GCSEs 2018 (14): the aftermath

[mmzz]

Following on from www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/3275972-GCSEs-2018-13-Untwisting-our-knickers-lucky-for-some

DS's current school wants to know who isn't coming back for the sixth form. I'm taking that literally: DS doesn't know that he's not coming back for the sixth form. He wants to keep the option open, even if the selective sixth form is much more likely.

It's a bit odd. Thinking back, they asked at the very short interview and DS said diplomatically that it was his joint first choice and the teacher said, of course we hope you'll choose us. When we got the offer letter it asked if it's your first choice and I think they also ask for the name of your first choice if it isn't them. When I filled it in I put them as joint first. However, the form got lost and DS filled in another one, this time putting them as second choice! I'm fine with that, as I said, because they couldn't do his subject combination.
It is much smaller than the other two he's applied for by some way, so I totally understand if they have to restrict the numbers on induction days. And all three are rated Outstanding anyway.
Mmzz I reckon they knew all along your DS was going to get that prize in y11 and so did a weird thing of deciding he couldn't have it before that! I'm so pleased he finally got the recognition he deserves.

mmzz perhaps your conversations with the HoY have resulted in his ability finally being recognised? You did mention that the HoY seemed a bit surprised when you spelled out exactly how well he was doing at maths and why he wouldn't be at revision sessions.

DD1 is at her sixth form induction today. They had to dress in smart casual "as per sixth form dress code" but they haven't seen the dress code yet, so there has been angst! Hopefully all will become clear and then we can have nice shopping trip.

AChickenCalledKorma maybe. The HoY did seem surprised, but mainly I had the feeling that he regretted dialing my number! Beyond his relief in getting back off the phone, I'm not sure that I made that much of an impression on him.

Then again, something has to be different this year for Ds to be recognised. Maybe they just happened to stick a pin in his name? The person who got it last year turned in one of the worst mock results in the class (the teacher sent detailed results to everyone!), so whatever it is based upon, its not attainment.

@mmzz - you were right. She said that they were disappointed that she was considering elsewhere when they had offered her a scholarship and intended to run the Computer Science course just for her.

Told her it was a backup plan in case she has flunked everything (which is what DD believed straight after the exams but has since be revised to 'I think I got a minimum of a 6/B in everything'!!!)

Phew........glad she hadn't suddenly turned into the child from hell within 2 months. Still scary talking to the headmistress though- I reverted into an 11 year old being reprimanded hahaha

The pace of these threads has slowed enormously, but we are less than 50 posts off needing a new thread. Any name ideas?
GCSE 2018 (15) The Results-maybe?

I suggested 'aftermath' (because not all of our DCs went to prom) so I'll let someone else choose this time.

Tbf "the aftermath" has described this period really well. It's been induction days, proms, ncs, holidays and general chillin'

Just to update on DD thinking she had lost her job after just one real shift, she rang with her NI number, was asked back in and has done two hot but successful shifts in the kitchen.

She says it suits her because she doesn’t have to deal with as many people

What a relief!

How about “The reckoning” for a title? Too dramatic? Anything could happen here.....

Well done to your DD Peggy. It's great that she's ended up doing something that suits her better.

"The Results" still feels a long way off but I suspect the next thread will take us there, assuming the pace slows even more over the summer holidays.

How about something like "GCSE 2018 (15) Approaching August Anxiety"

I do like 'The Reckoning'

Thanks chicken. I’d been talking to myself about good parenting being supporting them when things don’t go well and resilience etc.
But I much prefer her keeping the job and not feeling like she’s failed already.

The sixth form systems some of you are negotiating sound really complicated!

EvenING! Well it's good to hear we are all still here and surviving. sos - hope you are feeling stronger - def no turf just yet.

NCS meeting for DD tonight to meet her group. They seemed happy (she is going with a mate) and looking forward to it. Start on 23rd.

Prom night tomorrow finally - clashes with the match ! Busy day of prep today and I have painted her toenails today! Hair and make up tomorrow and then I have to apply false nails ! Costing a small fortune. Piccie tomorrow night.

Nearly half way through July now ☺

DS3 is holding two offers. I think he's told his teachers that his current (old?) school is a backup and he really wants to move to his first choice. He has no tact so would just come right out with it! But officially he hasn't had to declare a preference. He enjoyed his taster day at the new sixth form and gave his old school taster day a miss. We've even bought some second hand uniform. Let's hope he makes his grades.

Sostenuto, I'd leave the turf until Sept if you can stand to. Autumn is the best time to lay it. The soil is still warm and it shouldn't be too dry.

My school breaks up on Friday. Sinfully early for a state school! I've not been enjoying getting up for work and leaving 3 DSs at home in bed for the past few weeks. We're off to Amsterdam on Monday for a few days then on to a Dutch Center Parcs for a weekend. Looking forward to it!

Hi all, just checking in - have been off grid a little bit as crazy busy with end of term productions etc - lovely to read about so many successful proms and parties, especially from those who were anxious about their dc going. And huge congratulations to all those winning prizes and awards, there must be some incredibly proud parents on this thread.
DD is finally properly relaxing now that the shows are finished and drama/dance/music has finished for the summer.
My school breaks up on Thursday (our whole county does) so I'm on countdown now!

DD has her induction at first (only!) choice 6th form and loved it - got all her subject choices and even most of her preferred teachers so she's very happy.
She's been shopping this week for 6th form clothes - the dress code is smart, office appropriate outfits in the school colours (grey or burgundy)

Hope everyone has been enjoying the sunshine,
Sostenueto sending love and get well wishes, hope you're feeling back to your old self soon. Garden is looking beautiful.

Tongue in cheek, I'd like to suggest the next thread be called "Don't count your chickens.." or "when the chickens come home to roost", based mainly on the smugness I have been encountering with DS and a few of his classmates I do like "The reckoning" as well!

Love 'the reckoning' too.

"The reckoning" is perfect!

I reckon it covers the hardworking DC who will be totting up their well deserved results and those who have winged it and may or may not pull it off

reckoning
ˈrɛk(ə)nɪŋ
noun
1.
the action or process of calculating or estimating something.

synonyms: calculation, estimation, computation, working out, summation, counting;
2.
the avenging or punishing of past mistakes or misdeeds.
"the fear of being brought to reckoning"
synonyms: retribution, fate, doom, nemesis, judgement, punishment, what is coming to someone

It sounds ominous, like the film title Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but, I agree, The Reckoning is a good name.
I'm trying not to watch the football on tv right now. Its 1-0 as I write. DS will be devastated if Croatia end up winning..

Perhaps it’s just my sense of foreboding (which alternates with optimism)

Football.. oh dear!

GCSEs it's been nearly two months since the first papers on 14th May, and only 6 weeks left until results day. Sometimes I think DS will have done well, other times I remember how narrow the grade boundaries are likely to be, but mainly I keep being reminded that DS2 is about to go into year 10 and I realise that I really don't want to do it again!

Prom evening! Busy afternoon with hair and make up and a minor upset with the make up not being quite right, but they went off happy! Two photos below!

Yes - football - oh dear!!

Wow. Beautiful photos. Love the Gameof Thrones look hair and the classy dress.