Some advice please. I went to the sixth form today with my son, now that we’ve finally had his Maths remark and he achieved the grade 4 he needed. He meets the entry requirements, and he wants to do Law, Sociology and Religious Studies, but I came away feeling like the head was indirectly trying to push us away. She kept saying that my son doesn’t have a particularly strong GCSE profile and that A levels would be very difficult for him.
I completely understand that the school wants the strongest students possible, especially because A-level results reflect on the school and its reputation. But if a student meets the published entry requirements, why make them feel like they’re not good enough or should reconsider? If they genuinely don’t think certain GCSE profiles are suitable, why not simply raise the entry requirements rather than allowing students to qualify and then making them feel discouraged?
I know my son isn’t the strongest academically, but does that mean he shouldn’t be given the chance to work hard and prove himself? I’m now really torn. Would you encourage your child to take the sixth-form place and give it a proper go, or would you listen to the head and choose a different route? What would you do in my situation?
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If its a state school, they likely have to accept GCSE results set by government. I don’t know this for fact but I would imagine it’s true.
A levels were a long time ago for me but I was a B average student at GCSE and I struggled with A levels so much I dropped out. Obviously it depends on the individual, the subjects and most importantly the attitude of both student and teachers. How much does your son want it? Law is going to be hard but if he wants it, he’ll be prepared to put in the hours required hopefully.
I, personally, would encourage my child to pursue their dreams. It may not work out but you can’t regret the things you tried, only the things you didn’t.
I dont think she necessarily was being rude, just real. Alevels are so much harder then GCSE’s x