GCSE topics still not covered? how do I query with teacher please?

[wormshuffled]

My dd is currently stressing about her teachers ability to get them through her GCSE music. She is at a high achieving grammar school and achieved A* and A in all her mock exams bar this one. Only 1 in the class got a B, most including dd got a C with a couple of D's
Dd says the half of the mock exam had not been covered in class, she has started effectively teaching herself now using revision guides. She is supposed to have her coursework ensemble recorded by now, and for 6 weeks the teacher has been dithering with them, and claiming they need to be done at lunchtime!? Dd has attended a pre arranged lunchtime session twice to record and the teacher has not shown up, today she went to find her, eating her lunch, and was told "I'm coming soon" and never did.

Who do I query this with? The teacher? Head of year? Head? Dd doesn't want me to bring it up with the teacher as she's scared she will start being horrible to her.
I can't find a procedure on the schools website.

Anyone been in a similar situation please?

If you don't want to query it with the teacher, then my first choice of contact would be the head of music/performing arts - whoever is likely to be the teacher's line manager. It is certainly not good for your DD to be stressing in this way when the exams are stressful enough and there should be a clear plan of action for recording the pieces and completing the course.

Not sure about England but up here you would go via the Deputy Head who had academic remit.

Or you could go via your DDs Guidanceteacher (not sure what English equivalent is)

If it was me, I'd email the Deputy who has academic responsibility.

Yes, agree with noble - if the teacher has a Faculty Head (unless the teacher is the faculty head?!) then go via them.

My only concern there would be the faculty head not doing anything quickly enough?

I bet you aren't the only parent who contacts the school.

Thanks for your replies,Teacher is faculty head unfortunately, does year group head have seniority over faculty head do you think?

If the teacher is the faculty head then find out which Deputy is responsible for academic or curriculum matters.

Then e-mail them with your concerns.

And if you don't get a response go to the Head.

It is always fine to write to the Head, who will then pass it to the relevant person, probably a Deputy to deal with.
Write/email soon and phrase it in a positive way saying you would like to find out what is going on and are seeking reassurance, rather than in a hyper-critical way, but at the same time clearly spell out the list of concerns and ask for each to be dealt with.
I would end by asking for a speedy reply about all areas raised and make clear that you are willing to go in for a meeting if that is useful.

It is tricky and uncomfortable, especially when your child needs to continue with this teacher, but it is worth pursuing quickly as time is of the essence now with the end of courses being nearby. Good luck!

There will likely be a member of SLT who not only has academic responsibility but who actually line manages the head of music personally! It's them you need to contact.
Call, ask for assistance, ask for a call back ( most SLT member won't be able to speak straight away, but should call back before lunch) and then request a face to face meeting if you feel it necessary (I would)

Good luck you are doing the right thing.

Thanks ladies, I called and was put through to the year head, from whom I got the impression I wasn't the first person who she had had this conversation with. She is going to investigate and get back to me. I'm very pleased I have raised it, its just not good enough.