 Some young people might not ask that question but their parents probably will! What does “core subject” mean? This is one of those questions where it depends who you ask. The basic idea is that there are certain subjects that are so important that they are compulsory for all students. Officially, the core subjects are English, Maths and Science. In many schools the list will be broadened to include History, Geography and a language. Schools have the freedom to offer a range of optional subjects in addition to the three core ones as long as they stick to this basic rule: What does “core subject” mean?
This is one of those questions where it depends who you ask. The basic idea is that there are certain subjects that are so important that they are compulsory for all students. Officially, the core subjects are English, Maths and Science. In many schools the list will be broadened to include History, Geography and a language. Schools have the freedom to offer a range of optional subjects in addition to the three core ones as long as they stick to this basic rule: You must be offered at least one course in each of four groups of subjects:
Can non-core subjects join the core group? For each individual student they certainly can. If your child is interested in following a creative career then Art might become one of their core subjects. Or if they have ambitions to be a linguist or work abroad then a foreign language (or maybe two) would become very important. Thinking Ahead So, however you choose to define the term, not gaining a C grade (or better) in core subjects could be a major cause for concern. Below we examine the options available. What about retakes? They could resit some of their exams. If they were close to the grade they needed, it might be posssible to do resits as early as November or January. For modular GCSEs, you can resit individual units as long as you resit at least 40% of the qualification. But if you do worse in the resit, you can’t use the grades from your first attempt. If you are resitting several subjects, or you need to improve your results significantly, colleges and schools are more likely to advise waiting until next June. Bear in mind that it is often possible to do a one year level 2 vocational course along with revision GCSE lessons in subjects like English, Maths and Science with a view to resitting these exams the following June. Could they apply for courses other than A-levels? As a matter of fact A-levels are not the only route to university or successful careers. Your child may wish to consider studying for vocational qualifications, such as BTECs or City and Guilds, which are work-related qualifications in a range of subjects such as information technology, construction, beauty therapy and tourism. These are modular courses offered by colleges and many sixth forms with more emphasis on course work and less on exams. A good grade in a vocational diploma at Level 3 will open the door to a very wide range of degree and higher diploma courses. What GCSEs do you need for vocational courses? Vocational courses can be either level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) or level 2 which is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A-C. In practice the GCSE grades needed to get a place on a level 3 diploma course varies a bit but 4 or 5 A to C grades is often stated. This may include specific subjects. The college or sixth form booklet will make this clear. If they don’t have many GCSE grades of C or above careers advisers are more likely to suggest level 2 courses. Once they have passed a level 2 course it may be possible to move on to a level 3 course. English and Maths The government wants all school leavers to have an A-C grade in these subjects so students who want to carry on in full time education post-16 and who don’t have an A-C in these subjects are now required to carry on studying them. Other courses that will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE are:
At present, learners who get a D for maths and English GCSE first time round have to keep resitting GCSE exams throughout their FE courses until they pass. Learners who get below a D can take functional skills exams instead. What about an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships combine work for an employer and a programme of learning which will lead to qualifications. They are available at level 2 or level 3. From October 2015 all apprentices under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship will be paid a minimum of £3.30 per hour and will receive this for the time they spend working, plus the time spent training so that’s £122 a week. Many apprentices earn significantly more, with the average apprenticeship wage standing at £170 per week. Could they do something else altogether? They could go straight into paid work, take a year out or volunteer for a while. It is possible to return to education – either full time or part time – later in life. They should talk to careers advisers and teachers, think carefully about their next step and consider what future options it will create or rule out. new advice page: Is it a good idea to get a degree? Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) The Government is increasing the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training, requiring them to continue until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 from 2013 and until their 18th birthday from 2015. Raising the participation age (RPA) does not mean young people must stay in school; they will be able to choose one of the following options post-16:
www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/participation/rpa What should we do on results day? You may get the results by text, email or in the post but it’s still a good idea for them to go to school on results day. By doing this, they can get help and advice from their teachers or careers adviser. What can be done if they don’t have the grades they need? Firstly, don’t panic. If they don’t get the grades requested by the sixth form or college, approach them and see if they are prepared to be flexible. It’s possible they will still offer a place or they might be prepared to offer a different course. Alternatively, approach other schools or colleges – you might find they will offer a place. Can the results be challenged? If you feel strongly that your daughter or son’s grades are wrong and do not reflect their ability, you can ask for a remark of their papers. Requests for remarking can only be done through the school or college. There is a fee for this service which is reimbursed only if there is a grade change.
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