GCSE options in mainstream with SEN

[MrsMariaReynolds]

DS (14), (recently diagnosed as dypraxic, dyslexic, and autistic) and having a difficult time choosing his GCSE options. He is coping "o.k." in mainstream and with support put in place for him he is currently above his targets. That being said, at the recent parents evening, we got the impression from many of his teachers that he may struggle to cope with the content in some of his GCSE coursework.

I suppose the question is, which GCSE courses would be unsuitable for a child that has difficulties with executive function and slow processing? He is considering Geography, Business Studies and Computer Science as his options---along with the required R.E., French, English, maths, science (not triple thankfully!) He's a typical teen boy in that he'd rather spend most days playing video games. He's not particularly keen on tech or artsy things, and is very unsporty. Any suggestions?

Very few subjects have coursework now, although some have NEA.

Geography is content heavy. What is DS’s maths? If he struggles with maths think again about CS. I don’t know anything about business studies.

If it would help have you spoken to the school about the possibility of dropping an option and using the time to focus on other subjects or SEN interventions? Or dropping French if DS struggles with that.

Ten GCSEs (if it's x2 English) seems quite a lot. Of course plenty of DC with autism are very academically able - it's more as you say being able to cope with the pressure, managing homework, being able to interpret exam questions etc.

My Ds is at secondary and has ASD. He doesn't do a MFL and school are open to him dropping English lit (it's the lang that's compulsory). This would be so he can focus on the subjects he's really interested in and more likely to do well in.

I agree it's a difficult balancing act between ensuring DC get to keep their career options open but also managing their mental health.

I guess you could see how the workload goes for him and then look at speaking to the school if it's proving too much?

I'm assuming you're speaking to them about reasonable exam adjustments too?

School wants to see how he gets on initially before adjusting his course load. French is a disaster at the moment, probably his worst subject, but they're insisting that everyone at least attempt a language at GCSE level, and two for the more clever clogs. I'm fully expecting that French would be the first thing to go if they need to lighten his course load.

That's interesting about computer science. He is teetering on the edge of bottom sets in maths, so maybe c.s. wouldn't be the best choice for him. He likes geography but the writing component does give me pause. As does drama, to be honest. For all this talk of "options" it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot suitable for him at his school.

If DS is struggling with French push back on the school to allow him to drop it as a reasonable adjustment. Many other schools don’t insist on everyone taking a language, even schools where the majority are expected to there is always a few who don’t, usually due to additional needs.

I would really caution against CS if he is struggling in maths. In many schools he wouldn’t be allowed to take it without being on track for at least a 4/5/6 (depending on the school).

If it is ‘only’ the writing putting you off geography does DS use a laptop? In exams DS could use a laptop, or a scribe or speech to text software. Toomanyminifigs mentions discussing access arrangements, this is important as any access arrangement needs to be DS’s normal way of working.

@ImitatingDory

Yes, he has been provided with either a scribe or a laptop for in-class assessments, and quiet space/extra time adjustments for a number of subjects (except French 🙄) The scribe is more to remedy the issue of poor handwriting, and not some of DS's bigger exec function issues of organisation of thoughts, getting started in his writing, etc.

Why not French? A scribe would be difficult as you have to dictate individual letters, but there’s no reason he can’t use a word processor &/or extra time.

If DS uses a scribe he will forgo the SPAG marks where available unless he dictates spellings, punctuation etc. Which is partly why there has been a move towards word processors or speech recognition software where that’s appropriate.

Does DS use a laptop in class outside of assessments? Here is the guidance about access arrangements if you think any of the others will help.

Is DS receiving any study skills support?

Thank you again for your suggestions. He does not use a laptop or scribe outside of assessments, but we will be having a meeting with the SENCo in the coming weeks discuss his accommodations and needs--and yes, this is one of the things we are getting into place for next year.

I'll tell you what I found with Geography.

Most GCSEs there are good revision guides for, so even if note taking is a disaster you can revise from the guides. With geography (at least the board DD started with) they can choose their own case studies which may not be covered in the guides. Then anyway I found it impossible to tell what info was important and what wasn't when it came to revision.

DD dropped Geography just before the pandemic as overall workload was too much. (Then she had a total breakdown anyway.)

Do they offer any BTECs at all?

I'd be thinking about trying to drop e.g. French from the start (or whatever he finds most stressful/hard) to give breathing space in the week / time to do extra on core subjects by himself or whatever.

Does he have an issue with homework at home? (I know a few kids with autism who do). If so all the more reason to attempt less in order to achieve more.

There is a ridiculous number of exams too, it is a massive marathon.
mathsx3, english lang/litx4, sciencex6, so that's 13 before you start.
add 3xgeog, 2xRE you are up to 18, ...