Yr 10 and running out of time

[NaturevNuture]

I am completely at a loss with my DS. No problems at primary but stacks of problems with focus, behaviour in class and organisation from Yr 7 onwards. We've moved from state to private but it still isn't working!

Anyway, it's now GCSE time for the next two years and this child who should be getting grade 8/9 results is going to fail miserably. We are told he is super-bright and is interested in learning science, maths, english etc but only in his own way which just doesn't sit well in a school setting, he is disrupting the class by going off topic and disrupting others when the teacher is unable to indulge another sidetrack.

Anyway, his passion is music but not in the conventional sense. He plays but it's all self-taught and he composes modern pieces through music technology. We thought that maybe a music specialist school may be the answer but he isn't the grade taking traditional student. Any advice on where to send him? We live in Surrey/Berks but would consider boarding too.

We also considered hiring tutors for home schooling option, does anyone have advice on this? The clock is ticking and this is our last chance to get it right.

Thanks all

He is already 1/4 through his GCSEs though - is moving really a good idea?

Unless he has SN which prevents him from staying on topic I think he needs a good kick to grow up and stop being disruptive. Go on report to be signed off after each lesson, sanctions at school/home.

Yes he has an SN, we've also tried the kick and sanctions. Nothing seems to be working at present!

What are his sn, does he receive support and has he had an assessment recently? Unfortunately there is little scope or reward for creative approaches to gcse exams.

He is currently under CAHMS for ASD/ADHD and in a long waiting process and no, he isn't receiving much support at present in school.

I really was thinking that if he could spend more of his time on his subjects of interest then he may do better. Hence looking for either a music focussed school or one-to-one tuition at home where he can explore theories without issue.

Well it depends what he wants from his life! He can resist his exams!

Where does he want to be?

Has he been assessed for extra time. If he has processing, reading, writing speed issues, he could be eligible.

It's more the in class application that is the problem tbh, extra time could well apply but if he doesn't learn it in the first instance it's going to be pointless.

Astro55, he wants to be a music production engineer (music production, sound desk) that sort of thing as his first choice with science jobs as a second option.

He might be eligible for an LSA although in a private school you might be expected to fund it. Have you ever applied for a statement/ehcp? Is the school SENCO involved? Transfers at year 10 are problematic as gcse options are underway.

If you go on www.crested.org.uk you can find lists of inclusive schools that specialise in various SEN areas.

The Hammond in Chester has just taken in a couple of music students into Year 10. Later than usual and I guess they have to do a lot of catching up but might be possible.

Looking at Hammond website now! Thanks

Corialanusburt - link takes me to a web hosting service?

Just google 'crested' and you'll see the site near top of the page.