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School refusing to continue A level course half-way through

Just popped into my head that some exam boards do a 'fitness to offer' type of check which can include things like number of hours delivered, qualifications of staff, exam room specifications etc. During the final years of my examining role there was also discussion about including things like manipulation which included things like dropping subjects or transferring students between A and AS groups. I have no info on if this went ahead but a call to the relevant exam board to register dissatisfaction with the way a center operates may be useful as part of ongoing concerns.
 
I know some are saying this is common but I haven't come across a case where the teacher still exists but is not going to carry on with a class (even if it is for one student). Assholes.

At my last mainstream school the RE teacher left halfway through the A levels. The two kids left doing it were allowed to carry on with no tuition save for a teacher coming in with six weeks to go before the exam to give them exam tips. I think they both failed horribly.

Threats to the school, the LEA and publicity in the media must all be worth a go. She needs results quickly. I'd say that normally rules out lawyers and MPs.
 
Pickman's model said:
equationgirl
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You rang?

Totally agree with the approach - you could also contact Wise - women in science and engineering and the IOP - institute of physics as I am sure they would love to her about a female student has been stopped halfway through her physics a level.

This is disgraceful on the part of the school. This should have been communicated well in advance of the start of term.
 
Speaking - in full on Andra Leadsom mode - as a public servant, though a most uncivil one, and the husband of a deputy head and SENCO - I can confirm that a call from the constituency office of the local MP often produces a 'you did fucking WHAT?' internal review...

Local press with picture of sad child, m'learned friends, local MP, Chair of Governors and Headteacher, and equationgirl 's excellent suggestions - I look forward to the sound of frantic backpedaling...
 
If there is still a physics teacher in her school then that person should continue to teach her even if she is the only pupil studying it.

They may have to offer the class after school day ends or during a break if that teacher has been reallocated to a different job. Subjects need quotas in order to maintain staffing in that area. If there is only one pupil then that's very difficult to do....to give over that many hours to one pupil.

But as it's A levels and a crucial year the school really should be trying harder and I'm surprised the teacher hasn't offered lessons even at lunch break to make up the shortfall and to get her through the course.....


Unless.....the teacher is rubbish at physics. :hmm:
 
Excellent suggestions on the thread. Best of luck kicking up a stink! Two things that probably shouldn't matter but definitely will matter are the fact that your daughter is a straight-a student and the fact that she is a girl. Two things to be used for sure.
 
19sixtysix said:
Is contacting Ofsted an option complaining about the school.
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You can certainly complain to OFSTED about something the school has done, but the inspection process (assuming one were to be triggered) is unlikely to change this specific decision, not least due to timings - however the threat of a complaint to OFSTED may focus minds in a 'how can we avoid this' way.

Local MP and chair of governors is your best bet in terms of changing the decision.
 
Solicitors being as expensive as they are, do you have house insurance? Sometimes they give you legal cover.
 
Rutita1 said:
Good suggestion.

I asked about the taxi mwgdrwg mentioned also too. That money could be put to use with a tutor possibly?
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Nah it’ll come out of home school transport budget, this is teaching budget. It’ll be different pots that won’t necessarily be easily moved about with.

Home school transport also covers SEN kids and it’s an area that’s been slashed - don’t think it’d go down well if that budget was paying for a tutor when some kids can’t attend school full stop because of issues getting home school transport to support.
 
A shitty situation but some good advice on the thread. MPs can be useful in this sort of situation - if you have a decent MP that is. I agree with threatening to contact OFSTED etc, as that sort of thing generally helps focus minds.

Good luck and hop you get something sorted out.
 
mwgdrwg - my suggestion would be to ask for (demand) a tutor from the EOTAS provision. In addition to all the other means of pressuring the school.

? Does the school in question still have an A-level capable Physics teacher ? If not, the problem enters another level.

My OH, before retiring, taught Physics (inc A-level) and did some EOTAS tutoring (with good results, I might add, even with limited hours)
 
Rutita1 said:
Good suggestion.

I asked about the taxi mwgdrwg mentioned also too. That money could be put to use with a tutor possibly?
Click to expand...

It will probably be different budgets..... but it can be amazing what colleges can suddenly achieve if someone kicks up a shitstorm.
 
This is disgraceful.

Unless there are unforeseen circumstances - the only teacher capable of teaching KS5 Physics has been sacked suddenly on 1st Sept, say, they should have told your daughter when the others failed, i.e results day mid August.

A decent school would continue to teach an A level for one Y13 student, regardless of budgetary constraints.
 
In the dim and distant mists of time my school tried to pull this trick with my A Level music as the other 4 students dropped it during Y12. My Mum kicked up merry hell and in the end they changed their mind, although I did have to have one of my lessons at lunchtime due to timetable issues. Partially one of the reasons they gave in was that I was due to study music at university and it could have royally fucked me. Anyway no advice as this was over 20 years ago and things have changed but best of luck to you and your girl in getting this sorted mwgdrwg
 
equationgirl said:
Any progress mwgdrwg?
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A strongly worded letter sent to the head of school governors and the head of education in the county (he replied straight away saying they will be discussing it).

My daughter has dropped physics though, to concentrate on the other two. Hoping to re-do it next year in colleg alongside an art course (though I doubt this will be feasible).

Did I mention she was mean to go on a trip to Cern next April? Dropping out of that, the life-changing effects of this school fuck up seem even greater.
 
I am so sorry she dropped it, and for missing the cern visit. Fucking arseholes, I hope they're happy.

mwgdrwg said:
A strongly worded letter sent to the head of school governors and the head of education in the county (he replied straight away saying they will be discussing it).

My daughter has dropped physics though, to concentrate on the other two. Hoping to re-do it next year in colleg alongside an art course (though I doubt this will be feasible).

Did I mention she was mean to go on a trip to Cern next April? Dropping out of that, the life-changing effects of this school fuck up seem even greater.
Click to expand...
 
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