GCSEs 2018 (15) The Reckoning

[mmzz]

thread 14
The next step of the all new GCSE journey.

The third no, I meant my children's school which is a comprehensive.

I wasn't taking aim at you, TheThird. I'm just very keen for DS1 to finally agree to say he's taking up the place at the new school and a bit concerned for DS2 who is about to start his GCSEs at the comprehensive but doesn't have DS1's drive.
I really want thinking about your school at all.

Autocorrect again. Typed "wasn't" , got "want".

Third - Lots of people criticise any type of selective schools - I think its great that you have seemingly found the perfect school to match your DS2's needs....same applies for mmzz with hopefully DS1's new school....and hopefully both will get to study at Oxbridge if that is their chosen destination because the route through State schools doesnt make it easy for these bright young DC's.

Hi all

Dogzdinner Thanks for information about Sitges. I have a week to get through at work and can't wait...!

I actually worked today and did 6 hours so that I can take the time off this week. Hoping for tomorrow afternoon off and take ds and dd to a nearby beach, complete with nature reserve, also pub with a bar that is decking jutting out on the beach. Also Thursday afternoon off....dd seems to be at a loose end friendship wise (she is only 13)

Ds is 16 on Saturday and he will spend his Birthday at the airport! Then in the evening he can have an alcoholic drink with dinner. I believe the rules on drinking at 16 in Spain are similar to here; they can have a drink if an adult buys it for them with a meal... when we get home it will only be 2 and a half weeks until the results.

Sorry mmzz I completely misunderstood.

I think today was my last day of marking GCSE exam papers. I have a sore arm from clicking on all the drop down menus over and over again...

Well, we are back from our adventures, ds glad to be home and planning not very much over the next 6weeks! That said, he wants a part time job and plans a lot of music practice (got a Geade 8 to fit in in Oct/Nov and from the experience of his last one he will need a few weeks to focus on technical stuff. Plus voice has broken so problems with the aural!)
Interesting to read the NCS stuff, I had considered it, ds completely refused and I didn't pursue as he actually does have stuff to do and I think after his consistent hard work over the last year a break will do him good.
Will catch up properly when not so jet lagged!

Interesting to read variety of approaches for Oxbridge from different schools. DS is holding a Cambridge offer for engineering - he had to sit a Cambridge specific exam in October but no STEP (sixth term examination paper - sat with a levels). We are in a city, and the university here run extra maths tuition for sixth formers, to gain greater depth in Y12 and STEP prep for offer holders in Y 13 (DS went to all as space even though he didn't sit step).

15 students in DS' year hold Oxbridge offers, a record for the state comp - they did hold lunchtime applying to Oxbridge sessions, and had representatives at uni application evening to explain the process.

Perhaps there might be PAT prep classes at your local university? Unis supposed to be raising engagement.

For DS1 they held STEP and the Oxford equivalent lessons (STEP is only maths these days) for any local DC who wanted to sit them. About 15 DC from around 8 schools. They happened to be held at DS's school, conveniently for him. His sixth form was really hot on helping them with UCAS, BMAT etc, but it's a high achieving grammar school so lots of medics, Oxbridge candidates etc. They have 30 or so go to Oxbridge each year and many more applying.

I have no idea how DS3's prospective sixth form help out. I know they are a very successful comprehensive so I'd hope they'd be good, but as this thread shows, that's not a guarantee.

DS2 is going to ask the head of Physics about PAT preparation. If he has no luck with him, the head of Maths is very supportive (and an Oxford alumnus) and the PAT is 50% Maths.

Your DS2 is pretty proactive (and brave) for a DC with ASD, TheThird. I am impressed.

gettinTrimmer - what a spooky coincindence, my eldest DS was 16 on the day we went to Sitges! And he had a drink there, that evening.

Hope you have a great time. I particularly liked it early in the morning when hardly anyone was around, went for walks around the maze of little streets and along the coastal path.

EllenJane Physics (and Maths) is his obsession, which is quite useful at times.

DD1s comprehensive doesn't get many into Oxbridge - maybe one in a year group - but they do have a very clear approach to supporting the application process. It was one of the things that persuaded us she should stay put rather than move to the "outstanding" sixth form who's approach was much less coherent.

Likewise ds's current school. They have 2 or 3 each year go to Oxbridge - however, they understand the application process and support with STEP, MAT PAT. I think that's important - along with the ambition for students. For a state school, they have a pretty good Russell group success rate.

DD decided not to do NCS ('I've googled the venue, and it looks like the credits from a serial killer film...') but has agreed to take over meal planning and shopping here for the week instead. Fortunately her older brother drives, as we don't have any handy supermarkets within walking or bussing distance.

I think DS's comprehensive send a couple of students to Oxbridge each year too, but for things like English Lit or other arts subjects, never STEM.

Not a clue how many from DD school go to Oxbridge, way out of my depth if any of my DC want to go! MN to the rescue

There seems to be a disproportionate number of kids at our DCs schools (not necessarily our DC) going to Oxbridge?

I have often wondered if we are all from similar backgrounds and whether our DC (and us) are representative?
Are we birds of a feather 😁
Our DC all seem very similar in their geekiness too.

At DDs school there are only about 30-35 girls in each year in 6th form and they normally have 6 or so to Oxbridge, 7 or so to med school, 3 or 4 to art college, the rest to RG except a couple who do something different eg navy/army/raf

I used to think that was unusual......now I am not so sure.

The 6th form college that DD was considering had their first Cambridge acceptance last year - that's the first EVER and there must be 250 or so in a year.

I had a quick hug from DD and then I was sent packing. She has told me where they are staying though. Strangely enough, my elderly parents had never heard of the surf hostel, so they are unlikely to turn up on the doorstep. DD can breath a sigh of relief at that.

Just think, in one month it will all be over. Perhaps I had better start practising saying "I'm sure you'll get the results you deserve" and "Nobody has ever died because of a GCSE result" speeches whilst she's away.

stickerrocks I know! A month today!

We have DS2 back! He had a good time and is 2cm taller than he was when he left five days ago.

DD is in a bunkhouse dorm with around 10 others, 3 of whom are from her school. She's used to her own space as an "only" and has a tendency to say what she thinks out loud in her sleep. This may not end well!

Is your dd doing NCS Stickerrocks? Mine is too. She was nervous of going on Saturday as they have moved the young people on her programme to another programme from at different area at the last minute. However, it seems she is having a great time. She has managed to do things that she thought she couldn’t (like get to the top of Jacobs ladder!) and rock climbing. Sounds like it’s been great for her confidence and she’s made friends. Shame they don’t do NCS for people our age 😀