can a school force a child to resit GCSE Exams
Discussion
Just thinking "aloud". What's the pros and cons? She wouldn't have to reveal when she took them on her CV/application forms would she? The date of the resit might raise questions if it's a few months behind her first ones which might affect whether she gets invited to interview? She'd have the best grade possible, though.
Your daughter has an ‘A’ grade and will always be entitled to use that grade, regardless of subsequent examination results.
However should she retake the exam and receive a higher grade, she will then become entitled to use that higher grade.
Therefore the only drawbacks to retaking are stress and time. Would retaking interfere with other academic work?
Does your daughter need the higher grade to get into the University of her choice?
Unless there is a compelling reason not to retake, then she should.
However should she retake the exam and receive a higher grade, she will then become entitled to use that higher grade.
Therefore the only drawbacks to retaking are stress and time. Would retaking interfere with other academic work?
Does your daughter need the higher grade to get into the University of her choice?
Unless there is a compelling reason not to retake, then she should.
What will the school get out of her getting an A*?
Perhaps make noises that you want your daughter to be paid as she is providing a service to the school by trying to increase her grades so that their statistics are increased.
If your daughter is happy with the A grade then tbh why bother in all honesty, GCSE dont mean jot in the greater scheme of things, they are just a means to get into further education which is then a means of getting into higher education.
Perhaps make noises that you want your daughter to be paid as she is providing a service to the school by trying to increase her grades so that their statistics are increased.
If your daughter is happy with the A grade then tbh why bother in all honesty, GCSE dont mean jot in the greater scheme of things, they are just a means to get into further education which is then a means of getting into higher education.
Odie said:
What will the school get out of her getting an A*?
Perhaps make noises that you want your daughter to be paid as she is providing a service to the school by trying to increase her grades so that their statistics are increased.
Cynical - but undoubtedly true. Perhaps make noises that you want your daughter to be paid as she is providing a service to the school by trying to increase her grades so that their statistics are increased.
However, why not resit them? Can't do any harm and, as previously posted, there's no risk of a lower grade.
Schools can't 'make' children do much these days, especially if this is a state school you're talking about.
I'd have thought a letter / chat with the head would sort this problem out more quickly than involving the LEA, but maybe you've already tried that?
You have to remember that GCSE's aren't actually that important if you're intending to stay in education. As long as they're good enough to get you onto the A level courses you want, that's enough.
A levels are important. The consequences of your grades can shape the rest of your life, depending on what path you take, if you intend staying on in education. OTOH, many people have very successful lives with poor or no qualifications. Just don't waste too much time and energy on this spat over GCSE's: they're not that important to your daughter's future by the sound of the path you're describing.
I'd have thought a letter / chat with the head would sort this problem out more quickly than involving the LEA, but maybe you've already tried that?
You have to remember that GCSE's aren't actually that important if you're intending to stay in education. As long as they're good enough to get you onto the A level courses you want, that's enough.
A levels are important. The consequences of your grades can shape the rest of your life, depending on what path you take, if you intend staying on in education. OTOH, many people have very successful lives with poor or no qualifications. Just don't waste too much time and energy on this spat over GCSE's: they're not that important to your daughter's future by the sound of the path you're describing.
Surprising attitude from the school.
Which subject? English (Lit/Lang) from what I can gather?
As mentioned GCSEs aren't 'that' important in terms of academia for university application. Afaik, it is based on AS grades (done at the end of A Level year 1) and predicted grades for A2. I'd advise her to concentrate on good extra-curricular activites (and achievement to show for it) especially if she is considering application to competitive subjects such as medicine or law as students fighting for these typically all have 3(+) As for A Level.
For AS/A2 modules, iirc if you resat a module, you could have the highest of either sitting. However, it you resat it a second time, the 1st and 2nd attempt were 'erased' and you ended up with whatever you got in attempt 3.
I got 2As in my GCSEs (nothing to be ashamed of).
Which subject? English (Lit/Lang) from what I can gather?
As mentioned GCSEs aren't 'that' important in terms of academia for university application. Afaik, it is based on AS grades (done at the end of A Level year 1) and predicted grades for A2. I'd advise her to concentrate on good extra-curricular activites (and achievement to show for it) especially if she is considering application to competitive subjects such as medicine or law as students fighting for these typically all have 3(+) As for A Level.
For AS/A2 modules, iirc if you resat a module, you could have the highest of either sitting. However, it you resat it a second time, the 1st and 2nd attempt were 'erased' and you ended up with whatever you got in attempt 3.
I got 2As in my GCSEs (nothing to be ashamed of
).Wouldn't bother personally. The 'A' grade does not preclude her from sitting any A-level. The reason they want her to re-sit is to improve their league table scores; it has sod-all to do with your daughter's prospects.
Despite what the media and overly fussy teachers would have you believe, the top universities really don't care about GCSE grades. They'll offer a place based primarily on A-level grades/prediction, followed by what they thought of you at interview, followed by extra-curricular activities, followed by your economic background. They really won't give any thought to the difference between an A and A* at GCSE. Time wasted re-sitting could be better spent on getting ahead with her AS course. Actually, the time wasted re-sitting could be better spent down the pub, considering all the good the * grade would do...
Despite what the media and overly fussy teachers would have you believe, the top universities really don't care about GCSE grades. They'll offer a place based primarily on A-level grades/prediction, followed by what they thought of you at interview, followed by extra-curricular activities, followed by your economic background. They really won't give any thought to the difference between an A and A* at GCSE. Time wasted re-sitting could be better spent on getting ahead with her AS course. Actually, the time wasted re-sitting could be better spent down the pub, considering all the good the * grade would do...
Edited by wiffmaster on Tuesday 2nd February 12:50
Gun said:
snotrag said:
Geoff82 said:
That's how it worked in my day.
Yup. Not really worth dropping an A-grade is it?Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff