Advice, Tips and Prayers Please

I am currently 17 years old. In 2023 I completed my GCSE exams and passed everything except from maths, I got a grade 3, I wanted to do A-level biology and chemistry but I got grade 5-4. In 2024 I resat my GCSE maths and all three science papers just to get the same grade. My strict Indian parents are still not aware of the 2024 results. Talking to them is not an option as they do not fail to remind me that I am dumb and getting no where in life. I completed AS psychology and sociology, however I failed psychology. I am so broken and lost right now in life, all I do is cry. I do not know what to do and where to go. I just want to have a career in STEM, either in pharmacy or biomedical science and get into a very good university and live the university life I fantasise about. My sixth form head is no help. I was trying to get into A-level biology and chemistry. I just want to show my parents that I am not a failure. Seeing my peers all getting somewhere in life makes me realise how lost I am. Please pray for me. Is there any hope for me? What do I do? Please give me advice.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

kitty15

Study Forum Helper

Original post by abiiya.

I am currently 17 years old. In 2023 I completed my GCSE exams and passed everything except from maths, I got a grade 3, I wanted to do A-level biology and chemistry but I got grade 5-4. In 2024 I resat my GCSE maths and all three science papers just to get the same grade. My strict Indian parents are still not aware of the 2024 results. Talking to them is not an option as they do not fail to remind me that I am dumb and getting no where in life. I completed AS psychology and sociology, however I failed psychology. I am so broken and lost right now in life, all I do is cry. I do not know what to do and where to go. I just want to have a career in STEM, either in pharmacy or biomedical science and get into a very good university and live the university life I fantasise about. My sixth form head is no help. I'm planning to be to get into A-level biology and chemistry. I just want to show my parents that I am not a failure. Seeing my peers all getting somewhere in life makes me realise how lost I am. Please pray for me. Is there any hope for me? What do I do? Please give me advice.

Hi, sorry you’re feeling this way. I do think it is important you tell your parents your results to avoid any further conflict. Do inform them and maybe your school where you sat your GCSEs that you are having difficulty with your studies.

It would be a good idea to reflect on why your grades are remaining stationary, and maybe this is an issue with exam technique or your study methods. Maybe talk to your subject teachers and ask for feedback.

You could either resit next year, or you could try going to a sixth form college which may have lower entry requirements. Either way don’t lose hope.

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by abiiya.

I am currently 17 years old. In 2023 I completed my GCSE exams and passed everything except from maths, I got a grade 3, I wanted to do A-level biology and chemistry but I got grade 5-4. In 2024 I resat my GCSE maths and all three science papers just to get the same grade. My strict Indian parents are still not aware of the 2024 results. Talking to them is not an option as they do not fail to remind me that I am dumb and getting no where in life. I completed AS psychology and sociology, however I failed psychology. I am so broken and lost right now in life, all I do is cry. I do not know what to do and where to go. I just want to have a career in STEM, either in pharmacy or biomedical science and get into a very good university and live the university life I fantasise about. My sixth form head is no help. I'm planning to be to get into A-level biology and chemistry. I just want to show my parents that I am not a failure. Seeing my peers all getting somewhere in life makes me realise how lost I am. Please pray for me. Is there any hope for me? What do I do? Please give me advice.

Hello @abiiya.

I’m really sorry for what your going through. I understand it must be a challenging time and you might feel overwhelmed, but don’t beat yourself up too much. Remember that you passed all your other GCSE exams, which shows that you are smart and more than capable. GCSE Maths can be particularly tricky and not as straightforward as it seems. You should consider asking your parents for support, as they might be able to help you find a tutor who can assist you.

If you find that the head of sixth form isn't providing the help you need, try speaking directly with your teachers. They can offer valuable revision techniques and materials tailored to you and your subjects.

Additionally , there are many university courses that can lead to a career in STEM, many of which offer foundation entry options. Foundations course typically have lower entry requirements and provide additional preparation. Consider attending open days at universities like Birmingham City University (BCU) to explore the courses available and find the right fit for you.

For more info about Open Days :https://bit.ly/4aHFLz5

Hope this helps

Mercy
BCU Student Rep

Reply 3

MillieeM2

Can you ask to do a trial period which is basically when you study a subject and if you get over a percentage (e.g. 60%) in the first exam, the teachers let you stay on that subject? Can you ask to do that with bio and chem? Also, don’t study those subjects to prove something to your parents or you will spend 2 years studying subjects that you hate. Instead, do it for you and they will be happy. Plus you could always do a master's degree in the uni you aspire to go to. Ask your school if you can change your AS grades after November mocks. Or you can start year 12 again and you won’t have to worry about being behind as a lot of people take gap years etc. Try Maths GCSE tutor on YouTube, it’s like a walkthrough and shows how to do the questions. Also, comparison is the thief of joy, if you focus on doing well and getting to where you want to be, you’ll feel happier. At this age, a lot of people are in different stages of their life, you’re not behind and at least you’re making an effort and preserving. It shows dedication. Good luck ♥️

Reply 4

abiiya.

Original post by kitty15

Hi, sorry you’re feeling this way. I do think it is important you tell your parents your results to avoid any further conflict. Do inform them and maybe your school where you sat your GCSEs that you are having difficulty with your studies.
It would be a good idea to reflect on why your grades are remaining stationary, and maybe this is an issue with exam technique or your study methods. Maybe talk to your subject teachers and ask for feedback.
You could either resit next year, or you could try going to a sixth form college which may have lower entry requirements. Either way don’t lose hope.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your reply a lot. I have informed my school that I have difficulties in certain subjects, but I am not getting any advice, just the typical 'I'm sorry to hear that'. I've been looking into a lot of study techniques but its hard to put it into practice as of right now because I have lost all motivation and discipline. Sadly, in the area I live there are no sixth forms and colleges that have lower grade requirements to complete a-level biology and chemistry. My maths grade is a real barrier for me. I will try not to lose hope!. Thank you again

Reply 5

abiiya.

Original post by MillieeM2

Thank you so much! I have emailed the head of sixth form about either writing exams to show if I am eligible to take biology and chemistry or if I can do a trial period, as you recommended, and he told me to email the head of science. I have that woman as a form teacher before and I have liked her, but she can be a very strict, biased and scary teacher when she is in the classroom teaching. The head of sixth form told me that in his opinion it is difficult because he wants to be fair to all students and so on and so forth. I have since emailed the head of science and I am now awaiting her reply. I've also asked about retaking year 12 and the head said I am technically not able to retake year 12 but instead stay until year 14 completing year 13. He also recommended that I take Btec psychology rather than a-level psychology. Thank you for the recommendations for maths I shall revise from his content.

Thank you so much for the last message, its really hard not to compare myself to others but I will try and stop. I really appreciate your message!