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

I've just Had the strange sensation of putting all of ds1 school shirts into ds2's wardrobe. They go to different schools, so that's the only bit of uniform I can pass on.

Uni visits - aargh! Can't get my head around that parents go as well, and not just to provide the taxi service to the uni. I remeber having great days out visiting the uni's (ie. Going shopping in uni town!).

Ds1 results will also depend on where he will be going to six form. Went to second choice six form last week which he enjoyed, partly because he saw friends from junior school,days. Next week is the six form induction for his current school.

I'll be joining a future A level thread, DS doesn't have a plan for if he doesn't get into sixth form because the entry requirement is below his predicted grades. He has two taster days this week, apparently they have classes in the subjects they've said they want to do and some others as well, presumably in case they want to change their minds. I will be going outside for a scream if he changes his mind, the reason he's going where he's going is because it was the only place that offered the combination of subjects that he wanted (or that he thought he wanted).

DS1 started doing uni visits before starting Y12. It really focussed him. DD isn't at that stage yet though, it would frighten her off I think.
Induction days are next Tued and Wed. School is shut to all but present and incoming Y12 due to NUT action, so will be very quiet.

oh crikey, are we behind the ball Raspberry? I've just been looking a t some websites and open days are all just about done.

Uni! Sheesh. I need a breather.

He went Aug/ Sept. School did an Oxford trip just about now, and he wanted some comparisons. But, he was very firmly fixed on physics. DD definitely isn't ready to start, although I have suggested she looks at some courses over summer.

DS1 had to get PS organised early on as he had a go at Oxford (no joy), but was pleased he got his application in early in Y13 and could concentrate on A levels. I'd definitely recommend next June rather than the beginning of Y13 for open days.

that's worth knowing. Thanks.

A shiny new thread- perfect for coping with the stress of results day. We had an email today with the induction pack for ds1 preferred sixth form I just forwarded it to him. It seems more real.
Ds1 has been thinking post a levels as well over the last week, did the stress thing and is now prepared to discuss rationally.

Sorry I've been a bit absent, can I just leave this here as well.

m.facebook.com/Nohatehere-539596489498806/

It started in chat and has taken shape. If you can like the page and encourage others as well that would be ace.

nice link :)

DS1 had enough trouble deciding what A-level subjects to choose. And that was mostly done by elimination (removing what he hated and what he had no aptitude for).

In order to go to university open days, he would need to have some idea about what subject he wanted to study, and he isn't there yet.

That's how I feel. A levels are the ones least loathed. One will probably need dropping. Careers? Who knows?

Would be great for this to morph into a 6th form thread. Ds is taking IB, not A levels, but plans to go to uni in the UK so am sure we will still have lots of shared experiences.

Book handing in morning today or a couple of hours - no uniform! Prom this evening, hopefully it will not be raining.
Good idea about Open Days and thinking now about the future - we attended an evening specifically for A level students at the College she will attend and they had representatives from a few universities. Some gave talks which was very useful to get students thinking about their choices.

The local university is holding a taster day on Monday for Y11 students who think they.might want to study music. It's done through school if you live in the right county but as we don't DS will be independent and unchaperoned for the day. He does want to study music but he has to decide whether to go the university or conservatoire route. I suspect that an afternoon of music ethnography might go a long way to influencing his decision.

I so wasn't ready for all this talk of Universities just yet!! Not even sure where to start - DD has vague ideas about what she'd like to do but haven't even thought about looking at courses yet!
We'll definitely need help from you lot to get through the whole thing!

I've just dropped dd1 off at her 6th form induction day. She is very nervous

DS is at sixth form today, the achievements so far have been locating the bus stop and getting there before the bus did. My GoogleFu failed me and I couldn't find the bus route on line so earlier in the week I staked out what I thought was the route and waited for the bus to appear. I had forgotten that we were equally clueless when he first started school, he used to walk for ten minutes to the first stop on the route because we knew what time the bus set off, just not what time it was expected at the other stops along the way.

There is no induction at DD's 6th Form College but they have a couple of days at the start of term before teaching starts.

It is a fabulous college so I am confident they will lead on University stuff.

Exit that is largely our approach to uni too. However since DD is talking about doing medicine, I think we maybe need to up our game a wee bit. DH had his head completely in the sand regarding costs too. He was when I told him we needed to buy the A level text books...

She's back and BUZZING! Loved it!

I've just checked the college website and they had an information evening for Y12 parents this week, and have uploaded the slides onto the website. I cried at the video of taking your child to Uni.

Still, it seems they have a pretty good handle on it. Who knew you could study Business Economics with Gambling Studies?

Oh that's good news BOOP

I'm so relieved. She was so anxious this morning but now she says she's excited to be going back tomorrow. She only knew one other person there - a lad who is from a friend of the family's family iyswim. I'm so proud of her I could burst

She has to go again tomorrow? Gosh. They need a break don't they?

Oh BOOP that's fantastic, so pleased for her (and you!)

DD is staying at current school, as are nearly all of her friends, so she doesn't have to venture out of her comfort zone at all.

You are right to be proud of your DD, it's a huge thing at their age and must be so good for their independence and maturity. A bit of me wished DD was starting again somewhere new, but she loves her school so I haven't pushed it.

Hope others with 6th form days have had positive experiences too.