Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
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Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Hello all, I’d really appreciate some advice on an issue my family are going round in circles on!
My DC is in Yr 12, currently doing five subjects (including maths A level this year). One of the AS subjects isn’t going at all well. Current predicted grade is a D. This subject doesn’t relate at all to planned university study.
My DC accepts that more effort is possible but is not convinced that it will make a significant difference (given DC’s already very full life & quite frankly lack of aptitude for this subject I agree!). I really didn’t want my DC to do five subjects in the first place, but they wanted to give it a go. However, I’ve always been the kind of parent who encourages my kids to see things through & not give up just because they find something hard. I also value study for its own sake.
So it goes against the grain a bit that I am feeling that perhaps my DC should cut their losses & give this subject up. I’m worried of course that keeping it on might impact negatively on the other subjects. I’m also nervous about how university admissions might view a low grade AS, even though hopefully my DC should have a good A level & three other ASs by the time they apply.
We’ve discussed this with subject teachers and the Head of Sixth form. They think my DC should keep it on & give it a go. My DC is leaning towards giving up, but I know is worried about what people will think (ie, that they couldn’t cope / weren’t as clever as people had thought etc).
I’d be really interested in others views/experiences. Sorry for the long post.
My DC is in Yr 12, currently doing five subjects (including maths A level this year). One of the AS subjects isn’t going at all well. Current predicted grade is a D. This subject doesn’t relate at all to planned university study.
My DC accepts that more effort is possible but is not convinced that it will make a significant difference (given DC’s already very full life & quite frankly lack of aptitude for this subject I agree!). I really didn’t want my DC to do five subjects in the first place, but they wanted to give it a go. However, I’ve always been the kind of parent who encourages my kids to see things through & not give up just because they find something hard. I also value study for its own sake.
So it goes against the grain a bit that I am feeling that perhaps my DC should cut their losses & give this subject up. I’m worried of course that keeping it on might impact negatively on the other subjects. I’m also nervous about how university admissions might view a low grade AS, even though hopefully my DC should have a good A level & three other ASs by the time they apply.
We’ve discussed this with subject teachers and the Head of Sixth form. They think my DC should keep it on & give it a go. My DC is leaning towards giving up, but I know is worried about what people will think (ie, that they couldn’t cope / weren’t as clever as people had thought etc).
I’d be really interested in others views/experiences. Sorry for the long post.
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Hi.
This may be better in the Sixth Form forum.
My opinion is that 5 subjects is too many to do properly anyway and there is no merit in continuing, which may have a negative effect on his/her other subjects. There is no shame in admitting a mistake - it is a skill which has been largely lost from public life in this country, but mistakes are valuable if we learn from them. Let your DC decide - s/he is old enough now to understand the implications both ways and has sought advice from others so has dealt with it in a mature way.
This may be better in the Sixth Form forum.
My opinion is that 5 subjects is too many to do properly anyway and there is no merit in continuing, which may have a negative effect on his/her other subjects. There is no shame in admitting a mistake - it is a skill which has been largely lost from public life in this country, but mistakes are valuable if we learn from them. Let your DC decide - s/he is old enough now to understand the implications both ways and has sought advice from others so has dealt with it in a mature way.
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Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Good idea - I'll move it to the sixth form section
My feeling would be that 5 is too many particularly if one is causing excess grief! Dropping it now means it will never appear on the UCAS form
My feeling would be that 5 is too many particularly if one is causing excess grief! Dropping it now means it will never appear on the UCAS form
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Drop it - far better to have four strong AS grades.
It is harder now all the module exams are taken in June ...
It is harder now all the module exams are taken in June ...
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
If all 5 are proper subjects ( ie not including GS, Crit thinking etc) then I would definitely drop the 5th - 4 proper AS subjects is quite sufficient.
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
yes I agree drop it, a 'D' as your 5th AS looks worse then just 4 AS's, and you can get into top uni's with just 3 AS's.
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Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Thanks very much for all your replies.
Amber, you’re right. My DC needs to decide! When asked for advice I’ve stayed on the fence, putting the sides both for & against each option. But I think now I will come out in favour of dropping the 5th!
KB – luckily, all subjects are what would be considered the solid / traditional type.
Amber, you’re right. My DC needs to decide! When asked for advice I’ve stayed on the fence, putting the sides both for & against each option. But I think now I will come out in favour of dropping the 5th!
KB – luckily, all subjects are what would be considered the solid / traditional type.
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
Then I would venture that the 5th may be more for the school's benefit than DC and it is definitely not worth continuing - much better to get 4 good grades than risk 4 slightly less good ones and 1 poor one or burn out trying.Charlie Barley wrote:Thanks very much for all your replies.
KB – luckily, all subjects are what would be considered the solid / traditional type.
There are a few who get 5 good ones (even at A2) but they are the exception and it really isn't necessary, even for the most competitive courses.
Re: Dropping an AS level in Year 12 - likely impact
DS dropped further maths at half-term. He has never been happier at school than after this decision. He will take French A level this summer and will then only have maths, physics and chemistry to take next year. I will encourage him to take AS further maths next year though.
No one needs 5 A levels - just plain silly!
No one needs 5 A levels - just plain silly!