If not GCSE’s what?

[Oneofmykind]

DS Year 7 is in mainstream. He has many struggles, sensory processing, attachment disorder, dyslexia, anxiety, and probably impact of early trauma (adopted from care). We’ve always tried to close the gap (has EHCP, has some specialised support because we’ve fought (first to get EHCP then to get it implemented).

I can’t see DS benefitting from GCSEs. There are no areas of school curriculum that he performs in to a standard where he’s achieving apart from PE. His reading / writing level is Year 2. He has below average working memory. His performance in Year 7 assessments, with scribe and reader ranges from 6-20%.

What are the alternatives? If your young person hasn’t done GCSEs what have they done? And how was it for them? I’ve been so focused on trying to get him help, and tried to stay positive about making progress in little steps, nurturing self-esteem etc, reading programs, writing programs etc but I’m now feeling less positive and feeling lost as to what to push for next. Is there an alternative to what feels like a single route focus on GCSEs?

Are there functional skills courses at his school? I think there are options in college for that.

Do you feel that he would be better placed at a specialist school, where the options for tests and exams are more achievable?

There are other possibilities of GCSEs aren’t suitable. If a child isn’t working at the level of GCSEs there are entry level qualifications. These come in 3 levels entry level 1, entry level 2, entry level 3. If DS is working at GCSE level by Y10/11 but needs more vocational qualifications, they exist too.

Sounds like you need a review of the EHCP. Have you considered whether mainstream is going to be suitable as DS progressing through secondary?