SEN and GCSE what to do next

[jeaux90]

DD15 is taking her GCSEs this year.
She has AuDHD and despite all the additional support and tutoring I think she will at best land at grade 4s/3s

I do not know whether to look at getting her into somewhere that will support her re-taking or what the right thing to do is about trying to get her into somewhere that will support her better through BTEC or CTEC.

She is at Headington and quite frankly I think they have been a bit crap with the merger of Rye where she originally was.

Anyone been in a similar situation? What would you do?

That's tricky, @48wheaties . I assume there are no BTEC options? The Criminology course ds did was a WJEC Level 3 diploma and he definitely found it easier than the A Levels in terms of concepts to understand - but it was a lot of work, as there were two controlled assessments.

Only BTEC sport , drama, computing and business studies. They have just dropped criminology, which is unfortunate.

BTEC Business is probably worth looking at - is it single/double or triple? If just single, she could do it alongside 2 A Levels. It would reduce the number of final exams and she’d have half of it done by the end of year 12.

@Arran2024 ah funny I did look at Frewen but it's a long way from Oxfordshire and I don't want DD full time boarding, just flexi as she's a bit of a home bird.

@crazycrofter you make a great point here, the place we are gunning for now the BTECs are singles which is a lot better for us. So the combination of the Criminology Diploma, Media BTEC, Photography A level plus maybe the Leiths programme is a winner we hope.

Really appreciate all the superb advice on here, I'm so glad I started this thread, not just for me but clearly this is a massive issue for many of us with SEN teens, private school or state.

Hey, that's a great idea, @crazycrofter they do offer single BTEc business, now i just need to convince her to do this. So it could look like A level sociology, biology and BTEC business which tbh sounds more manageable. To echo @jeaux90 thanks for all the advice too.

I think that’s a better mix for both of you @jeaux90 @48wheaties. It means fewer exams at the end. The Criminology diploma that Ds did had an exam in each summer (year 12 and 13) and a controlled assessment in the January of each year. The year 12 ones could be retaken the following year if grades were disappointing. I think BTECs have that option too? Whereas most A Levels are all or nothing, based on end of year 13 exams.

Is more studying really in her best interest?

Is this question to the OP @Nextyearhopes?

@Nextyearhopes not sure whether you are in the Uk or not but legally they have to stay in education until 18, and no an apprenticeship/study is not the right answer. If you read my PP DD needs time to mature and have a productive time whilst doing that. She is not ready for the workplace.

@48wheaties would you share your option or DM me? Just trying to ensure I have options

in the Uk or not but legally they have to stay in education until 18

Only in parts of the UK; they don’t have to stay in education until they are 18 in Scotland. But if you think SEN education is bad in England….

And even in England, if a yp drops out, nothing much will happen. Some local authorities will try really hard to engage the yp. But others won't do anything.

Would home schooling with an online provider work at all? I know you work and can be away for a few days but some 16 year olds could be ok with that. Or they stay with a relative during the trips?

It might give more options for courses.

It might be totally infeasible but thought I would throw it out there as an alternative.

Speak to Wychwood they have been brilliant with my daughter with SEN who is her first year of GCSES.

She was looking like she'd be in a similar position but they have managed to help her to being 6s.

They have always been known as being a very supportive school.

@JamesWebbSpaceTelescope thank you but it won't be manageable I'm sometimes in the US for a week and I need her to have some social interaction but definitely could work for some people.

@Sickoffamilydrama I did look at Wychwood but they only have a levels at sixth form which doesn't work for DD, heard great things about them and were my alternative to Rye originally. Really great your DC is doing well there.

I have pm you

How are things going with exams, OP? Are you any closer to nailing down a 6th form for next term?

would love to hear the update too. 🤗 How’s exams going for everyone? I felt really quite anxious before they started, but better now that they are under way. My DS is fairly upbeat, but just wants it all over. He really has no idea just how in-prepared he is. He’s working v hard and I think all we can do. Am not sure how he’ll fare, but fingers crossed he gets enough to do his BTECs. Good luck to everyone’s DC 🦸