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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

BTECs starting 2015 - General support thread

692 replies

TeenAndTween · 26/08/2015 16:21

Is there anyone else around whose child is starting a BTEC rather than A levels? Should we stay on this board or move to Further Education?

My DD has enrolled for Travel & Tourism.

OP posts:
SugarPlumTree · 11/12/2015 07:32

💀 for depressed and 👺For fed up? FlowersFlowersFlowers for you, this sixth form malarkey is definitely more trying than anticipated. DD was marked at present at one lesson on a day she was at home sick.

Kez100 · 11/12/2015 23:24

Oh gosh. I'm sorry to read all of this.

You must be so stressed by it all.

Kez100 · 11/12/2015 23:25

Often in sixth forms they sign themselves in - all manner of high jinx go on.

GasLIghtShining · 11/12/2015 23:41

Best to mark as present when you were not than absent when you were there!!!

GasLIghtShining · 11/12/2015 23:49

Sugar It will be better if she can see the two years through. She will just a bit older and also have a better level of qualification. As long as she is happy.

SugarPlumTree · 14/12/2015 07:40

I agree with you Gaslight. Wouldn't like to say at this point how things will pan out though. She did talk about the possibility of continuing and doing an AS alongside it in year 2 but very much a case of wait and see right now. Mine finish Thursday so on a countdown.

GasLIghtShining · 14/12/2015 13:43

You never know how things will go but the fact she is talking about a second year is a positive thing. A few weeks ago you would never have expected to hear that.

Finish on Friday here.

SugarPlumTree · 14/12/2015 16:30

Yes agree, one day at a time at the moment! DD finishes Thursday and DS finishes Friday,I told him it was Thursday poor thing.

Original poster
TeenAndTween · 14/12/2015 16:38

DD finishes Wed, as no timetable lessons Thur and the 2 extra things she normally does then have apparently been cancelled (I may email to check).

This term has been more stressful than summer term y11.

Anyway, I got 90% of the Christmas wrapping up done today. Smile

OP posts:
SugarPlumTree · 14/12/2015 16:52

Well done on the wrapping Wine We have to take our triumphs where we can get them at the moment !

I've also found this term incredibly tough. We've had a lot happen with our parents on top of things not going well with the DC and I feel I've aged a lot the last few months.

Kez100 · 15/12/2015 16:11

Not long now and you'll hopefully have a lovely break

minifingerz · 15/12/2015 16:26

Hi all.

Dd finished college on Friday but has chosen to go into her work placement (at a special school) for the first three days of the holiday. She's catching up on some missed days from a few weeks back when she wasn't well. She didn't have to do it - she'll still have all the hours she needs by the end of the year anyway, so I'm very proud of her for doing it as she could be spending the first week of her holiday lazing around.

This term has been such a success, I couldn't have hoped it would go so well. She's been getting top marks for all her assignments, loves college and has made loads of friends on her course (level 3 Health and Social Care). What a change from her last terrible terrible year at school.

Smile

I'm so enthusiastic about BTECS now - it enrages me hearing how snotty some people are about them. It's exactly the right course for dd.

minifingerz · 15/12/2015 16:32

Sorry everyone, didn't read back down through the thread.

Didn't mean to be Smuggy McSmugsville Blush

Anyone who knows my posting history knows that education has been a massive problem for dd over the past few years, so the positive change in her behaviour and her feelings about learning are something that I feel ecstatic about.

SugarPlumTree · 15/12/2015 17:22

Minifingerz we need the success stories so am delighted to hear how well your DD is doing Smile I remember your posting history and know how you struggled last year with her. All credit to her, she has done really well and definitely something to be celebrated.

minifingerz · 15/12/2015 17:33

Thanks Sugar!

eatyourveg · 15/12/2015 18:14

Hang on in there you lot. ds is in his second year and I remember writing xmas cards last year to relatives saying I wish he had stayed on at school.

Fast forward 12 months and it couldn't be more different. 5 university offers all within reach all he needs is just 1 merit and passes for the rest of his assignments. He is on course for D D D which puts him in line for a hefty scholarship and ucas points in excess of 3A*s if he had stayed to do A levels.

I never considered ds as a university type but the btec has really shown me how a different approach can bring out the very best in students who don't suit traditional ways of learning/assessment.

Original poster
TeenAndTween · 15/12/2015 20:43

mini and eat so good to hear some success stories Smile

OP posts:
GasLIghtShining · 16/12/2015 09:33

I haven't read your previous threads Mini but sounds like you have had a tough time so briliant news it has turned around.

I get what you are saying about people's attitudes. We get it doubly as not only is DS doing a BTEC but he is at the local tech not sixth form college. I am such a bad mother!

I am like eatyourveg. A year ago I was worrying how DS would deal with college since his work ethic at school was shocking. DS is has 4 out of 5 offers so far and and on target for top grades. Unfortunately the uni DS wants to go to is not offering such a good scholarship but I am hoping he will get something.

A few years back I was convinced that DS was not the uni type and that it would be my DD going. Other way round so it shows you never know how things will turn out

SugarPlumTree · 18/12/2015 13:16

One term down and we've survived ! Wine

Original poster
TeenAndTween · 18/12/2015 13:28

... just Smile

OP posts:
SugarPlumTree · 18/12/2015 14:38

College told them the first term hardest, maybe next one might be a little bit easier ?

Original poster
TeenAndTween · 18/12/2015 14:41

2 assignments to do over holidays.

OP posts:
SugarPlumTree · 19/12/2015 08:49

Oh dear, so no let up Sad

eatyourveg · 19/12/2015 10:10

ds has 2 assignments too but much worse is trying to find a 3 week work experience placement for Easter! His birthday is in the summer holidays and everywhere he's looked seems to have an over 18s only policy. Xmas Sad

GasLIghtShining · 20/12/2015 22:22

eatyoutveg Does it have to be sports related?