GCSE 2018 (7) [wine][wine][wine][wine]

[mmzz]

A new thread to take us through the exams
Link to old thread

mmzz , EllenJanethickerknickers, Oratory1 Thanks so much - I was very nervous an anxious about posting that.

DD2's school positively discourages 5 and even counsels that 4 is too many: EPQ's are offered but not pushed. I was taken aback by their approach (in a good way) and it's a trend that's made me feel happier about her forthcoming "A" Level journey.

sost sorry, why do you say the EPQ is unrelated to what they stuy? I thought the whole point is that it is related and that they are free to choose the subject.
Can someone confirm please as I am now confused and worried. DS would definitely choose to do his EPQ music related.

The sixth form DS likes best does still allow 4 depending on GCSE results and the combination of subjects. It’s a very large comprehensive sixth form so they have the numbers to offer a very broad range of subjects. DS has narrowed down his subjects he must do well in to maths, English and biology to make sure he bags a place on psychology A level!
I think this has been and will continue to be an amazingly supportive thread and very much enjoy hearing about all the dcs - it reminds me every day that teenagers are amazing people!

DS will do 4 A levels and that is the norm at his selective independent. Occasionally boys drop the 4th but that's very rare.

The range of subjects is quite standard so boys who want to do something non traditional tend to go elsewhere.

8/9 typically required to do the A level - 9 for FM.

I'd second the ask to be non judgmental about 'other' types of schools. I hate the threads that turn into state v private arguments. When it comes down to it we'll all parents who are doing the best to support our DC and trying to support each other.

cherryburn Thanks very much
Oratory1 - I didn't think your post was a "dig"

DD'S school is selective but prides itself on its holistic approach ..so grades are a little more relaxed for A-level acceptance..it does tend to offer a wide range of A levels from Classical Civilisation to Textiles including Politics and Economics and Drama...it also offers the IB. It's losing a lot of this year's cohort which is lower than other years - largely because it was merging with another girls school 9 years ago and lots of parents were very indifferent about the merger.

DD intending to do 3 A levels in her words - How on ever do you think I would manage the workload of 4? (which I totally agree with - she knows her own strengths and weaknesses).

I cant actually see any of my educational traits in DD...I was Maths/Economics/Accounting based and funnily I didn't go to Uni but also managed a team of 4 guys who were all graduates in Financial Services sector for many years.

Stickerrocks can you please stick around when this thread (hopefully) moves on to Y12? DS is doing Economics (and Maths & History) A Level!

Re: EPQ, It's not supposed to be a repeat of an A level topic. Can be loosely related but should be different enough from A level choices to be considered a separate area of study and research. E.g., DS did Physics A level but his EPQ was on the history and design of rockets, so related but not just something he was being taught in A level lessons.

DS has hit 70% on Tassomai Chemistry paper 1 as of 30 seconds ago! It has been a huge slog. Fingers crossed its enough!

Thank you for the recommendation, @Teenmum60

No grammar schools near me.

I guess I live in a different world to some of you.

I'm not knocking. Just glad my DS doesn't have that pressure.

@brainmelt Re: EPQs I was told (by the current school) that they could choose anything they like, but its a really good idea to choose something related to the degree course you'd like to get on.
If nothing else, it provides something to talk about at the interview.

Ha ha, mmzz. That's roughly the same as DS3 who has had it since January!

All stats taken off their website (although obviously there's a difference between Oxbridge & The University Down the Back of my Sofa offering a degree certificate through online study and a bit of plagiarism). Typical intake 2500 with around 50 off to Oxbridge, but basic 5 GCSE entry requirements. The neighbouring 6th form has slightly broader courses & results.

If my 19.39 post offended anyone, I will eat humble pie for the next couple of pages until we hit a new thread. Could it be this evening and which one of us will get it started this time?

Bit of sympathy here please. DH is doing a GCSE.

brainmelt re EPQ most use it as an extension to their studies. So it's an opportunity to show real interest in and engagement with a subject, but doesn't need to be (and in fact shouldn't be) within the narrow confines of the A Level syllabus. DD didn't do one because she did Pre U English (her degree choice) which requires a Personal Investigation element which is very similar.

@Sofabitch - there are quite a few grammars in London (SW) and in Kent plus some in Hertfordshire. I think you get a lot of Mumsnetters from those areas so maybe that's why you hear more about them on these boards.

Kudos to your DH, change, rather him than me, my brain (and eyesight) has gone to mush.

Which one is he doing, Change?

Grammars in Birmingham and Gloucestershire as well.

@Changebagsandgladrags - your DH is doing a GCSE? My DH just announced he was sure he could do biology - cue hysterical laughing from children. They decided to test him. He was rubbish!

EllenJanethickerknickers I've been a slave driver when Tassomai is concerned. Every time he sits down, I suggest he just does one more quiz.
According to the counter on the website, Ds has answered 4700 questions since 23rd April.

i was impressed with the way Biology 1 just dropped off the website as soon as the paper was finished.

We cover law, accountancy, maths, a science professor, multiple Oxbridge degrees, a humanities tutor and history just with me DH & our siblings. There was a far chance she would inherit some of those traits. But will she ask for help? No, she's determined to do it all herself

Colyton grammar in Devon too.

Yes, spill the beans Change. I teach grown ups and my normal approach is to tell them to revert back to their GCSE days and not bother emptying the dishwasher in the exam period. Alternatively, I tell them to get a grip as nobody has ever died taking a professional exam. Which type of support are you offering him?

No state grammar schools within 50+ miles of me.

Nearest independent is 31 miles and girls only.