Year 12 preparing for AS levels

[HSMMaCM]

Here we are everyone.

DS inadvertently signed himself up to go to a debate on the EU at the local private boys' school tonight because he walked into his lesson late, lol! Not so lol for me though as I have to take him there and it's miles away.

Thanks for the EPQ info Littleham - he will have to start it at least because it is compulsory for all those doing only 3 subjects. Having just finished my own Masters dissertation I completely agree with the idea that you need to love your topic because by the end you will completely detest it.

Fairenuff - I was hoping that by going to some RG unis, DS might become 'inspired' to work harder (as if...). Maybe I should use reverse psychology and take him to some grim places as a dire warning instead.

Hadn't heard of the Headstart courses. Just had a look at their website and they look really good.
Ds is doing something similar at UEA. It's a 3 day residential chemistry summer school where they get an introduction to university life and lectures. They also get advice on choosing a course, what a chemistry degree can lead to and tips on what should go in their personal statements.
Their are some good schemes out there.

DD has mocks this week and she's ill :( She's going in anyway and then coming home after the exam.

Has anybody else applied for a Sutton trust residential for their DC? We're waiting to hear if DD has got a place.

DD thought about doing the EPQ alongside AS levels, I told her not to - I had to do a research project in my penultimate year at university and it was hell on Earth.

I think some uni offers say that you can drop a grade on the offer if you get a top grade in EPQ.

My DD didn't do one!

Camboricum - I thought Sutton Trust was only for those whose parents hadn't been to uni or who qualified for an EMA bursary?

Ah dingit, that's why I haven't heard of it!

Glad to say that when I met DS1's HoY she was very supportive. I had been concerned that if DS messes up his AS exams he would be kicked out. (It's a super-selective GS with a keen eye on its league table position). But given his situation, they will keep him regardless.

DS1 might take the "scenic route" to university (possibly re-taking AS exams or even re-doing the whole year) but at least I know that these options are open to him without him having to change schools.

That's great news namechange.

Yes, I'm very relieved.

Some of these residential opportunities sound interesting - I might look up Headstart ....

That's a relief namechange. Good luck to him.

No, mocks are not moderated, generally the grade boundaries from the previous year are used. This is usually accurate. However this year, we don't know how the change in specification for chemistry and the added practical and maths content will change the exams.

In terms of teaching, it is much the same, apart from the way we record practical work. However I would describe the examinations as a little chaotic because we truly don't know what they will be like. The specimen papers are really tough. We are hoping that the grade boundaries will be lowered to match with the distribution.

Chemistry is tough. PP are correct in saying that maths, physics etc are not easy either. However, students are not usually prepared for the depth of knowledge required, the mathematical understanding or the ability to just memorise things like reaction mechanisms. It has come as a shock to a lot of our students.

That's helpful to know mrsfluffy, thank you.

mrsfluffy that's really useful and interesting, thank you. Can I please pick your brain and ask, how do you think students might best bridge the gap between GCSE and A level Chemistry, realistically? Even the ones who got A*/A at GCSE, and are flying at Maths and other sciences, are not managing at all in my DS's sixth form.

What is the solution? Is there one? Is it the case that that Maths and 3 science A levels is now too much to take on?

Well we've had a right old performance here in Casa EricNorthman this morning!

DD has to leave school at lunchtime to go to this poetry thing in Cambridge. Had she packed a bag? Of course she fecking well hadn't, so this morning was spent with all hands running around searching for chargers, coats, PJs, cash...I literally grabbed the (still unpacked) suitcase DH came home with on Sunday, dumped his stuff on the floor and chucked DD's stuff in!!!!

Why oh why, would she not pack last night? .

Poor you. I only have one dc with forward planning skills. The other three are work in progress in this area of life. I think it is the norm at this age.

dd3 wants a cabin bag for a trip. You would think this was easy but she is the Goldilocks of suitcases. It has to be
just the right size - not too big, not too small
just the right material - not too hard, not too soft
just the right colour - not too boring , not too wild
just the right lining
Funnily enough just the right price was not a major consideration until I raised it!

I did ask whether this level of attention was going into AS Level preparation.

Was there screaming?

Eric Did she not pack last night because she couldn't be bothered/forgot/thought she could do it this morning?

Littleham, is she paying?!

Sharing the cost 50 /50.

Things are gradually settling down again here after the fall out day from mocks (results) yesterday. DD and DS were back to laughing again on way to school this morning, and DD agreed when I said it's good to laugh - better to laugh than cry she said!
Also DD has told her friend (job-share) that she's going to quit job tonight, giving a week's notice - so all being well only a few more evening shifts to go and will be free of that rather un-necessary extra burden by the Easter hols. Hopefully in time for lots of revision!

So, to report back, DS is going to take the scenic route and three years over his A levels. His Maths teacher was encouraging about it as he wants a high grade, and it's not all that uncommon. We have withdrawn him from doing AS this year or else he would be forced to declare the results to UCAS and if he resat to aim for a better AS grade, it would restrict the grade ceiling to A (not that I can envisage an A* even downhill with a following wind).

@ your "downhill with a following wind" cresset All the best to your DS with his plans. It's so interesting and reassuring to read about the diversity of things possible and different paths people follow. Really much needed here after yesterday's results of mocks.

DD is still being fairly traditional and hoping for a Uni place after 2 years of sixth form, though she has mentioned gap years and re-takes - I think mainly for reassurance. I was very glad to hear her determination yesterday that "I will go to Uni" even if she has to do re-takes.

I'm hoping she can have a fairly smooth run through though, and will be able to get a place somewhere we are all happy with - especially her of course!

EricNorthman I can completely trump you on the disorganised stakes I'm afraid. I just dropped DS off for his one lesson today and here is a transcript of the conversation en route.

Me: Stop faffing about, put your shoes and socks on in the car, we're going to be late
DS: OK
Me: Have you got your socks on?
DS: Yes
2 mins later....
Me: Have you got your shoes on?
DS: No
Me: Have you got your shoes with you DS? [he has form on this one]
DS: No, I've forgotten them
Me: %!!

I mean, FFS!!

Sorry but I laughing about the missing shoes.

DD said she didn't pack last night because she was knackered. I mean sure she did have a tech run of the AS drama practical all afternoon and it is a fairly heavy piece but all she needed to do was slam jeans, knickers etc in a bag!

To top matters I now have to take her to Cambridge. The teacher who was meant to chaperone can't go until tomorrow.