LAMDA - DD got a merit and she's upset - surely this is a perfectly respectable result?

[thefuturesnotourstosee]

Poor DD. The results came today. She's read the examiners comments and its clear from them why she got a merit and not a distinction - she spoke the last couple of lines of her poem a bit quickly and quietly. Everything else he's written is really really positive but she's so focussed on that.

She was desperate for a distinction and convinced she'd get one despite me continually telling her that only a small number get one. It was only the introductory exam. She's 7 and I'm afraid this is going to put her off which would be a shame as she has been really enjoying it up to now. I've told her loads of times its a fabulous result.

I know her teacher will be pleased but she won't see her this week because of half term so its up to me to build her confidence again. I'm so proud of her and hate seeing her sad.

(I didn't push her into LAMDA by he way her school offer it at lunch and more than half her year do it. She came home with the letter asking to join in and gave me no peace until I agreed)

[chocoluvva]

You could remind her that people don't tend to get their best marks for the first exam they do. The marks usually improve with experience of doing exams. The best way to practice performing is by performing.

I wouldn't make too much of it though - if you give her the message that you're disappointed for her because she didn't get the mark she hoped for, but that it's just one of those things, hopefully she'll get some perspective. IYKWIM

[thefuturesnotourstosee]

That's a good idea Chocluvva she'll respond to that. She's like her dad, very logical. Sadly she gets shyness and lack of self confidence from m

Every time she mentions it, I tell her I'm really proud of her and its a wonderful result. It was the last thing she talked about before bed and i just gave her a huge cuddle and told her I was so proud of her and love her so much.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Of course a merit is good.

Dd has a mixture of distinctions and merits. Her first merit did come as a shock to her.

I have had students where I thought the marking was very harsh but in your dd's case it sounds like she just rushed a bit- that can just be nerves.

The problem is done children can be very self critical. Hope she carries on.