Suggestions for A levels - last minute rethink

[MoshiMoshiSushi]

DD1 has been struggling to keep up with GCSEs since lockdown and while she looks to get decent grades (a mixture of 6s, 7s and 8s), it is indicative of the fact she may find A levels at her school's sixth form a challenge. The school is a very high achieving one so we have always wondered if it is the best option for her but as it is local to us it has worked for us as a family. The question is (a) where to send her and (b) how to present it without her seeing it as a negative. DH has recently been made redundant so there is an opportunity to consider sending her to a sixth form college. Her school said they would be there for careers advice until she goes to university and the head said she would happily check her UCAS forms. They really are looking at her best outcomes from all this and I must admit it did make me shed a tear. We live in Surrey and I wondered if anyone had suggestions or similar experiences and could share what they found worked? Thanks in advance.

@MoshiMoshiSushi your DD sounds similar to mine very bright as able to achieve we despite a Learning difficulty (visual processing in my DD's case). DD did really 8s and a couple of 9s at GCSE so on the face of it an ideal candidate for A-levels.
All the options we considered at sixth form had at least one A-level worth of BTEC as she like the idea of bite sized pieces over two years. In the end she choose an extended diploma ( equivalent to 3 A-levels) and she is a changed girl the constant bite sized pieces of continuous assessment suits her so much better as firstly it's not all written on paper she can keep evidence in a wide variety of ways. She is so much happier and I hadn't realised how much she struggled with school till she moved she is on track for triple D * which is the same as a full set of A star at A level.

@Lonecatwithkitten Thank you for your post. That has got me thinking even more outside of the box - of course, there is another way to bridge this period to university isn't there? I am pleased your DD is much happier. I hope mine can be too. I want her to see what I can see in her.

@GU24Mum of course. Thank you for any insights.

Makes sense op, I just wondered to what extent the school were railroading you. But of course if you and your DD feel that she would be happier elsewhere then that's different.

@Pumpkintopf Oh no doubt they are railroading us, and at a very late stage of the proceedings. I am being consciously magnanimous because their suggestion isn't without foundation and I do agree. But as with all these things you can take it forwards either way. DH has recently been made redundant too so I can't help wondering if we can choose to make our lives easier by relieving some of the financial stress? Not that it should influence what is in DD1's best interests but I am conscious of where the stresses exist for our family and finances is one of them now.

Well it sounds as though your DD is not only open to alternatives but viewing them as a positive move so that may be the right way to go, especially if you feel the school might be difficult if you insisted on your DD continuing. It's extraordinary though that she's top 1% nationally and they don't think she'll keep up, especially as you've said that they've worked well with you to support her in the past.

Also - pressed send too soon - sorry to hear about your DH's redundancy. I can appreciate how worrying that must be.

Update (as all threads should have a good news ending right?) DD has been offered a place at St John's. The kid has a tour, online assessment and two interviews, all while in the middle of GCSEs. She really has risen to the challenge and the feedback was very positive. She is really motivated to do her best in her GCSEs and looking forward to the change of scene. The fees are eye watering but I have decided mum's legacy will be used to help her granddaughter on her way in her new sixth form. What better use of my mum's legacy than to help DD flourish the last two years at school? Thank you for all your supportive messages which helped me get there in a very short space of time.

That's great news - you ana your daughter must hopefully be feeling far more
positive and upbeat about September now.

@GU24Mum She has really flourished as a result of this sudden change in direction! Loving her newfound confidence. Thank you for your support and guidance.

That’s great news, I hope she really thrives.

What a lovely thread to just read from a bad start to a good finish. Good luck to your Dd for the future.

Thank you @crazycrofter and @Zandathepanda That’s really kind of you to post.

Gosh, what a really lovely thread. OP - I hope your daughter thrives!

Thank you @rainpurplerain (me too ) Meanwhile her grades continue to gradually creep up as she is determined to show her best performance for this final effort at her current school.