Oh Rose, my heart breaks for your ds. It's shattering not doing what you love. my honest view is that music is something now he can do for love instead of being measured on it, which is what any creative activity should be about. He can go on with his grades and diploma and do whatever he wants outside the conformist box of the education system. If it's any consolation at all I didn't get to do music A level either for similar reasons, but I taught a bit, sang in various bands and ended up with a rewarding career in community music and then working at a record company. ( this is another of my 9 lives you understand Crepeys)
Dd is also still writing despite getting an unexpected low grade in her GCSE English and having to give it up ( completely devastated ) at AS.
I hope that gives you hope.
Lol Magi re giant Crocs. Yes to divorce. Dh is useless at casual clothes and in particular holiday/ beach clothes. On our honeymoon on the Whitsundays he had to walk about in a pair of shiny black work shoes as he had nothing else and wouldn't entertain Aussie slides. No shorts either, and long sleeves. Things has improved a bit , but not much.
Yes, well done the GCSE-ers , all. All those subjects , nightmare.