Fast track

[madaboutschools]

Would like some advice on GCSE's and being fast tracked to take some a year earlier. What are the pros and cons. Have heard that some Universities disregard any GCSE's, AS's and A levels if they've been taken earlier, when considering applications, because they want to see how well a child copes under pressure - taking all exams at the same time. Appreciate any advice anyone can give.

Unis don't like to discriminate against pupils because of the system in the school they attend. But they do like to see a good handful taken in one sitting; and generally will consider that bunch first rather than 5 or 6 others that were taken early.

Most universities don't give a toss about it. This gets debated often on MN & eventually someone will dredge up a link or 2 to the tiny number of courses where it makes the remotest difference to anything.

Holiday, I guess your right. I spoke to the French teacher today and she was very positive and convincing about fast track.

I think it depends on what will be done with the lesson time freed up by the subject taken early. If used to study that subject to a higher level, such as starting AS level work in yr 11, then it is a good thing for an able DC who will get a to grade in the subject taken early.

If, however, the subject taken early is then not studied for a year that is bad news for those who want to take that subject at A level as lots of knowledge may be lost in that year.

DD is taking maths GCSE at the end of yr 10 along with the rest of the top set. She is likely to comfortably get A* and yr 11 will be spent on starting AS work and studying for Statistics GCSE to be taken end of yr 11.

I'm happy with that and DCs from the to set have had no problem obtaining Oxbridge and Russell Group uni offers.

That sounds like good advice. Thanks for your input.