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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Year 13 and struggling...

4 replies

Blogwoman · 01/10/2017 19:06

I'll try to make this fairly concise but don't want to drip feed. We're only a short way into the year and my DD is finding it hard to face going into school; just couldn't get herself together one day last week and saying she won't go tomorrow.

She got pretty good GCSEs on not very much work, moved schools for 6th form and liked it better than her old school, and made nice friends. Had several weeks off sick (including surgery & a spell in hospital) in the spring, & was given the chance to restart year 12 but adamant she didn't want to. Did badly in her mocks this summer, but scraped into year 13.

Has had some history of anxiety and had a few counselling sessions (through PCAMHS) in year 12 but didn't find that helpful & they decided she was ok & had resolved her issues herself. She's now been discharged from the service.

She has some barriers to her academic performance - so disorganised (despite best efforts), & seems to have some processing difficulties. We asked for SENCo assessment last year - finally done this term & not had the report yet but the SENCo said she'd definitely be eligible for extra time if she was still under 17, but as she's passed her birthday that's far from guaranteed.

Her social support network has changed; friends in the year above have left school and there are divisions in her friendship group, causing aggravation - and of course there's no escape as they're all connected on phones etc when away from school.

She would like to drop one of her A levels, leaving her with 2, but I'm not hopeful the school will allow it. She thinks 2 would be less overwhelming and she could still pursue her career plans (there are several ways in, at different levels).

I just don't know how best to support her at this point, and what the options are. I know I'll have to ask to talk to one of the teachers. Not sure what I'm asking you here really, but wise MNers sometimes come up with useful ideas, perspective and experience.

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Trying2bgd · 01/10/2017 23:33

I think it would be best to be open with staff about what is happening and see what solutions they have to offer. i would have thought most schools would be quite understanding and allow her to drop the 3rd a-level. Good luck to you both x

Blogwoman · 02/10/2017 08:05

Thank you. Good point about seeing what solutions school can offer. I tend to feel I have to solve things myself, but I'm at a loss. Wondering if I can persuade her to go to school this morning... She doesn't want a meeting with teacher about it but that will be forced on us if this continues anyway.

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Trying2bgd · 02/10/2017 09:30

Blog, I hope she did go in with you to hear the options open to her as it may help to overcome any feelings of anxiety over the short term future. Let her know that you and the school need her input so the right choices are made, as parents we are always here to support them but we are not mind readers!

Also once you get your Senco report schedule a meeting with head of sixth form to push for the extra time if you don't automatically get it. It does make a difference.

Blogwoman · 03/10/2017 18:07

Thank you, good advice. Just about managing to be in school. Hope we get the senco report this week.

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