also, you’d be surprised at the amount who need to resit - it’s all sorts of kids because in reality no one is immune to a fuck up.

Not really the same situation at all!

No we have already established that. I need perspective and I shouldn't have jumped in.

No bet still pretty devastating I imagine for your daughter. The work to get in to Oxford…. Exhausting

Hi @LadySadMum ... I understand why you have told people what you've told them. It's the least-worst option in the moment in your family circs. Most people turn out ok, sort themselves out, and it isn't the end of the world. He's young. 💐

I'd try to do whatever is necessary to get him into a foundation year somewhere first, but if that grade doesn't come up is there another route to what he wants? College course?

One thing I wouldn't do - unless he is extremely self motivated - is OU. It can be a lonely way to study for a young person, and many, many don't complete them. He needs to be with others, at University, college or work, so that he has the social and environmental benefits of that.

I agree that someone struggling to pass A Levels is unlikely to thrive in an even more demanding academic environment.

Not only is it more demanding, but you also have to be incredibly self-motivated to do well.

They won't chase you for assignments. You don't hand them in, you get a 0. You don't pass the year, you don't get into the next.

Hmm I am trying to find the right words - you don’t know what you don’t know…… so he may think he has done well because he doesn’t realise he hasn’t? If you know what I mean?
is he cut out for further academic study? After all that should be the point of going to Uni?
is he better suited to an apprenticeship?

She's one mark off the A so it's unlikely to go down that much

Have you considered local colleges that have a higher education department? I'm also in the north west (although in a very large city, I appreciate you may struggle in a smaller town) and there are local colleges with a "university centre" that teach to foundation degree and higher national certificates in computing courses.

They are alot smaller and also used to teaching students who struggled with traditional academics so it may be a good stepping stone for him to study there while living at home for a couple of years, then topping up to a full degree if he wants to.

My local college asks for 64 ucas points but is often very flexible, especially if his C was in thr relavent subject. Its worth a look.

One thing I wouldn't do - unless he is extremely self motivated - is OU. It can be a lonely way to study for a young person, and many, many don't complete them. He needs to be with others, at University, college or work, so that he has the social and environmental benefits of that.

I've studied with OU - and did undergraduate and masters at brick and motor ones - I did it round work and kids that usually why it's consider hard as it's round rest of life.

It does take some discipline but so does any study but if he working and having a social life I'm not sure it is a terribe idea as courses were well worked out and there are usually optional tutorials though many will be older. It's under 10% being 18-21 and 35% under 25 doing OU courses these days.

University as teen is about social and living from home but you can transfer after a year full time or p/t time and could give time to earn some money.

I would say ask lots of quetsions about any foundation years on offer - as some can have little to no contact with department and some can be very general - there are good ones out there - we have eye on a few but they are not all the same.

An 18 year old lad at OU? No, I wouldn’t recommend it. Especially one who has struggled in the past with studying.

DD has done the same with her degree result, with our blessing. Couldn’t bear the pitying looks and ‘oh but you tried so hard’. She’s obviously not going to lie to employers but sometimes family dynamics can be too much. It’s good you’ve got his back OP. Wishing you all the best.

He's probably got enough for UA92 - this is a uni in Manchester. Degrees are awarded by Lancaster which is a top ten uni. I have heard great things about it, it's very innovative and practical.

Maybe take a look?
University Academy 92 | UA92 https://share.google/pgVrr1hZbnkVsZPFP

If he has a C and E then even after a foundation course having the ability to achieve a degree is not very likely.

I mean this kindly OP but is uni right for him? If it were my son I’d be encouraging him to take a year out and really think about his future. Uni isn’t for everyone, it’s not easy and it’s not a given that if he completed a degree he’d get a job in his chosen field. I got A’s and went to uni, but now wish I hadn’t and that I’d pursued my passion and experienced the world a bit more first. Good luck, I hope he makes the right decision for him.

With grades like that he would really struggle at degree level. Find an apprenticeship instead he'll be more suited that.