Certificate Presentation Evening - just students

[mummydarkling]

DS16 left secondary school after his GCSEs and is now at FE college. He was invited to his GCSE certificate evening and replied to say he was taking a guest (me). Now we have had a reply from the school office to say that this year the presentation evening will be "small and informal" and just for students. Has anyone here ever heard of a GCSE certificate presentation evening for students only? I am actually worried that parents will turn up and become disgruntled.

Why are you worried parents will turn up? You won't be there and it won't be your problem to deal with.

Neither of mine bothered going to the GCSE presentation evening, in fact I don't recall there even being one. There was for ALevels and you could take a guest to that.

Okay just to say it is an evening event. It seemed a little odd and disappointing to me. But maybe they are being reasonable. Just from a 16 yo pov why would you go if you are not even pleasing your DM by doing so?

I will review this with DS. He can decide. Might be nice to see his old school friends.

Thanks for perspective.

Nice to see old school friends.

After DD1's last year I am personally delighted I have a 6 year recovery time before DD2s. It was very very long, and no break.

Yes friend's son had this last year. Presentation of GCSEs was to pupils only one evening and they had a small buffet and soft drinks. There is no 6th Form at the school and it was like a mini reunion to see how they were all getting on at the various 6th Form Colleges.

My elder daughters' schools each have one event a year which is for post gcse and post A level students. Both big fancy affairs, guest speaker, parents invited. I've really enjoyed the three I've been to so far, tbh, and looking forward to dd2's A level one next week. (Looking forward even more to having her home from uni on Saturday )

Yes it is handing out the results from summer. I feel better about it today. Just a shock to be told I was not going by the school office.

Does sound a bit odd. Like you say, the whole point of these 'do's normally, is for you to have a bit of a proud Mum moment.

DS had a presentation evening; full of parents in smart clothes & kids in suits & even smarter clothes. Very much a celebration evening. Special speaker & all.

I don't think YABU at all! One minute schools want to work with parents in partnership & support the school & child's education - the next, you're not included in a celebration of what is a great achievement for all these kids and the staff that teach them? Not a great message to send out IMHO and they've missed the point/ a trick.

We went along to DD's GCSE (short but perfectly pitched) presentation yesterday morning & it was packed with parents ready to dash away at the end to get to work.

More significantly, I lost count of the number of 'cool' 16/17 yr olds glancing over for a smile/ nod of approval from their proud -blubbering wreck- DP.

FWIW I'd encourage him to go, celebrate and enjoy seeing his friends, knowing that you're thinking about him & so proud. And of course you should toast him during the presentation!