No GCSEs

[Capara]

We're considering a move back to UK from abroad. DD is in Yr 10 now so thinking this would be tricky in until end of Yr 11 but that might be a good time. However, she's in the IB programme and won't be taking GCSEs. Obviously it's an academically rigorous programme and she's in the extended maths class which prepares students for higher level maths in the IB but aside from the school's assessment, there are no public exams (although they do use quite a few IGSCE textbooks) . We haven't yet spoken with any admissions of any schools because it's all a bit hypothetical at the moment but would her lack of GCSEs cause any problems in sixth form entrance?

I know this is what you said but I suspect it is hypothetical until you feel you can talk to some admissions people when you have a clearer idea of what may be the situation. Or speak to some admissions people and see what they may do in the circumstances even if they can't promise anything Honestly I would just get in touch with some schools and get an idea - I do know it's a bit chicken and egg at the moment, which is probably hard - but if it were me I would get on the phone - Very best wishes

I’d have a look at the areas you are thinking of to see if any of the 6th forms and colleges offer the IB.

Our local 6th form college runs a 1 year programme for previously home educated or international students to get their maths and English GCSE alongside a choice of other subjects.

Your DD will have to do Maths and English GCSE, regardless of what she is doing in the IB.

Actually @Jeanne16 and @comefromaway obviously more switched on than I am - yes GCSE Maths and English is a requirement for many things including UK university ( am I right there others who know better?) - but again I would say better to speak to some schools and let them tell you - all best . If her programme is rigorous do you think Maths and English GCSE would be difficult? I believe ( and teachers tell me otherwise ) - English language counts as the relevant GCSE - doesn't have to be Eng Lit which may take more work ( in the sense of having to read texts according to syllabus) & it sounds like she is working to form for Maths. So a question of entering and passing the exams - but please teachers tell me if I am wrong - would hate to give bad advice. DS did Eng Lang GCSE - actually, having not done Lit at GCSE he did Eng Lit at A level - but the maths and english language at GCSE would have got him through to university ( if that is your DD's aspiration)

Plenty of 6th forms offer the IB Diploma, but it will take some hunting down. It's more common in fee-paying 6ths but state 6ths offering it do exist.

Sitting at least English & Maths GCSEs will make staying in the UK easier, as they are a basic requirement for many jobs. Or investigate now whether you have IGCSE options available where you are. It shouldn't be too onerous to fit some in alongside the current IB work. English Lit might be the toughest depending on what books have been done. Do a couple in yr10, some in yr11, then a couple in yr12.

Good luck

Would you be looking for state or private options?

But @Bringonthescience - I think I am right in that Eng Lang will fit the criteria of Maths and English - it does not need to be Eng Lit - well DS only did Eng Lang at GCSE. So no big texts to be read - just competency in reading , understanding and some analysis, also some writing ( i.e. don't need to be familiar with e.g. Henry IV part whichever or Pinter or other texts at GCSE )

I'm pretty sure that IB would cover GCSE requirements for university since they are well used to international students coming from different systems - the 16+ exams are the exception, not the rule. And even standard level English and Maths are more rigorous than GCSE so once she's post secondary the lack of English/Mathds GCSE won't be an issue.

However, the 6th form option is worrying. I wouldn't move back if DD had to do an extra year, that wouldn't be fair to her so would prefer to let her finish school here. however, I have another DC, 3 years younger so would face the exact same problem in 3 years time!

We'd cosnider private or state and maybe finding an IB school would be the best way forward. I guess I'd better start emailing some admissions departments to get better informed.

@Capara - That is exactly what I would do if I were you - as per previous post. Honestly - your children sound like they are doing well and well prepared - but if it were me I would be getting on the phone and explaining the somewhat unusual circumstances to specific schools and then once you have answers you can take a view as to what to do & what your choices might be. Very best wishes

I think the thing with English and Maths GCSE being a requirement is that UK students can drop these subjects entirely after GCSE wheras in the IB they are continued so if you do find a college offering IB that should fulfill uiversity requirements as a previosuly internationally educated student.

Our local large 6th form college used to offer IB, but I think there was a low take up and they no longer do which is a shame.

Our local 6th form college will allow students to take GCSE maths and English alongside A levels if appropriate (its meant for those who failed first time round but who meet the requirements for other subjects. I am aware however that this particular college is a lot more flexible than the majority of schools.

If you are in a position to pay for independent schooling I thin k you may find the private sector are more used to this kind of scenario.

Yeah, that makes sense re the English/Maths GCSEs and A levels. Although my DD wants to take English and Maths at higher level so would probably choose them for A levels too IF we were to move back and send her to an A level 6th form (big ifs).

I think you are more likely to find IB available at private schools.
Do you have to be in a certain part of the UK or would you consider boarding for your DD?

IB website has search functions to help find suitable schools quickly. Eg Cambridge has one private &
2 state schools offering IBDiploma. www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/?SearchFields.Region=&SearchFields.Country=GB&SearchFields.Keywords=&SearchFields.Language=&SearchFields.BoardingFacilities=&SearchFields.SchoolGender=&SearchFields.ProgrammeDP=true&SearchFields.TypePublic=true

Private schools with a high percentage of overseas pupils must deal with this scenario on a regular basis

The school you are in now should be able to give you a transcript with her grades. It seems you can only get a certificate if you do EAssessment but the school should be able to do something.