Original post by marika572(Just to let you know, I'm in year 12, and I moved to a different school for sixth form, which has outstanding results, I got 2 As in my chemistry exams)
For my a levels I'm doing: bio, chem, history (and polish, although I won't count it in). I tried out maths a level, but since everyone is genius in my new maths class, I felt pressured and decided to drop it.
About a week ago, our assistant head teacher told me that I should drop chemistry. I didn't exactly understand why, and never got a good enough reason for it. She gave a few "reasons"
a) my terrible initial exam results (In week 3, we had an mini practice a level exam)
Firstly, I got 50% on my exam. It was my first ever a level exam though! Our teacher hasn't even taught us any a level exam skills. Personally, I think that getting 50% on an 'a level exam' is good for me, especially when I've been only in the course for 2 weeks. I know overall it's not a very good grade, but my exam is literally in less than 2 years. I think the highest % someone got was 67 anyway. They can't just drop me after one exam result, can they?
b) I "haven't done" any of my homework
I have done all my homework given. My chem teacher said there was an issue with my account and my progress was somehow deleted? (suspicious tbf) But since the points still stay, on the leaderboard, I'm still on the first place, meaning that I've done the most work out of my chemistry class.
c) I don't have a "talent" or the "skill" to do chemistry
Once again, not a valid excuse. I may not be that good in chemistry as all the other students (let me remind you, that school is one of the best in the area), but I'm quite certain that skills are learnt, not inherited. If I lack certain skills, then my teacher should simply try to teach me them. (Also, I only did double, and most of my class did triple, which may be why I lack skill)
My head teacher made me do psychology a level, which I don't enjoy. Some bits are interesting, but I have already missed quite a lot of content and do not want to quickly learn all of it to catch up with the rest of the students. The other day I asked the head teacher if I'm able to finally drop psychology, but she said that we'll "talk about it" on Monday. Although I'm 99% sure she'll make me do psychology anyway.
My teacher let me do chemistry for another few weeks, I've been pre-reading from my chemistry textbook (which we have finally received), and tbh, I'm improving, especially in practicals. I'm trying my best, although there wasn't much I could do in a period of a 2 weeks. I'm afraid to ask or participate in lessons now, because I'm scared that if I say something wrong they'll want to drop me. Same thing is with my homework, when I don't get something right, I get anxious about them using it as an reason for me to drop.
I know that chemistry a level is one of the hardest a levels there is, but I'm willing to put in the work. Our assistant headteacher told me that with my skills, I won't get anywhere above a E. (very harsh) That really made me lose my motivation...
Any tips/advice?
Thank you so much for reading.