19th September 2011 9:00
By Blue Tutors
An article this week on the BBC gave advice to 16 year olds on what to do if the recently released GCSE results left them in limbo about what to do this year. For many people the choice to continue to study A Levels is an easy one to make, but many Sixth Forms and Colleges have rules regarding the necessary grades to continue at this level, or the grades needed to study specific A Level subjects.
Firstly, the advice suggests that students don’t despair if they don’t get what they think was needed. Many schools and colleges will take students even if they didn’t quite meet the entry criteria; it’s always worth contacting them to see what they say. The article also suggests that students consider challenging their GCSE results if they strongly feel that they’ve been under-marked. Mistakes are rare, but are sometimes made, and it’s worth questioning them if it might help a student’s future. However, there is a charge if the grade remains the same after the re-mark.
Students also have the option to retake their GCSE exams, or just individual modules (provided that the total modules retaken account for at least 40% of the overall grade). Retakes often happen in November and January, but if a student is retaking a number of exams, they may want to wait until next June and sit them again properly. If a student does this they are likely to still get help from their school, but could also use a tutor if they just want to brush up on the subject before retaking.
Lastly, the BBC suggests that students look for alternative courses to A Levels, and consider vocational courses. Some vocational courses are considered close to studying A Levels, and provide a route to university. Students could also consider simply getting a job, and there are still apprenticeship schemes where a young person can learn a trade and be paid whilst doing it.