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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Help needed asap!!!

10 replies

Excitedannie · 04/09/2025 17:52

I'll try to keep this brief! My DD has just finished GCSE's and got very good grades but her mental health suffered due to the amount of pressure and stress she put herself under and it was a miserable time - although she's trying to control it, it's not something that is going to happen overnight.

She's started her A'level's this week and already feels like Biology is a mistake - we had to get her a tutor for GCSE but she decided to take it to open up options. Basically, she hasn't a clue whether she wants to go to Uni or even what she wants to do so there is no clear pathway for her. Her other A levels are Sociology, core maths and business which she enjoys.

Question is - she has the opportunity to swap to Health & Social Care BTEC Extended Certificate but needs to let them know by tomorrow. Although the thought of not doing Biology is really appealing, we're unsure whether a BTEC Extended Certificate limits her chances of getting into Uni if she decides that's what she wants to do.

We're very confused. On one hand I want her to be able to get through sixth form and come out with A levels/BTEC doing subjects she'd enjoy and where Biology won't overshadow the others, but by the other hand, we want her to have options should she want to go to Uni etc.

If anyone can offer advice, I'd be very grateful!

OP posts:
titchy · 04/09/2025 18:00

Do the BTEC. Most unis are quite happy to accept them. A failed A level won’t do anyone any favours.

AelinAG · 04/09/2025 18:09

I would agree with @titchy. If she doesn’t know what she wants to do then you don’t know if she’s closing anything off so it’s a moot point.

Downing4packsofharibo · 04/09/2025 18:15

Majority of unis only care about the ucas points, a passed course will give her more than dropping out oh failing. Nothing at that age is worth her mental health

Bluevelvetsofa · 04/09/2025 18:33

My DS had several offers with a B Tech.

I know of someone going this month with a range of qualifications, but not A levels.

Excitedannie · 04/09/2025 18:46

Thank you - your replies have really helped and I think they've just reinforced what I feel. Believe it or not, I actually work in a university but can't access advice until tomorrow - thank goodness for Mumsnet!!!!!!

OP posts:
Mischance · 04/09/2025 18:49

The priority here is her mental well-being. She must do what makes her happiest and least stressed. Never mind thinking ahead to uni, which may of course not be the right thing for her if she gets stressed by exams etc.

swampwitch0 · 04/09/2025 18:50

It's points based.
A level biology is notoriously hard and if she needed a tutor at gcse I'm not sure it's a good choice (sorry)

Excitedannie · 04/09/2025 18:56

Absolutely fair point - thank you and it's one of those obvious ones that I hadnt even considered - I spent a fortune on GCSE science so I think A level might bankrupt me Grin

OP posts:
swampwitch0 · 04/09/2025 19:01

Excitedannie · 04/09/2025 18:56

Absolutely fair point - thank you and it's one of those obvious ones that I hadnt even considered - I spent a fortune on GCSE science so I think A level might bankrupt me Grin

😃

Vitriolinsanity · 04/09/2025 19:44

swampwitch0 · 04/09/2025 18:50

It's points based.
A level biology is notoriously hard and if she needed a tutor at gcse I'm not sure it's a good choice (sorry)

I absolutely agree. My nieces who studied Biology at Bath are the first to say Biology A level was a bitch. I think it’s often considered the easy option of the sciences, until you experience the reality. I’d encourage her to focus on the Btech, particularly with the other factors you mention.

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