The day has finally arrived—GCSE results day! Whether you’re celebrating with excitement, relief, or complete a mix of emotions, this day is the culmination of 2 years of hard work and growth.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Before anything else, take a moment to truly celebrate. You've made it through one of the MOST challenging phases of your academic journey - ever! Gather with your family and friends, savor the moment, and acknowledge how far you’ve come. Whether you’re planning a small get-together, a day out with friends, or just a quiet moment of reflection, take pride in your achievements. You deserve it :)
Check Your Sixth Form Requirements
Once the celebrations have settled down (at least a little), it’s extremely important to check whether your results meet the entry requirements for your chosen sixth form/college. Most schools will have specific grade thresholds for the courses you wish to take. If you’ve achieved the necessary grades - congrats You’re all set for the next exciting chapter.
However, if you find that your results aren’t quite what you expected, don’t panic! There are options available, and this is not the end of the road, rather the start of a new one.
If You’re Disappointed: It’s Okay to Feel This Way
It’s natural to feel disappointed if your results didn’t meet your expectations. Remember, these grades do not define you or your potential. You won't even remember these results in next 5 or 10 years! Take some time to process your feelings and talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a family member, friend, or teacher.
There are always paths forward, even if they’re not the ones you initially planned. This could be an opportunity to explore new subjects, rethink your goals, or discover alternative routes to your desired career.
When to Consider a Remark
If you feel that your grades don’t really reflect your performance, you may want to consider getting a remark. This can be especially important if your grade is close to a boundary, or if you need a specific mark for your future plans.
How to Request a Remark
Contact Your School/Exam Center - they will guide you through the process and submit the request on your behalf.
Understand the Risks - keep in mind that your grade could go up, down, or stay the same after a remark. Discuss this with your teachers before proceeding.
Act Quickly - there’s a deadline for remark requests, so make sure to act promptly if you’re considering this option. (10th September for CIE, 20th for AQA and Edexcel).
When to Resit
If you’re unsatisfied with your results and feel that a resit would give you a better chance at achieving the grades you need, you can choose to retake your exams. This is a big decision and should be considered carefully.
What to Do Next
Discuss with Your Teachers - they can really useful insights and help you weigh the pros and cons of resitting.
Plan Your Revision - if you decide to resit, create a realistic study plan that gives you the best chance of success.
Consider Alternative Paths - some colleges/sixth forms offer courses with lower entry requirements or alternative qualifications, such as BTECs, which might align with your goals.
Moving Forward
Regardless of your results, remember that this is just one step in a long journey. Whether you’re continuing on to sixth form, exploring vocational courses, or considering an apprenticeship, this is your opportunity to shape your future.
Celebrate your efforts, learn from your experiences, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. The future is full of possibilities, and today is just the beginning.
Congratulations once again, and here’s to the next chapter!
See you guys later!
Mira
P.S. I found this quote that I really love - maybe you guys will love it too!
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
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