Am absolutely livid.......subject choice denied

[HopeNotFear]

DD going into 3rd year, thinking about a career in architecture so one of her choices for starting 3rd year was Graphics. She’s just been told this morning by her year head that the class is over subscribed and as she has also chosen Art, and they are similar she cannot do Graphics, she needs to choose History or Business Studies.

I am livid, DP is waiting for a call back from the year head to discuss but no way are we accepting this.

Bit of background, she works hard & is doing really well in all subjects, she received awards last year in Design Engineering Technology & represented school in a DET competition. She has spoken to her DET teacher and he had no idea she didn’t make the cut.

I realise if the school don’t have the places for all, some students will miss out but surely it should be based on effort / performance and not what other subject choices they have made. Had we known this, she would have picked something else other than art.

Anyone had experience of similar and how did you deal with it, what was the outcome?

Thanks.

I know three architects (one relation and two friends) and none of them have a graphics qualification but all are incredible artists.

It might be worth looking at architecture courses and seeing what the entry requirements are, you might be pleasantly surprised

I answered that this morning.

@BackforGood @rapunzelnot

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47924.html

SQA info on Modern Studies Higher course. Think the OP's daughter is doing Nat 5 year though.

Edinburgh Uni are looking for:

Glasgow School of Art guidance for a BA (Hons) in Architecture (above and beyond exam results - described the portfolio and interests required):

http://www.gsa.ac.uk/media/1555810/architecture-applicant-guidelines-feb-2018.pdf

Minimum requirement is ABBB (in one sitting) or AABB (two sittings) in Highers, to include English and Maths or Physics and preferably Art. These are minimum requirements though: typical offers are higher.

Thanks @stargirl1701
Looks interesting

Good grief, so many people ignoring the fact that OP is in Scotland!

OP, I’m pleased your DD has gotten into the graphics course. My DD wants to be a graphics designer and she’s planning on taking both Graphics and Art for her Nat5s, starting in S3. It’s a pretty common combination for that level and doesn’t limit your options going forward despite what some here seem to think.

I would put in Geography if possible. Many architects are very clued up about the environment and this would be more sensible than Modern Studies and beefs up the GCSE offering with a relevant subject.

Architecture courses are not that difficult to get on! Getting a job is the hard part!!!

In Scotland, so no GCSEs.

It doesnt matter whether she is in Scotland or not. Graphics isnt vital for architecture, and Op was unreasonable for kicking up a fuss on those grounds.

I think this thread is maybe now past it’s sell date, but a final word from me is perhaps overdue.

I have learned lots about what is / is not required for studying architecture, so thanks to everyone for the heads up. Also learned to do my homework before posting something on Mumsnet.

Just for the record, we did NOT kick off at the school, DP simply requested a call back from DD’s year head to discuss further, had he spoken to year head it would have been a very calm and constructive discussion on our part.

As it happens, DD got herself into the graphics class. After her meeting with the year head, she spoke to her Graphics teacher and the head of DET, neither of which were aware she had not made the cut. She thinks one or other of them spoke to year head & a place became available for DD. One of their arguments for DD getting a place is that they’re trying to redress the gender balance in this department & want to encourage as many girls to take DET subjects.

Obviously in an ideal world, all children would be able to study whichever subjects they want, but we know that’s not possible and it will be necessary for schools to continue to pick and choose who gets to study over subscribed subjects. However, so long as our DD continues to work hard and do her best in all subjects, then she will always have us to support her, and if that means having to contact the school if we’re not happy with anything, then we will do so.