Thread 45 GCSE Covid Cohort - Bunnies bouncing into Spring

[OrangeCinnamonLatte]

This is a support thread for our young adults post GCSEs 2020, regardless of their educational setting, and their results ( or life updates for those who went into work or have had results earlier). It is respectfully requested that all are supportive and helpful to each other. If you want to start a debate, e.g state vs private, uni vs employment please don't within this thread.

Some of us have been here since first thread back in yr10, some will be new. Everyone has been friendly and helpful in the past. Everyone is welcome. It is hoped this will continue. We were previously on the secondary board and then further education, now we shall be here in 'Parents of Adult Children' gulp

Our DS/DD may continue down various pathways ( employment, apprenticeships, higher ed). Be warned there might be lots of 'Uni Freshers' chat this time of year. My experience is that everyone is welcomed wherever, whatever their child is doing we have some in work, gap years , apprenticeships etc too. Lots of contributors with different experiences and always sympathy and advice to be had

previous thread

Yes, I did that when I got the flowers yesterday.
He has just phoned me and apologised for being late in the day!

I really am most impressed with them this year 😍.

@singingstones Glad yours have stepped up too 😊

Dh's dd has decided to stay another night. So ds2 is home too. I was going to say I'm pleased he's home. But he's been playing on his pc since we got back. Ds2 bought me a bunch of flowers and a bunch of daffs. plus chocolates. Ds3 bought a plant. Ds1 did a FaceTime call from NZ. I didn't expect anything from him...he doesn't bother when he's home, so I knew he wouldn't sort anything from NZ.

@mummyinbeds what was out about Sheffield that she didn't like?

Conversation between DS1 and 2...

DS2 : it's Mother's Day this weekend
DS1 : oh, is it? Right.
DS2: shall we organise something like a card, flowers?
DS1: that isn't a thing. Literally never seen a card in the shops.
DS2 : oh, if you're sure then?
DS1 : yup. I'll just mumble at her on Sunday.

Sigh.

@NCTDN the city was too busy for her. She knew she'd prefer a campus but the Sheffield course sounded worth the application (and she didn't think she'd actually get an offer)

@Piggywaspushed I agree she should go to Aberystwyth but the final decision is hers. She's done the train journey which didn't put her off, even with a replacement bus from Aber to Shrewsbury. I'm slightly concerned I can't get there quickly following the few months I've had with DS but I have no reason to think she'll struggle. DH thinks she should go to Keele, but he didn't visit Aber and is biased having spent 5 years at Keele.

Oh dear @Piggywaspushed 😫😂 You'd think ds2 might have sent a card?!

Ds managed some nice roses and 2 boxes of chocolates... also, a My little pony card in which he'd written 'thank you for being a great mum and whatnot' 😂 Dd sent a nice personalised moonpig card and ds is awaiting her contribution to the chocolates and flowers!

@mummyinbeds I think if she knows Aber is what she wants, she'll absolutely love it there. She's obviously not after a city, so the fact it's a bit quiet and isolated will suit her. My dh went there and generally really enjoyed it. I did the train (from Brum) a few times to visit him and it's very scenic!

For parents of boys, where did you get their suits for prom from (if you got as far as buying one)?

Bought the original one in TM Lewin so that he could get measured properly but they are now online only which is a pain.

DS1 needed a suit recently and got a good one in TK Maxx, good brands at low prices but it’s random whether they will have your size. DS2 temporarily outgrew his nice suit in lockdown and got one from Matalan that was actually fine. Since he has been back exercising, he now fits back in his TM Lewin one though which he prefers as the material is a lot nicer (was also a chunk more expensive though).

We went to Next - they never seem to have exactly what he wants in the right size but we went to the shop anyway, established what sizes he needed by trying on random trousers and jackets in a couple of different fits, he decided which colours he liked, and then I ordered the favouritest that was in stock online. Not too expensive and they deliver quickly. I think they come and pick up returns too.

Thank you. DS isn't bothered about getting one but I want to be organised.

@NCTDN we got DS’s in Slaters (gents outfitters) if you have a branch near you. Not the cheapest, but the service was excellent, we walked in, explained what we wanted, the assistant took one look at DS and brought out the perfect suit, perfectly sized, helped choose a shirt and tie to go with it, all done in 20 mins.

That sounds like his sort of shopping!!

@cariadambyth thank you, is it your DD that is doing history at RHUL? DS applied for it there and I remember someone else on the thread had a DC applying for the same course, DS went somewhere else but we were impressed with it both then and now and it’s only 45 mins drive from here (although tricky by public transport, three trains, 2 hours).

Card from DS and card and pack of liquorice allsorts from DD (my absolute favourite and no one else likes them so don't have to share😆). DS rang me during his lunch break - we were in the restaurant with my mum and mil so couldn't hear a word, but it's the thought that counts!

@NCTDN Prom suit came from Next. Also had one from here before https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/sale/suits They have real shops in outlet villages.

@EasilyDirected yes, she is doing History and is really enjoying it. She’s just had to choose her modules for next year and is finding it difficult as there as so many that appeal to her. I’ve been very impressed with the quality of marking and feedback on her essays.

DD came home for the weekend so we just took her back. She’s coming home next weekend too for Easter.

After a rough start and being unwell for most of the start of her uni experience, she’s able to enjoy things a bit more.

Glad things are on the up for dd @BlueMarigold . I think this group demonstrates that the first year can be tough for lots of reasons - there’s a few who’ve had physical and/or mental health issues this year as well as those who had to leave for various reasons.

So many people seem to be back for Easter already. DD has another 2 weeks of term left.

So does Ds. He just came back this weekend to gig.

DS also has two more weeks until Easter hols. Then just two weeks off.

Same here, two more weeks then two off for Easter. The last week of term is reading week.

Ds arrived back for the hols late last night: the perfect Mother’s Day gift!! Keeping up with everyone’s news but apols for lack of posting - busy with work atm!