The Student Room Group

Need advice, stressing so badly right now

So I'm no Einstein, but I've always met standards (often higher than the expected ones). My end goal was to attend my local sixth form to study A-level Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science. I was on track to achieve this; however, I was involved in a car accident back in October. I sustained several injuries, including some broken bones—which I’m not too worried about compared to the head injuries. I have a subdural hematoma/subdural hemorrhage, which is affecting my ability to retain memory, making me forget things very easily and struggle to concentrate overall.

Before the school holidays, I had returned to school on a part-time basis, taking things slowly. I’m scheduled to go back full-time on the 6th, and I have mock exams in February. I’m extremely worried about my outcomes because I know I won’t achieve my desired or required grades (my GCSEs are this summer). I’ve had GP appointments and still attend my local hospital. Is there anything I can or should do to make it possible to continue pursuing my desired path?

Just to note: my school is aware of all the details, but I haven’t been offered any help.

TL;DR: Had a traumatic brain injury affecting memory and concentration. Worried I won’t get the grades needed for A-levels. Is there anything I can do? Extremely stressed.
Original post by djsimpson1_
So I'm no Einstein, but I've always met standards (often higher than the expected ones). My end goal was to attend my local sixth form to study A-level Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science. I was on track to achieve this; however, I was involved in a car accident back in October. I sustained several injuries, including some broken bones—which I’m not too worried about compared to the head injuries. I have a subdural hematoma/subdural hemorrhage, which is affecting my ability to retain memory, making me forget things very easily and struggle to concentrate overall.
Before the school holidays, I had returned to school on a part-time basis, taking things slowly. I’m scheduled to go back full-time on the 6th, and I have mock exams in February. I’m extremely worried about my outcomes because I know I won’t achieve my desired or required grades (my GCSEs are this summer). I’ve had GP appointments and still attend my local hospital. Is there anything I can or should do to make it possible to continue pursuing my desired path?
Just to note: my school is aware of all the details, but I haven’t been offered any help.
TL;DR: Had a traumatic brain injury affecting memory and concentration. Worried I won’t get the grades needed for A-levels. Is there anything I can do? Extremely stressed.


I might be wrong about this but I saw someone saying in this kind of case that your school can let the exam board know and then they will tell the examiner to mark with that in mind - this won't completely solve the problem ofc and I may be mistaken about this even existing but it may help fill in blanks
Original post by rowan_12194
I might be wrong about this but I saw someone saying in this kind of case that your school can let the exam board know and then they will tell the examiner to mark with that in mind - this won't completely solve the problem ofc and I may be mistaken about this even existing but it may help fill in blanks

Thank you, I've heard about something similar, I'm planning on speaking to a member of staff at my school about it - End of the day it's better than nothing.
Original post by djsimpson1_
Thank you, I've heard about something similar, I'm planning on speaking to a member of staff at my school about it - End of the day it's better than nothing.


I heard it in the context of this girl who had a guy in her exam who began shouting really loudly and it was very distracting so i don't know if it would apply but I hope everything goes well!!
Original post by rowan_12194
I heard it in the context of this girl who had a guy in her exam who began shouting really loudly and it was very distracting so i don't know if it would apply but I hope everything goes well!!

I think its worth a try and thank you for your wishes.
I would say defo speak to someone in your school. During my gcses a couple years ago my dad had a brain tumour and I was able to get extenuating circumstances which meant I was able to get 3-4% extra in my exams. I didn't end up following through with this and regretted it because I would've been able to meet grade requirements for grades above in a couple subjects, so this can be super helpful and because it's something more personal which directly impacts you, you may be able to receive higher percentages. You should have an exams officer in your school who should be able to support you more directly with this and send the requests to the exam boards.

Hope recovery and your exams go well for you!!
Original post by JessicaHG1
I would say defo speak to someone in your school. During my gcses a couple years ago my dad had a brain tumour and I was able to get extenuating circumstances which meant I was able to get 3-4% extra in my exams. I didn't end up following through with this and regretted it because I would've been able to meet grade requirements for grades above in a couple subjects, so this can be super helpful and because it's something more personal which directly impacts you, you may be able to receive higher percentages. You should have an exams officer in your school who should be able to support you more directly with this and send the requests to the exam boards.
Hope recovery and your exams go well for you!!


thank you so much for your wishes and i hope your dad is doing well, i’ve been wanting to talk to my exams officer but he’s the old lead invigilator and is only there during mocks/exams. If i can’t talk to him ill try and see my heads of year, end of the day the worst thing they can say is no
Original post by djsimpson1_
thank you so much for your wishes and i hope your dad is doing well, i’ve been wanting to talk to my exams officer but he’s the old lead invigilator and is only there during mocks/exams. If i can’t talk to him ill try and see my heads of year, end of the day the worst thing they can say is no

Ah no worries and thank you! Yeah I mean your head of year may be able to get in content with the exam boards directly themselves and sort something out but not sure fully how it works!

