Different scores need to be looked at. One, that
shows the number of students achieving 5 or more GCSE's are grade C or above.
Another which shows those 5 GCSE's, but to include Mathematics and English.
Others that show GCSE results from A to G. GCSE's are graded from between A* to
U. U being unclassified. (So G does not stand for great!)
Usually A*, to C are classed as passes, D and
below fails. Yes, I know me saying that may make me unpopular, but its
true! Some Further Education Colleges
will accept D's, and E's. Schools will do anything up to exam time to help move
those children predicted D's to move to C's, and will make some effort to help
those genius A* students. So make sure your beloved takes makes every effort to
go to every opportunity offered! And it
is also exam style which is important not just subject knowledge. It is really
important you keep your child focused, let them go and socialize, but this time
is so, so important. Oh and by the way, keep praising them. It does work!
Negativity and you are a time waster type conversations only help to lower
self-esteem. (Look I am a teacher, I know these things!)
So in general, your tinker gets 5 or more GCSE's,
between A* to C, including English and Mathematics. That opens all doors. Some
schools have played with qualifications that gives children say four GCSE's for
one qualification. ICT – oops sorry, that's Information Communication
Technology, working with computers – mostly using software! - has a
qualification that gives students if they pass all the 'parts' more than one
GCSE. Which does help those five GCSE targets that schools are desperate to
reach. However now throwing in needing to have Mathematics and English within
that five has stopped a few schools in their tracks!! So what happened? Some
schools have found courses that are easily taken, and marked online – that
means doing it on the computer, and the computer marks the work....who needs
teachers? Huh? - In Literacy and Numeracy. That's another name for Math’s and
English! And guess what? It helps boost the GCSE count.
So while statistics are really important, if you
wish to be a naughty parent, ask the school what qualifications are used to
report statistics? Could be interesting!
But don't get me started on SATS exams, in Primary
Schools and Secondary Schools...that would take another book! (And yes, your
child will be coached within the schools to produce the best results!)
So. Make sure your offspring behave. Tell them to
be nice to the teachers. Even if they get on their wick, they are the ones that
will help them pass. If you as a parent are not happy, go to the school.
Insist. Insist that your child has the best opportunity to pass. Oh and I hope
you read the earlier chapter first. Now remember that bit where I said go to
the Form Tutor first? That is your way in! Use it!
And I must add about choices. No doubt you will be
in a situation when your little rug rat is moving from Primary School to
Secondary School. Now for me it was an easy choice, I only put one choice on
the form! But that was my situation, and as a teacher I do know the different
schools in the catchment area and which ones I would home teach them rather
than let them go anywhere near those schools! So how do you find out? Apart
from making friends with any staff member in the school, the key is to make sure
that you attend the open evening, remembering that of course they will tell you
lies too! Another idea is too hang around the school when the gates open and on
an afternoon when the children leave. (Be careful not to look too suspicious!)
Do the children run out screaming? Is there
teachers near the gates? Do the children come out of the school smartly
dressed? Are the children hanging around outside the school smoking? (A decent
school would not allow that!) Are the teachers smiling? Look for clues, apart
from the obvious ones, like school results. Ask parents that you see waiting.
Think of it like a project, your detection will gain results, promise!
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