Nicola Garrard shared some pictures of her daughter’s art project, but people are floored by the grade she was awarded. They can’t get over that she wants to give the subject up
When people have exams, it’s always a stressful period. As hard as some students try in school, exams and assessments can bring with them a lot of stress, and sometimes people don’t quite get the grades they’re hoping for – no matter how hard they’ve worked towards their goal.
One mother recently left parents stunned when she shared some pictures on X, formerly known as Twitter, of her daughter’s art project – and people have been left gobsmacked. They simply can’t get over the grade she was awarded for the work, and are gutted that she no longer wants to pursue the subject because of it.
Telling the story, Nicola Garrard wrote: “My daughter is giving up A-level art because she feels she is failing. Her Year 12 portfolio was given a D-.
“The second painting is a self-portrait. I’m biased but I think they’re brilliant. Who here thinks she could make a living as an artist/illustrator? I’ll pass on comments!”
The paintings are colourful, creative and realistic, which is perhaps why so many people were taken aback by the confession. Social media users were left puzzled, as the work appears to be so good and carefully constructed.
One person replied: “Definitely not a D grade – is the teacher off their head? Is the grade based on ticking boxes (certain amount of observational work, secondary material, research, etc. needs to be done?), therefore she needs to fulfil certain requirements and it’s not based on quality, but quantity?”
Another added: “Well, tell her I got an E in both art and music at A-level, and I’ve made a successful career out of both. Designed TV and West End shows, animation films, art/directed loads of hit albums, directed top videos – had lots of music hits. I couldn’t even get into Winchester art.”
A third replied: “Tell her never to give up on her dream. That is one person’s opinion. When I was in undergraduate school I had a professor tell me chances were slim I could get a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
“That was my dream. I ignored his opinion and kept forging ahead. Today I hold a double PhD in Clinical Psychology and Industrial Organisational Psychology.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “My mum is a retired high school teacher and is an artist (and vice president of our local artists’ society). She cannot understand how this got a D- and strongly urges you to demand a remark by a different teacher.
“The mark does not reflect your daughter’s work. Please, please demand a remark even if your daughter does end up dropping art. Mum thinks it’s criminal what has happened to her. It’s just awful. Her work is incredible.”
In the comments, Nicola also noted her daughter was told she was “missing some preliminary sketches and research”, which led to hindering her grade. She also said she doesn’t blame the teacher at all, but merely wanted to celebrate her daughter’s talent.
She added in a follow-up post: “The teachers are NOT at fault here! It’s how we formally assess art and creativity in the UK – standards set by Ofqual/QCDAgency. I’m an English teacher and writer, and I often have to grade great creative writing ‘down’ because of assessment criteria/SPAG. It’s putting kids off!
“Thank you so much for all your praise, advice and encouragement! I didn’t expect this to blow up! I can’t keep up with thanking and answering questions, sorry! THANK YOU!”
