Taking GCSE's a year early.

Personally I hate this practice and think it is nonsense. Basically it only really helps the more able pupils (who actually need it least) and it is a device used by the schools to improve their ratings (as in, how many pupils get A-C at GCSE level). So if a less able pupil sits exams a year early and gets two C's and a D they will make them resit the D grade but let them sit on the C grade - had they been allowed an extra year of study they might have got Bs in all 3. The school looks better on the league tables but the pupils suffer.

I know a girl who has been employed locally in a state school to teach the borderline pupils on a one to one basis - so pupils who would be predicted a D to get them up to a C. Interesting how the school can find funds for this but not for one to one tuition for those children who don't read well or who are predicted an E in Maths or whatever.

I'm very cynical about the whole thing - plus there is an element of coursework in some of the GCSEs, my niece took her Maths a year or so early and got a C, we were told this was the best she could have got at that stage (not sure why) and so she ended up retaking it. An unnecessary number of exams and level of stress for her.

Anyway none of that helps (sorry!) - I'd be inclined to try to get him into the best school and once he's a pupil fight your corner/ get him statemented etc etc.

These are pretty much my thoughts on the subject, i will be speaking to as many parents that i know who send their children to this particular school to gauge feelings, but if we have the funds, and hopefully we will, he will be going to the private college, they seem much more holistic in their approach, not a one size fits all.

I agree with some of what's already been said. DH is Head of Science and I know some of his Y10's sat GCSE exams in January but I'm not entirely sure if this was just part of the couse or not.

I'll ask his opinions tonight & get back to yo if you like

I agree with some of what's already been said. DH is Head of Science and I know some of his Y10's sat GCSE exams in January but I'm not entirely sure if this was just part of the couse or not.

I'll ask his opinions tonight & get back to yo if you like

Thanks, that would be really helpful,also bearing in mind that Oscar has only recently been diagnosed with Dyslexia.

I think there is far too much pressure put on kids as it is with out this

Hmmmm, the school was given Academy status last year.......

Hmmmm, the school was given Academy status last year.......

I take it an Academy down south is posh, I went to an academy and am dead posh (it was just the name of our school)

I only managed to speak to DH very briefly before he went out but he said that under the changes announced by the government, current Y9 students will not be sitting GCSE's until 2014. Not sure of any details but I'm sure it's available somewhere.