Parents of Year 11s - the end has been and gone

[BitOutOfPractice]

The thread that got us all through the exams is now full so here's a new one to get us through the nervous wait for results

Well done to all our brave Y11s and wish every last one of them all the best

Link to the last thread

Nickname an A^ is only available in Further Maths GCSE. It's a grade above A*. The vast majority of pupils never need to know about it, and it will be dying out in the next couple of years as all the GCSEs start following the new syllabi and award grades 9 - 1.

Well done everyone, dd1 is proudest of her A* which she was told was impossible on the controlled assessments unless she got pretty much full marks on the papers, seems she did!

I've talked to a few today who were similar, proud of the B in maths when they didn't even expect a C, scraping a C in English etc.

Re A levels , her sixth form is discouraging4 A levels unless one is an Arts subject with3 academic ones iyswim. She's doing 3 plus EPQ.
They encourage lots of EC activities , music, sport etc, most kids come out quite rounded which seems to be good for Uni.

Dgd managed 2A* 5A and 4B
Obviously delighted but the B for English Language was a shock (predicted A*).

Icouldbe huge well done to your DS. I've been checking back to see if you'd posted!

Laughing at the tales of woe that produced A and B, we had those too.

Mouse well done to your DgD. Will she look for a remark for the English? It's a shame when there is a niggle.

Our sixth form does 4 or 3 A levels depending on your GCSE score. I can see it working both ways. DD would have hated to have gambled on French as one of her 3, but DS would have been quite happy with his favourite 3.

DS is absolutely thrilled with his results - 12 A* and 1 A - he's actually most pleased with the A as it was in English Lit, which he was convinced he'd failed, or at the most he thought he'd scrape a C.
He worked so hard, so we're delighted that he's reaped the rewards of his efforts. Particularly since he took almost half of the exams in the aftermath of my Mum's death, including Geography 1 the very next day :(
Well done to all those who have worked so hard, and good luck in their next steps. xx

He should be very pleased with those sock, theyre fantastic. Sorry to hear about your mum

DS3 did fine, got the grades he needed to stay for 6th form at school which is what he really wanted.

Well done to everyone. Some fabulous results on here, not just the A stars but those, in particular, who had to fight to get where they are.

Dd1 did ok, passed everything including maths!! And got 3 As, 2 of which are for subjects she wants to study at a level.

DD very happy with 9A* 1A and a B. Virtually asleep on the settee now after a broken night's sleep last night with the nerves. Thanks to everyone for this thread, I've been mostly a lurker but it's really helped to read your posts and know that there were others out there going through the same things. Well done to all the DS and DDs for surviving this ordeal but a special well done to all you mums and dads for loving them through thick and thin and for everything you've done to get them through it

DD has collapsed on the sofa with a hot water bottle and the dog which is a pug so anyone who has pugs knows how loyal they are when your ill. Aunt flow has come dreadful end to the day, sick bucket at the ready being used a few times

8 A* and 2 As. here, very happy child and equally happy mum .Enrolled in college for his A level courses and just dropped him off at his mates house were half of Y11 are celebrating

Unfortunately my Dad's news is not good The DC don't know so I'm desperately trying not to look like I'm upset as I don't want to spoil DS's We are having a rethink about A Level choices based on DS's grades. He's got what he needs for his chosen subjects but is wondering about changing as one of those he wanted to study he didn't do as well in as he'd hoped.

This thread has been such a support over the last year - thank you. I hope we can continue as we go through the trials and tribulations of starting 6th form

oh I am so sorry 2Gorgeous, really sorry. Difficult choice for your ds too.

I agree, thank you so much for the support over the past year from everyone. I agree, I'd like it if we can stick together, it's been such a nice feeling here. We've looked after each other and the next steps are looking a little scary.

So how are people feeling after the first few hours? I'm absolutely exhausted. dd is feeling a little 'well now what!' and it suddenly hit her after she walked away from school that that is it for that stage. Obviously she will continue to see friends, and make new ones, but as they go their different ways it was pretty poignant for her.

Sorry things are so hard 2gorgeous. It's very kind of you to give your DS his day before sharing bad news.

DS1 was wanting to take maths, further maths, computer science and physics. He got a C in physics so he's decided to do chemistry instead. He might only do 3 though due to the whole resitting English thing. It's just that maths and further maths are only one subject (and he finds maths easiest) so it might be good to have computer science and chemistry too. The HT said he could do the EPQ instead but DS isn't sure. He isn't so good at writing up his ideas (or coursework) and might be better with an exam based subject instead. Luckily there's flexibility in the first 6 weeks of term so he doesn't have to decide for certain right now.

We are all chilling. We've had a celebratory dinner with DS1's favourite pudding (Eton mess - I even made the meringues myself). DS1 seems to be more excited that we finally managed to upgrade out broadband to fibre today (moving house meant we had to go back to cram speed internet) so he can game online to his heart's content.

Sorry to hear that 2gorgeous. How hard for you to have to put on a brave face when all you want to really do is curl up and cry.

Mixed feelings here. DS did pretty well over all, exceeded target grades and is happy (apart from music where one module for an F pulling him down from a B/C to a D overall -shall appeal that one) But will find out tomorrow whether it's good enough for his first choice sixth form to offer him the right subjects.

But DSD is disappointed with her grades. They're not bad overall (mostly bs) but she's at a very academic school where those results are poor and lower than they would accept from external applicants for sixth form. They also seem to be a lot lower than she'd expected herself. School say to speak to them urgently if you get those kinds of grades. DSD says it's all fine and the marks are all wrong and she'll appeal then I'm very worried that the school will turn round and say they don't think they're the right place for her, but we don't have a plan B, so would mean last minute applications to anywhere that might have her. Very worrying as DSD is not the most robust of kids at the best of times

Well done to all those who've made the grades they need

Oh, 2gorgeous I'm sorry to hear that. Unmumsnetty hugs

I hope we stay as we are through the next stage. Your support and advice has been invaluable.

Sorry to hear about your dad 2 gorgeous.

We've just been out for dinner to celebrate, just to brewers fayre but it's rare we go out as a family.

Cloudyday, it must be tricky to balance dealing with the two kids results. I hope your dsd does find the courage to talk to school. They will know her and hopefully be able to take her on with some support.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and messages. It's been hard today but my mum and dad are so proud of DS1 that they don't want to spoil his day either. They both rang him this afternoon to congratulate him and we are going to go out with them on Saturday night.

We have had a celebratory dinner of DS's choosing and are sharing a glass of champagne now. It's been a strange afternoon for DS1 researching university courses with a view to changing A levels.

Sorry you are having a mixed day too Cloudy

2gorgeous I'm so sorry.

And cloudyday how had for you all.

DSD has just rung. She's spoken to the school and they do seem OK about keeping her :-) They say she'll need to spend her free periods in supervised study/extra help which is good i think. And that she should probably drop to 3 A levels by Christmas. But very relieved that they seem to be saying she can stay