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Are maths problems preventing Sixth Form entry?

Every year I get the same enquiry from parents.

Usually it goes like this: "Sally" wants to do creative/art subjects for A-level - let's say art, drama and English literature.

She passed her GCSEs in these subjects with flying colours. Let's say she got an 8 in both art and drama, and 7s in History and both English papers. Sally and her parents are thrilled! However, they have dyscalculia, and they didn't pass maths. Sally got 4-4 in science and a 3 in maths.

Because of this, the school won't accept them for A-level, is there anything I can do? Sally doesn't want to go to the local sixth form college. She wants to study with all of her friends and with teachers that she knows and respects!


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Does this sound familiar?


This is my advice to Sally...

  1. At sixth form, even state schools are entitled to set their own entry requirements. Understandably, as they are judged by their results, they tend to be quite demanding.

  2. Get to know the law!! Under section 15 of the Equality Act, 2010, it is stated that :

    "A person (A) discriminates against a disabled person (B) if—

    (a) A treats B unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of B's disability, and

    (b) A cannot show that the treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim."

    This means that the school is discriminating against "Sally" by expecting her to get the same grades in maths as other students and not taking this into account. It is not proportionate, because her results in creative and essay subjects show she is capable of doing well in these subjects.

  3. Appeal the decision. Speak to the head of sixth form - and after that, I recommend writing to the head teacher, and if necessary, the named SEN governor.

  4. Also, look at the provision in other local schools and colleges. If Sally can't do her chosen A-level combination somewhere else, this would add pressure to the argument.

  5. As Sally failed her maths GSCE she will need to retake the exam (or sit a Functional Skills paper). This can be a problem if the school don't have provision for the extra tuition. You will need to negotiate how this can be achieved, because it can prove to be a sticking point.

  6. Another sticking point will be if the school is over-subscribed for sixth form.

  7. On the other hand, appeal to their better nature. Don't they want to support lovely Sally, whom they have nurtured since year 7?!!

  8. If all else fails, consider employing a lawyer to write to the school, threatening legal action on the basis of discrimination. Let's hope it doesn't get that far for Sally!


I'd really love to hear about your experiences or if you have any other advice to add. Do get in touch!


Jet


I've appreciated support from lots of professionals on this matter over the years, but this week I've been supported by Sara Sinaguglia (Assistant Vice Principal Teaching and Learning at Oak Academy, Bournemouth) and Miranda Cooper at SEN Consultancy (London) Ltd, as well as all of the team at the Dyscalculia Network.


 
 
 

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