Having a job during A levels

Discussion and advice on Sixth Form matters

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skipsmash
Posts: 102
Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2016 6:17 pm

Having a job during A levels

Post by skipsmash »

My dd is planning to work 4-6 on Monday and Wednesdays after school, and Sundays all day.

I think this may be too much as she is out on Tuesday and Thursday nights doing sport. She argues she'll be fine.

Is there any guide line about the amount of hours that should be worked during sixth form? I think she is doing too much.
Tinkers
Posts: 7240
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 2:05 pm
Location: Reading

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by Tinkers »

DDs sixth form suggest that any part time work should be less than 9 hours a week. They’ve said that in their experience any more than that has quite a detrimental effect.

Obviously you’ll need to factor in any other outside activities as well.
scary mum
Posts: 8841
Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:45 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by scary mum »

Ours said 11 hours, which I guess is a day and an evening.
scary mum
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by Guest55 »

I'd say that's too much with her other activities. She'll have plenty of homework and she should be spending at least three hours a week on every A level.
skipsmash
Posts: 102
Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2016 6:17 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by skipsmash »

Thank you, I'll pass the message on.
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by Guest55 »

Some schools have a sixth form contract students have to sign regarding hours of paid work.
mitasol
Posts: 2756
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:59 am

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by mitasol »

Why not let your child decide what they can deal with. If it turns out to be too much they can always cut back.

DS worked 3-5 p.m weekdays cleaning at a Primary school. He played a sport at a high level which involved training two nights a week and usually playing both days at the weekend. He was studying maths, physics and chemistry and needed 3A* which were necessary for the course he wanted to do. He quit working about 6 weeks before his exams.

I won’t deny that I was worried about the time spent on sport and work but like your dd he insisted he knew what he was doing. The job was advertised in an email from his GS so they must have thought it was fine.
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by Guest55 »

That's only 10 hours a week - how did he get there by 3pm though?!

Why boast about his grades? Just say he did well ... more is not really appropriate as they aren't your result to advertise.
mitasol
Posts: 2756
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:59 am

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by mitasol »

The primary was next door to his GS and it wasn’t intended as a boast but to reassure good grades were possible in combination with work and outside activities. I think that overruling a child’s opinion of their capabilities is far more detrimental than attempting too much and having to cut back.
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Having a job during A levels

Post by Guest55 »

Schools round here don't finish at 3pm, except for the Secondary Moderns because they have short lunch hours! 3pm to 5pm aren't very productive hours homework wise - still think posting grades was inappropriate - they are not yours to reveal. [I've never posted my DS grades at GCSE, A level or his degree classification]

Sorry I disagree totally. A levels are a big jump especially after more than two months of doing not much.

I've seen too many students struggle - easier to get that grounding first and then increase outside activities.
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