Can my year 11 DS drop a subject?

SnowWhiterThanWhite

My DS is completely stressed at the moment - the school work/revision is being piled on in readiness for GCSE's next year.
He is struggling big time in a language, and I simply cannot see any point in him wasting any more time studying this particular subject to the detriment of the others?

He'll be lucky to come out with an 'E' grade

I have spoken to the teacher and the school on different occasions, only to be told that he is not allowed to drop the language.

I haven't seen my DS cry since he was a little boy and was shocked when he broke down and told me how much he is struggling. Previous school reports have not flagged this up, otherwise I could have done something sooner.

I just want him to do the best he can at his other subjects, and rather than waste time and energy on a subject he just doesn't understand, enjoy or has a chance of passing, would want his energy focused elsewhere.

Does anyone have any advice on where we stand with this? Can I pull him out of this class without having the wrath of the LEA on us?

Any advice gratefully received

Thanks

meritaten

I shouldnt really say this - but I will anyway! tell him to pull a sicky on the day of the exam! or to turn up and just write any old rubbish! not to worry about it and concentrate on the rest! but dont breathe a word of his plan to be 'ill'! He may be 'required' to take one language (I am not sure of whether this would apply to your area - sounds like it does, as you say that you have previously been told he cannot drop it).
his health and mental health is far more important than an exam which will just be an 'extra' on his CV.

moromir

The problem with that Meritaten, is at least in my day, there are several components to the language exams, usually spread over a couple of weeks with exams in other subjects on the same days, and I'm pretty sure we had to submit drafts in advance for some of what we were planning to say on the oral exam.

Which language is it if you don't mind me asking? Is he doing any other languages?

meritaten

not knowing which language or whether there was written or oral or both - I had to assume it was the ' written exam' which was worrying him.

SnowWhiterThanWhite

moromir wrote: »

The problem with that Meritaten, is at least in my day, there are several components to the language exams, usually spread over a couple of weeks with exams in other subjects on the same days, and I'm pretty sure we had to submit drafts in advance for some of what we were planning to say on the oral exam.

Which language is it if you don't mind me asking? Is he doing any other languages?

Hi, it's German. And, you're right - he has 2 controlled assessments followed by a written exam later on.

hazybubbles

Its nothing to do with the LEA, it will be the school and subject teachers that get annoyed it will impact their pass rate. However having said that a grade E is not considered a pass anyway.

Most likely the school will not let him drop the subject because they then have to solve the problem of what to do with him during those lesson times. Languages are not compulsory like they used to be, although some schools make them so as part of their 'rules' especially now the ebacc is starting to be taken into consideration.

CH27

Depending what degree he wants to take, some unis specify a language at GCSE level.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

If he's really not coping, they could well not enter him into the exams as it would drag their averages down.

SnowWhiterThanWhite

CH27 wrote: »

Depending what degree he wants to take, some unis specify a language at GCSE level.

He is not at all academic and will not be going to uni

affordmylife

students at the high school i work drop subjects all the time. its very normal.

approach the school and TELL them you have made the decision. you are the parent. you are in charge here.

good luck xx

SnowWhiterThanWhite

affordmylife wrote: »

students at the high school i work drop subjects all the time. its very normal.

approach the school and TELL them you have made the decision. you are the parent. you are in charge here.

good luck xx

You make it sound so simple. And, you're right. I always assume that what I being told by the school is for the best, but in this case, it definately isn't.