GCSE do they start them early?

rock_queen

The targets are most probably based on KS2 SATS results. For languages is it probably based 100% on KS2 English results and will allow room for 3 to 4 levels of progress. It's the same for other subjects. Mine is based on KS3 English others In the faculty on maths and English, the hardest one for me to comprehend is PE where it's based on a combination of the KS2 core subjects. If your lucky enough to live in wales then you don't have this issue of unrealistic and unreliable target setting.

GCSEs or at least gcse style questions are now being taught in KS3 in order to help prepare pupils for KS4. Some courses may actually start teaching the content and making a start on coursework in yr9 others may not. I wouldn't worry too much at the moment.

northerntwo1

missbiggles1 wrote: »

We used to do O levels over 1 year - spreading GCSEs over 3 smacks to me of more manipulation of the education system rather than raising standards!

I have no idea on their intention. Their current policy is students who fall behind on target grades cannot "partake in extra school related activities". This includes sports where she enjoys and provides exercise and enjoyment. She is captain for 2 teams,

She now has a target of grade b at Russian (not a hope in the name of bob) and a B in art (again not in hope of bob).


Based on English, maths and science grades - ie core subjects.

She won't take any of these next year, don't come into her radar at all but school policy is failing targets means removal from school teams, I would accept if she wasn't trying but not for likes of Russian she has never studied nor will next year,

rock_queen

To me that sounds like if she doesn't reach her target by the end of the key stage then she won't be able to take part in extra curricular activities, however, if she is 'working towards' the target and is showing progress then she will be able to take part.

Buzzybee90

Russian?! Random.

FBaby

There seems to be different views from schools about when is the best time to start introducing children to GCSEs. My children's school believes that choosing and starting GCSE work early doesn't benefit children. They make their choice at end of year 9 and they don't take GCSEs early in year 10.

My DD best friend school chose their options at end of year 8 and will be taking one of her English GCSE at the end of year 10.

northerntwo1

Buzzybee90 wrote: »

Russian?! Random.

Totally random yes. We don't do any GCSE's here in Scotland but the school is attempting to widen their offer and one teacher is Russian. That's why I find it confusing as it's different to the regular subjects which I understand. It's supposed to be a taster as is the new digital art, so random and confusing for me.

I've agreed a call at 4pm today so hopefully will understand it more then.

northerntwo1

FBaby wrote: »

There seems to be different views from schools about when is the best time to start introducing children to GCSEs. My children's school believes that choosing and starting GCSE work early doesn't benefit children. They make their choice at end of year 9 and they don't take GCSEs early in year 10.

My DD best friend school chose their options at end of year 8 and will be taking one of her English GCSE at the end of year 10.

So they can take it over 3 years and even a year earlier?

I think I'm beginning to understand it more. It's like each subject is stand alone almost.

Andypandyboy

Some schools allow the brightest students to take the GCSE early to free up timtable speace for extras. I would only agree to this if you expect your child to be able to get the top grade. Mine took Maths a year early and got A* he then picked up Stats and did likewise. It befefits the school, but as a parent you have to be confident it will also benefit your child.

FBaby

Andypandyboy wrote: »

Some schools allow the brightest students to take the GCSE early to free up timtable speace for extras. I would only agree to this if you expect your child to be able to get the top grade. Mine took Maths a year early and got A* he then picked up Stats and did likewise. It befefits the school, but as a parent you have to be confident it will also benefit your child.

I think it is quite controversial. My daughter's friend was assessed as ready to take her science gcse early as she scored top grades at the mock tests in year 9 and year 10 but was gutted when she only got a C mark. She said that she thought she'd done well in the subjects she had studied but there were questions about stuff they had not gone over and despite a lot of preparation she struggled with these. My DD is considered G & T but I'm reassured her school don't do early gcses. Congratulations on your boy's results though we'll done.

FBaby

northerntwo1 wrote: »

So they can take it over 3 years and even a year earlier?

I think I'm beginning to understand it more. It's like each subject is stand alone almost.

My understanding from my DD'S friends is that they still do most of the other lessons on the curriculum in year 9 but do get to drop one or two to stay focusing on some of their options but the teaching is not really different only that they will maybe do a few much gcse tests but then again so did my DD in some subjects.