Core Science GCSE to A/S Chemistry - ?

Tabbytabitha

jrtfan wrote: »

It doesn't mean that I don't want him to train as a Vet, I would be over the moon to see him achieve his ambition and would move hell and high water, if needs be, to help him get there :rotfl: Unless, that is, his science teacher were to tell me in plain English that he really wasn't clever enough to be aiming so high. But they're not, and they know what he wants to do.

What I do feel, though, is that my son isn't currently living in the reality of what a huge challenge he's set for himself. He knows and he understands what he needs to do, he could describe everything to you if you asked him. I'm just not sure if it feels real to him at this point.

We've been discussing this tonight, he and I, funnily enough, and I likened it to getting into your car and starting to drive, with only a vague idea of how to reach your destination. You'll probably get there eventually via a meandering route, but it's much better if you've fixed the route in your head and know exactly where you're going, before you set off. I'm hoping the open day will enable him to fix this route in his head.

Otherwise, I think he might be better off doing the BSc in Animal Science (which he seems genuinely interested in). It would be less pressure than having final exam grades hanging over his head all the time.

I'm really not sure if I've explained this very well at all, does it make sense to you?

Unless your son has some kind of mental problems (which your posts don't suggest) there's no reason to think he can't cope with the pressure of needing certain exam grades as well as all the millions of young people have done over the last 60 years - give him some credit!

It's great to have a back up plan but it's good to aim high, particularly as a Veterinary Science degree is vocational, with a clearly defined career path whereas an Animal Science degree is far more general with no clearly defined career route. Don't encourage him to settle for second best unless he is forced to by circumstances.

jrtfan

Tabbytabitha wrote: »

Unless your son has some kind of mental problems (which your posts don't suggest) there's no reason to think he can't cope with the pressure of needing certain exam grades as well as all the millions of young people have done over the last 60 years - give him some credit!

It's great to have a back up plan but it's good to aim high, particularly as a Veterinary Science degree is vocational, with a clearly defined career path whereas an Animal Science degree is far more general with no clearly defined career route. Don't encourage him to settle for second best unless he is forced to by circumstances.

Fair point. It does sound like I'm doubting him, now that I read it back again.

jrtfan

Anyway, he emerged from his pit about an hour ago and has brunched heartily Now he's about to start looking online for the phone numbers of some 6th form colleges to call. If he gets an answer regarding my OP, I'll be back later with an update - a big Thank You to everybody who has taken the time to reply to this thread, your help and advice has been greatly appreciated x

jrtfan

And the answer is Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to progress to A-level Chemistry with good GCSE grades in combined (double) science, without needing to have the GCSE in separate science as well, according to the establishments he was able to contact today.

Other establishments are closed for inset days :wall::wall: but at least now we do know there are some colleges he can apply to, if necessary.

Onwards and upwards