Academic transition from US school to UK - How easy was it?

[Tonty]

Relative has recently transferred from the US to yr 10 in the UK. Last report shows they are significantly struggling across the board but parents say its due to the difference in curriculum. I'm aware the curriculum in the UK is a bit ahead of the states but not sure how much especially if joining in yr 10 as a previously average student in the US.

Just wanted to get other experiences really from those who have been through it as parents are now thinking of bringing dc back to the US which I think is going to be further disruptive.

How recent was Year 10 placement? If it is this Sept that would be less than a term, so in which subject are they behind? Also, which area/ city are they in school? If in major cities in UK, the schools would be used to international students and helping with curriculum. Year 10 is the start of GCSEs which are major exams taken in Year 11. The parents should check which GCSEs board and subjects that would give an overview.
UK curriculum does have essay heavy subjects and maybe a tutor to give pointers would be helpful. Maths has algebra and wordy maths problems and maybe practice on these.

There are US curriculum international schools in UK, maybe move to those so that it maybe not so jarring, very location dependent.

Really appreciate your comments @HawaiiWake . They actually transferred last yr, so just started yr 11. I don't want to give too much identifying info but around the m25 area, very good school. Unfortunately, they seem to be behind in nearly all subjects.

Slightly different perspective as I have no on knowledge of high schools in US but I attended a US college as part of my undergraduate degree on exchange for 6 months and university there was really akin to gcse or year 12 here. It was so easy for all the UK students to do well. So on the basis of that I would imagine there is a big divide between levels between high schools.

I am sure I’ve heard it described that at that stage US schooling is considered 2 years behind UK. So they’re fighting a losing battle.

And being in year 11 now their chances Are not great, could they not swap back to the US curriculum either here or in the US?

All the schools my DCs have been at actually started GcseS in year 9 too

Year 11 is critical year, suggest parents get tutors to assist the gaps. Check out goodschoolsguide.co.uk for list of tutors companies. The GCSEs revision books from examninja.co.uk. The DC should revised over the holidays, they have 7 months. Also, some good schools in UK only wants 9s/ 8s which is the top mark but if they getting 6 that is a B and 7 is A, which in other schools would not see that as a bad mark. If you can give a range of marks DC getting others MN can give great suggestions. Check current year 11 thread, could get very useful information.

US curriculum schools in UK may be the best option and transfer would not be a headache as a country transfer.

I'd say, as much as anything the systems are different. There are different techniques, different emphasis, different expectations.

When you say behind, what does that mean? An average student might get grade 5s at GCSE.

Things can be turned around, but it's going to take effort. Revision guides - for the correct exam board, past papers and read the markschemes (more helpful in science and maths than essay subjects) to see what is expected. Consider a tutor to fill in gaps.

BUT, also consider the % that is classed as a good grade is much lower than in the US. 70% is usually a good result, and I think this is very different to the US.

Think 3/4s across the board. I just don't know if there is enough time to turn things around in time for GCSEs. The US curiculum schools will be private schools, won't they? relative is currently in a state school.

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Is there any way they can switch to a reduced curriculum? That would be a matter to discuss with the school, but if they have transferred and are struggling bc of lack of previous knowledge (a lot of English GCSEs build on KS3 work) rather than being of lower ability or not working, the school might be receptive?

They could focus on (for example) English x 2, maths, science and perhaps any other subject they intend to study post 16.

Are they planning (or were they) on staying in England for sixth form and possible uni? Yes most DC take 8-9-10 GCSEs but 5-6 is fine for post-16 studies.

Transfer in Year 10 and starting Year 11 autumn? Was DC in UK for the whole of year 10? If not, I get missing notes from top students in the year above and get going on past papers. How many GCSEs would they be taking next year? Get tutors for Maths and English that have experience for GCSEs. Christmas holiday should be used as revision block. Should be revising and doing past papers on the exam board and checking and understanding marking scheme. Need to revise daily and during weekend, start a study plan with specific topics to cover, not just physic but forces, electricity etc.

Thanks for all your comments. Lots of good suggestions and very little time to turn things around. The idea of switching to a reduced curriculum sounds like a great idea. I'm going to arrange to meet with school and put this to them. Where do they get past questions from? I could get them and they could practise them during the coming Xmas holidays. Good point also about exam boards!! I'll make sure I ask about this as well.

Past papers are on exam board websites eg AQA, Edexcel, but you ideally need to know the board. Mark schemes are there too. Or there are exam paper websites that gather loads together, as sometimes the boards remove them. All free.

Thank you so much @clary .

The school culture is completely different between the USA and UK.

USA curriculum is very much built around doing courses for a semester at a time, whereas in the UK, there is a spiral curriculum (doing the same subject and adding a bit on each year).

A USA student will be 'behind' in any subject that is UK-centric - history, geography, RS. They are unlikely to be ahead in Chemistry, but should be fine in Physics and Biology. They may not have started a MFL until 9th grade (7th grade if they are in a progressive school system) and likely to be Spanish. They might do Spanish for one semester, then not again for a couple of years.

Mathematics depends on whether they were in college prep or advance programs. English will be tricky.

I would imagine they'd be proficient in Music and computing. Don't know about Art and Tech.

Saying that, a bright Y10 student should be adaptable, especially if the school offers good pastoral care.

It’s really really hard to move anywhere at that age, much less a different country. I wonder if struggles with schoolwork might reflect some struggles with the move, even if it was a wanted one.

I wonder if going a year back (perhaps with a school switch) might be a good idea.