GCSE subjects

[smilingmind]

My dc has ADHD and FAS.
He has learning difficulties, an EHCP and is in an Academy with 1:1 support and struggles in the lowest stream.
The school says in their booklet that all pupils must take 9 GCSEs including 5 core subjects which are English, English literature, Maths, double science.
The optional subjects can be GCSEs or Btecs.
I would be happy for him to take maths and English but feel he would struggle greatly with English literature and double science. He becomes very upset, demotivated and loses confidence when presented with subjects which he finds too difficult.
Ideally it seems better for him to take Maths, English and four options in more practical areas which interest him.
We don’t have to make the decision this year but am trying to find out in advance, before approaching the school, whether it is possible, in principle, for children with special needs to drop some core subjects.
Thanks a lot.

I think you need to be having a conversation with your caseworker at the LA and get their take first. There are lots of "compulsory" subjects my son doesn't do. He's never done a foreign language for a start and the most we can hope for is functional skills and entry level Btecs. You might want to look at one of your local colleges as often they offer courses in vocational skills from 14+ that he can go to one day a week on school release which will serve him better long term than than GCSEs.