Also this might sound silly but I remember when my dad had a different brain tumour years ago it actually impacted his memory too and he had various brain training apps with little games which helped him build his memory back up! Obviously not sure how much this will apply but might be worth a go! :smile:
Original post by JessicaHG1
Ah no worries and thank you! Yeah I mean your head of year may be able to get in content with the exam boards directly themselves and sort something out but not sure fully how it works!
Also this might sound silly but I remember when my dad had a different brain tumour years ago it actually impacted his memory too and he had various brain training apps with little games which helped him build his memory back up! Obviously not sure how much this will apply but might be worth a go! :smile:


i’ve never actually thought of that one but i will give it a go, thank you!!
Reply 9
Original post by djsimpson1_
So I'm no Einstein, but I've always met standards (often higher than the expected ones). My end goal was to attend my local sixth form to study A-level Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science. I was on track to achieve this; however, I was involved in a car accident back in October. I sustained several injuries, including some broken bones—which I’m not too worried about compared to the head injuries. I have a subdural hematoma/subdural hemorrhage, which is affecting my ability to retain memory, making me forget things very easily and struggle to concentrate overall.
Before the school holidays, I had returned to school on a part-time basis, taking things slowly. I’m scheduled to go back full-time on the 6th, and I have mock exams in February. I’m extremely worried about my outcomes because I know I won’t achieve my desired or required grades (my GCSEs are this summer). I’ve had GP appointments and still attend my local hospital. Is there anything I can or should do to make it possible to continue pursuing my desired path?
Just to note: my school is aware of all the details, but I haven’t been offered any help.
TL;DR: Had a traumatic brain injury affecting memory and concentration. Worried I won’t get the grades needed for A-levels. Is there anything I can do? Extremely stressed.

I would definitely go to your head of year or exam officer because they should offer some sort of help because you have special circumstances that need to be addressed. For example you might get a separate room or more time if you have trouble recalling facts.
I would definitely go to your head of year or exam officer because they should offer some sort of help because you have special circumstances that need to be addressed. For example you might get a separate room or more time if you have trouble recalling facts.


thank you for your reply! it was my first day back today and i’ve been in talks with subject teachers who have referred me for access arrangements
Original post by djsimpson1_
So I'm no Einstein, but I've always met standards (often higher than the expected ones). My end goal was to attend my local sixth form to study A-level Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science. I was on track to achieve this; however, I was involved in a car accident back in October. I sustained several injuries, including some broken bones—which I’m not too worried about compared to the head injuries. I have a subdural hematoma/subdural hemorrhage, which is affecting my ability to retain memory, making me forget things very easily and struggle to concentrate overall.
Before the school holidays, I had returned to school on a part-time basis, taking things slowly. I’m scheduled to go back full-time on the 6th, and I have mock exams in February. I’m extremely worried about my outcomes because I know I won’t achieve my desired or required grades (my GCSEs are this summer). I’ve had GP appointments and still attend my local hospital. Is there anything I can or should do to make it possible to continue pursuing my desired path?
Just to note: my school is aware of all the details, but I haven’t been offered any help.
TL;DR: Had a traumatic brain injury affecting memory and concentration. Worried I won’t get the grades needed for A-levels. Is there anything I can do? Extremely stressed.

Hi. I had a similar situation during my GCSEs. I was very ill and in fact took 6 months out of school. I was very assertive with the school. I told them exactly what support I needed, and asked them to contact the exam boards. The exam boards were contacted and I was given “Special Consideration”, I’m still not entirely sure what that entailed but I was grateful for the title! I also asked the school to be set up with things like extra time and supervised breaks. I hope all goes well for you. You should also contact the Sixth Form and explain the situation. Tell them what grades you were due to achieve before the accident. They should be able to give you some leeway when it comes to your actual grades you get in the Summer. Think of it like a contextual offer. Good luck with your exams and I hope you make a full recovery soon. X
Original post by ameliaooo
Hi. I had a similar situation during my GCSEs. I was very ill and in fact took 6 months out of school. I was very assertive with the school. I told them exactly what support I needed, and asked them to contact the exam boards. The exam boards were contacted and I was given “Special Consideration”, I’m still not entirely sure what that entailed but I was grateful for the title! I also asked the school to be set up with things like extra time and supervised breaks. I hope all goes well for you. You should also contact the Sixth Form and explain the situation. Tell them what grades you were due to achieve before the accident. They should be able to give you some leeway when it comes to your actual grades you get in the Summer. Think of it like a contextual offer. Good luck with your exams and I hope you make a full recovery soon. X


thank you so much for your reply! I hope you have made a full recovery and are much better! it was my first day back today, some of my subject teachers have put referrals through for access arrangements. i think your point of being assertive would definitely be a backup plan for me incase my current situation falls through. now im just waiting for my local sixth for to reopen so i can get in contact with them. thank you so much again!!!

Quick Reply