DD didn't get GCSE options

[El24]

Just found out from DD that she didn't get her GCSE choices despite currently being in the top set for the chosen subject. She wants to be a doctor and having the triple science option is key to her future ? this has been confirmed by several F.E colleges. I also found out someone who isn't in the top set got in. To say we are deeply disappointed is an understatement. I've already called up the school and been fobbed off. Is there anything we can do?

Thanks in advance.

Those results are weaker than our comp (which loses about 10% to the local grammar). We have about 30'triple entries and we probably have an average of B but any 6 level can take it and we always get 3 or 4 who smash out A* across the three.

Not sure about double because they don't tend to make the headlines but we do get clever children do double - usually where they love languages, humanities or arts rather than wanting a scientific career.

I w

.....I would have expected better triple results from a specially chosen small cohort, all who were at the top of their game.

Also, how can they have 'almost guaranteed' a triple study place when the number they choose sounds likely to be less than in the top set!

My understanding for medicine and Oxbridge science is that if triple is offered, you should have done it. hOWEVER, with results that poor across the year group at the OP"s school, unis. might apply different criteria - some admissions officers particularly look for results for an applicant better than their schools average or norm - so if the OP's DD does get 2 A*s at double science (and then everything else needed incl good BMAT scores etc) then perversely, she might be looked on favourably - it may come down to the individual school's performance.

I wonder if the triple results have a bearing on being studied in normal science curriculum time. Ours get the extra, what is it, 2.5 hours a week for triple? Whatever an option block give. By the time you pull out all the time needed for controlled assessments, maybe it's the choice to 'cram' it which is the problem. Or, at least part of the problem.

What type of school is this? Is it a comp? Those results look terrible.

Inner London comp.

I wonder if the triple results have a bearing on being studied in normal science curriculum time. Ours get the extra, what is it, 2.5 hours a week for triple?

The school allocates 15hrs per fortnight to the triple science group and only 10 for the dual award.

Then your daughter won't have fewer GCSEs if she does double because she will have two sciences plus another GCSE which she studies in the extra 5 hours a fortnight not being used for triple. Both pathways give a possible three GCSEs.

OP - Could the school be taking other levels rather than than just those for science into consideration?
I know at DD's school. as well as needing a 6 (possibly 6a, can't quite remember) for science, they also wanted at least 6a for maths and 5a for English.

Have you had any answers op?

There won't be any medical schools in the country that won't except double science because that would automatically exclude some candidates. This was the case when I applied to medical the year before last. I only had double science and still got offers (including from Oxbridge). Specifically for oxbridge it would certainly be better to have 2 As over 3As because your A% determines what BMAT score you need for interview.