Further Maths GCSE query

[imip]

Would someone be able to clarify for me confusion over Further Maths GCSE and Higher Maths GCSE. I have searched the boards and believe i have understood this correctly, but for the sake of clarification…. Further Maths is an additional paper to, not instead of, the Higher Maths paper. So you would sit both papers at exam time. It is an additional GCSE - is this understanding correct?

the split approach you describe is interesting and has advantages.

There are some quite major disadvantages too, but I don't want to derail the thread. DD2 didn't do maths A level but did do STEM subjects and degrees, and her Masters contained a fair bit of epidemiology (which is essentially stats), so the further maths GCSE and stats GCSE definitely helped.

@imip you sound very sensible and I'm sure your instincts are right about your DD concentrating on doing well in fewer subjects.

OP you have my sympathies. My autistic daughter is also returning to school in September after a long absence with anorexia, although she is a little younger so exams aren't in the mix just yet, but I do understand.

Because of her mindset, is there an argument for letting her choose, and standing ready to accommodate changes if needed down the line, e.g. dropping further maths, pulling back to two sciences, maybe dropping other subjects to make time if she realises she won't pursue them for A Level? If it was my daughter, this would be better for her than having choices made for her, even if it comes with extra work and challenges along the line.

My daughter has effectively taught herself the whole maths and science curriculum for the time she has missed using online materials, and we've also agreed with school to drop certain other subjects to reduce the burden on her and give her time in the school day for extra support if needed. There is less pressure on us as she isn't in an exam year, though.

I think for very bright girls the content of GCSEs won't be too challenging, but the volume to be caught up will be the challenge and perhaps when she realises this for herself she can choose how best to reduce this? I hope she has a successful reintegration, whatever you choose.

Your poor DD and the pressure from school to continue as if nothing significant has happened to her. I hope she manages well in September.

dd now says maths might be an option for 6th form! Not surprising as she is naturally talented at this

Ds got a high grade 9 at GCSE for maths but didn't do any further maths. In sixth form he did both maths and further maths A level and achieved an A* in both. I would contact any sixth form that your DD may be considering to ask about the number of students who usually have further maths GCSE just to see. Not all schools even offer it.

@HermioneGrangersWand inamnrrally sorry to see that your dd has had a similar experience - horrific, isn’t it? Ours was made worse by very poor CAMHS support. You correctly outline the dilemma in standing by and waiting for the almost inevitable crash or trying to orchestrate some changes that may not be welcomed by her.

@Finawelesca thank-you. I think I have had to narrow my focus to just completing this year. I don’t think other schools around us offer further maths, so it would be unusual.

DD is starting to slip again. Panic about the return to school and not being able to catch up has set in. Starting not to eat everything after being weight restored. Feeling a little helpless atm.

Yes, it's an unimaginable nightmare. We have had a mix of brilliant and horrendously awful support. When it's poor, it really makes things harder.

I'm sorry your daughter is struggling now, although I'm not surprised it's stressful for her. I've got my fingers crossed that you find a way to navigate both the return to school and more importantly her continued recovery. Such a hard situation but you are clearly very determined and resourceful, which makes all the difference.