Options when English GCSE unobtainable

[WatermelonPink]

DS (Y10) has been took off English GCSE because he’s not coping and is finding it too challenging. He’s feeling very depressed about his future as English GCSE is a pre-requisite for pretty much everything.

I’m not sure exactly what he’s doing instead but school said it was still a qualification just a lower level than GCSE. DS doesn’t want to do it because he thinks it’s pointless as it’s not a GCSE

Just wondering if anyone has experience on what options and progression routes are available for kids who don’t get their English GCSE?

@Rockbird some colleges will take on students from age 14. It needs the agreement of the LA and school to transfer funding.
Im aware that some schools don’t do this in order to keep funding.

There's some info here about post 16 with an EHCP:
https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/education-learning/education-beyond-16/#ehc-plans-after-16

Have you started looking for colleges/placements for him? I would do that asap - depending on what you want, you may need to appeal which will take time. I may be cynical (but it's through experience!), local authorities will often push DC/parents into accepting the cheapest post 16 options in borough.

My Ds has ASD too. Like your DS, he is 'on paper' quite able but passing exams requires very specific skills that I just don't know if he's going to be able to do it. One of his teacher said my DS could get a '9 or a 1'. My Ds likes to write a page to answer a one-mark question as he wants to show everything that he knows and worries he's going to miss something out. It's very painful.

Having said that, if your DC got GD in his SATS, it shows he has the potential to take - and pass - assessments.

@Rummikub - if he’s not coping with Lang he won’t be able to manage kit which is more challenging. If the OP can afford some private tuition IGCSEs are easier and give higher results for similar ability candidates. Unfair but true.

Agree re Lang v lit. I was asking which one had been dropped.

Does DS use any assistive technology? Has DS had SALT and OT assessments? Does his EHCP have ongoing direct therapies?

Rockbird you can request an EHCNA yourself. Separate to this if DD can’t attend school the LA have a duty to provide education.

@Rockbird Yes, you can ask for an EHCP assessment yourself, I would definitely do that. There’s loads of people on Mumsnet very knowledgeable about EHCPs - I think it’s how I found Mumsnet a few years back - googling EHCPs. Also when DS was unable to attend for several month school arranged for home and hospital tutors to come to the house.

He’s not had SALT or OT input since primary school and I don’t think his EHCP does include ongoing direct therapies.

Yes, @Toomanyminifigs he definitely has the potential I think. It’s so difficult though because it’s so hard to know what he’s actually thinking or capable of. Most of his time is spent curled up in a ball. He struggles with answering questions but then often a few hours later he’ll text me with an answer to a question asked earlier in the day.

He communicates better through text messages than verbal but then he can’t see to any written questions at school.

Yes exactly this, same for my DS1, he was so proud as well after E-E-E at GCSE

It sounds like you need to request an early review or even a reassessment of needs. As part of this DS needs up to date SALT and OT assessments and ongoing therapies.