My 16 yo daughter is at sixth form doing 3 A levels. She has been complaining that 2 of the courses are too hard, that the teachers don't have any sympathy for her struggling and that she keeps getting into trouble because she can't keep to the deadlines set. She said that she was warned that if she didn't meet the latest deadline she would be kicked off the courses. Well she didn't meet the deadline because of one reason or another and she hasn't bothered turning up to the lessons or speaking to the teachers. She said there was no point because she was only going to get sent home anyway.
So now she hopes to be able to continue doing just the one A level. I don't know whether she can do this. I've asked her to speak to the head of sixth form but she says she doesn't ever see him. But that's because she isn't going in except for Art lessons. I'm worried for her future and I'm also worried how her only part time further education will effect my benefits.
Hi
I know my friend has had loads of issues with the teachers - her daughter is in her second year of A levels.
My friend really regrets her daughter doing A levels at school, saying if she had had her way she'd have gone to College to do them.
I find it really disappointing that the teachers aren't offering the support and encouragement that your daughter needs, and I hope that when you speak to them that you can get somewhere with them.
Best wishes
It is so completely normal to worry about their future, it has been central to your life for the last 16 years.
It sounds like a really challenging time, I think Louise is absolutely right Rosedragon, you try and discuss with the college tutors what you can, they are not as inaccessible as teenagers like to make out!
I know of someone who HAD to go and speak to their head of year and thinking they were going to get a real telling off, were positvely surprised when they were treated like an adult, listened to and they then went on to sort out a compromise, both teacher and student ended up happy!
I also like what adele said, if you tell them that you will lose benefits and they have to get a job and pay their way, this might encourage them to stay where they are. ;)
I thought I'd give you an update. DD dropped the two subjects that she didn't like but stayed on at sixth form to do the AS exam for Art. She has had an interview at Filton College and starts in September doing a National Diploma in art which is the equivilent of 3 A levels. Basically starting year 12 again. I'm just hoping that she will be able to cope with getting up in the morning, getting to the train station and catching the train there, and sticking it out for the next two years.
Hi Rosedragon
Good to hear from you :) That sounds like a really good idea, what your daughter is doing, I think the National Diplomas are ace, my son did one in Business Studies. At least they seem to pace you a bit better as to coursework. Maybe another year on she will cope with the pressure a bit better. I guess the economic situation gives you some more grist to the mill to encourage her to get qualifications!
Hope you are enjoying the lovely weather
Louise :D
I do think the College sounds like such a good idea.
I'm trying to get my son to look at College as a 'plan B'. He so wants to go back to school to do A levels after resitting GCSEs.
I do hope she does well and works hard.
Hope you're keeping ok too.
Hey rosedragon, great to read you! :D
Great to hear your daughter is going to attempt College, if she meets a good crowd there and enjoys her subject and tutor, she will be fine with the trains and punctuality etc. (OK so a lot of if's, but all possible ones!) Its great that she is continuing to move forward with it.
Its a difficult time for teenagers at this age with all the opportunity to go and be an 'adult', but the scary truth of what the realities are and sticking to education, I hope you are really proud of her.
Hi Rosedragon
What a worrying situation for you with your daughter.I know it is more difficult to liaise with the tutors once they are in the sixth form but I am wondering whether you could contact them (even by email?) expressing your concern. There may be some hope of salvaging things.....or, if not, doing an additional GCSE or two if she really does find the A level courses tough? it must be very frustrating for you when you have been such a supportive parent and she seems to be throwing away the opportunity for further, free education....when you yourself are going back to college in addition to your family responsibilities.
Re the benefits situation, it is my understanding that in order to continue to receive Child Tax Credit for your daughter, she needs to be in what is defined as "full time" education up to and including A level and to be under the age of 20. However, "fulltime" in this instance means at least 12 hours a week teaching. As for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (if you receive them) you will not suffer a reduction for a "non-dependant" until she is 18. Hope this helps. I suppose you could even point out the financial implications of what is going on at school to her and say that if you lose that weekly income she will need to contribute that herself? :?
Good luck!
Louise