Choosing GCSE options for a Year 9 child with learning disabilities

[Maybeshesbornwithitmaybeitssertraline]

Ds4 is in year 9 and has moderate learning disabilities. He needs to pick his gcse options soon and I don't know where to start. His handwriting is awful, completely unreadable, by him or anyone else. He has 1:3 support from a TA and uses a laptop in class. He loves design technology so he will definitely do that. He has been playing the piano since he was 6 but isn't up to grade 1 standard yet.

He can use laptop for exams.

You need to look at your options booklet and see the choices.
He may get the option to drop a subject for extra english/maths.
He may get the option to do a BTEC or 2, in which case do it.
There are no easy GCSEs.
He could always do a subject for interest but with no intention of trying to learn the content for exams.

I think RE is relatively straightforward with good text books.
History&Geography have a lot of content and resources for Geography case studies seem patchy.
Food has a fair bit of theory/science but at least you learn how to cook along the way.

I would look at a combination of what he's interested in Vs recommendations from teachers.
I wouldn't worry about the handwriting as he can use laptop for exams (school can document as usual way of working and get exam accommodations agreed)
If he struggles with memory/large amounts of content then I'd look to minimise content heavy subjects like history. If school offers BTEC look at those as often mix of exam and assessed work so don't have to rely entirely on final exam.
I would also have the conversation with school re dropping one option in favour of additional maths/English to ensure he gets the pass in those.

Do you mean learning difficulties? Learning disability is a lifelong reduced intellectual ability, usually referencing something like Down’s syndrome. If you mean learning difficulty (such as dyslexia, ASC, ADHD) then that is a different thing (though the two are often seen together).

So assuming you mean learning difficulty, one of my DC has issues with learning. They were able to drop an option at GCSE and spend that time being supported in the SEN dept, working on maths and English. They also took foundation tiers where available (sadly not an option in English any more).

Does your DC’s school offer any more practical options? A school I worked in had a popular animal care Btec for example, and also a child development Btec that had a lot of continuous assessment which was supportive of those with SEND. DT is good as there is a practical element which may suit. Subjects such as business, food tech, creative imedia, drama may appeal. Have a look at some GCSE specs online with him. Some subjects at GCSE are new (ie not studied at KS3) which can help if a YP doesn’t enjoy the curriculum.

Yes he can use a laptop in lessons and for exams. If he already does this then that should be fine but make sure the school sets the process up. I would talk to the school about what they suggest. It may be that he does end up in lessons for subjects where he will not take the exams or will take them and achieve only a lower grade. If that’s his skill level then there is nothing wrong with that. Ask the school about functional skills as well (though this is often only an option once a YP has failed GCSE maths and English).

I would go for life skills like BTEC Homecooking Skills, BTEC Performing Arts, BTEC Sport, BTEC Construction, BTEC Health and Social if the school offer that sort of thing. You can get a level 1 award if you don't pass level 2.

Functional Skills in English and maths along the way to GCSE, if the school allows that.

GCSEs: DT and Drama have written exams. Art and Design may suit better if the school offers Product Design within Art (but that's unlikely if they already offer DT). GCSE Food has a lot of theory and "research", the BTEC would be better but is unlikely to be offered, I guess, unless they have many pupils in your son's position,

It is a pity GCSE single combined science has been abolished. I suppose the school will have to put him in for double.

BTEC Music may suit as well, if he can play a tune with one hand on the piano. He can use that skill for DAW composition etc. (sounds complicated but may work if he is musical and just struggles with reading music).

Thank you. It's definitely learning disabilities. He's at the higher end of moderate, similar to the higher functioning people with down syndrome. He learned to walk aged 2.5, came out of nappies aged 5 and could write his name aged 8.

Everyone does english, maths and double science. Then they have to pick at least one national expectations subject which is computer science, triple science, history, geography, french and spanish. Then they pick 2 from the rest which is performing arts (btech), health and social care (btech), food, design technology, creative imedia, art, photography. Sometimes they do music as a twilight course, depending on if enough students want to do it. I think he would struggle with drama as his speech is very slurred.

I'd be asking not to do the 'national expectations subject' unless there is something he positively wants to do. Sounds like it would create nothing but stress. They may be reluctant but worth asking.

Does he have an Ehcplan?

You need to have a meeting witj the SENCo to discuss what courses the school can offer, reasonable adjustments etc

When you say pick options 'soon', when do you mean? At DD'S school it was a spring term process.

You may find that what they advertise is the 'standard' offer, but on the quiet they offer something a bit more tailored to those who need it.

Gosh @Maybeshesbornwithitmaybeitssertraline I apologise for doubting the learning disabilities then – a lot of people misuse the term IME.

Yes I assume he has an EHCP – what does it say about KS4? If nothing, yes meet the SENCo and discuss what they propose.

I know one YP who is autistic and was in mainstream and transferred to a specialist provision – they are verbal and pretty able in many ways but no way were they able to tackle eight GCSEs or equivalents. IIRC English was always a challenge, and they passed maths GCSE at the third attempt aged 18. Another YP I know with a learning disability took two GCSEs (well supported in a mainstream setting), science and Eng lang I think. These examples are just to give you a flavour.

What sort of level is he working at right now? Does he do all the core subjects you mention (so MFL, history, English, maths, science)? How does he do at them? What sort of indication have you had of levels/expectations?

Genuinely would be very surprised if the school expected anything like the level you mention. But I would definitely speak to the SENCo as soon as you can.

What does he fancy doing? Surely if he picks somethings he’s interested in that’s far better than you picking for him? If he likes DT can he pick something like art that compliments it nicely or if he’s used to a computer how about computer science?

Does the school offer a reduced number of GCSEs for some with additional needs? Replacing 1 or 2 options with more maths &/or English &/or PfA provision or other interventions. I would be looking at this. Even if the school doesn’t normally offer a reduced number, I would be pushing for this as part of DS’s EHCP provision.

Depending on DS’s academic level, you may want to push for an even greater bespoke arrangement. It is possible even if the school doesn’t normally offer it.

When is the next AR of the EHCP?

Food & Nutrition? My DD is in year 11 and has really enjoyed this GCSE. There is some written coursework involved and a small written exam (short answer questions) but most of it is practical work.

Also are any BTECs offered at his school? They tend to be more practical but are the equivalent of a GCSE.

Computer science also sounds like a good option if he is used to using a laptop for lessons anyway.

Geography is short answer questions but will have a lot of content and mostly exams rather than coursework

Check with your exam board, but you don't have to be on stage to study drama. The non-exam assessments can be done from the design perspective.
We are wjec, and there are 2 NEAs. They work in small groups, that have at least 2 actors, and up to 4 designers. Design can be set/prop creation, lighting, sound or costume (including hair/make up). Those doing design do have to give a small presentation afterwards, but they are assessed on the content of the presentation rather than the presentation itself.

Depends if he eoyld feel comfortable doing that. Also depends on his English skills. They study a short play, and answer questions as part of the exam. ( similar to English lit).

If the school haven't given you copies, or links to information, if you know the exam board you can find out a bit more about subjects on the exam board website.

Ars there subjects he is enjoys more, is more interested in, or is better at.

We were told to look at what they enjoyed, what they were good at, and what they need for career choices.

Like others, when it comes to choosing options i think the school should adapt from the norm, if in the best interest of the child.

I would say Art or Photography as it has no theory/exam element. The 10-hour assessment is just creating an artwork that you can already pre-prep and bring everything from home for. People say Art is a lot of work but it's "nice" work when you enjoy being creative. Get help form AI for annotations.