Should I push maths tutor idea on DS (Y9) - he is not keen

[Flyonthewindscreen]

Just had parents evening, very pleased with DS and told him so. Good behaviour and attitude and he is predicted to be a level 7/8 in all the mandatory subjects and subjects he is choosing for GCSE options. Maths was the exception. He was moved from middle to top set at the beginning of year 9 but has always said he doesn't feel confident there and has had a couple of bad test results. His teacher said he he is likely to finish year 9 on a high level 6 and on course to get a B at GCSE (we are in Wales where the new GCSE gradings don't apply). He doesn't think he is in the wrong set but didn't disagree when I said DS felt he was towards the bottom of the set.

There are some more tests in late April that will be used to determine GCSE maths sets. Pupils will be allocated to study for either the higher, intermediate or foundation paper. Intermediate paper means that only grades B-D can be achieved (higher paper A-C, foundation C-G). I'm worried that after a couple of poor test results DS's confidence and attitude towards maths is on a downwards trend and worry that he could really struggle in these tests and end up having to sit a paper that is below his potential. Also me and DH aren't great at maths and can't help him revise.

I would like to get DS a maths tutor to give him some one to one help, give him a better chance in these upcoming tests and get him some confidence back. When I mentioned it to him, he went mad at the idea. I'm not entirely sure what aspect outraged him particularly, possibly the idea of extra maths but as I pointed out he is going to have to study anyway so why not do it with someone who can help him. Should I give up on idea or is it important enough to try to tackle with him again and how?

[user789653241]

If he doesn't like the idea of tutor, how about online?

www.khanacademy.org/math video tutorials and quiz for all the maths subject

uk.ixl.com/math/year-9

[Flyonthewindscreen]

I fear if we paid out for online tutoring he wouldn't do it but he would if sat in a room with an actual person.

[user789653241]

Khan is totally free. So you can try if he likes it or not.

[Sadik]

Not a teacher, but I've got a dd in yr 9, so at a similar stage (and also in Wales). My thoughts would be, what is he likely to want to continue with post GCSEs? If he's really a humanities student, does it really matter if he gets a B in maths?

DD is also a pretty good all rounder, getting a certain amount of pressure because she probably won't end yr 9 with her targetted level 7 in Cymraeg. My personal view is that she needs a C, a B would be nice, but what's the point in going all out for the best possible grade in a subject she'll unquestionably drop at 16 for sciency/mathsy A levels.

Obviously, if he's likely to want to continue with sciences, it's a different matter.

[AtiaoftheJulii]

If he really doesn't want a tutor, don't bother. No one can force someone to learn, and as an (ex) maths tutor, trying to work with someone who just doesn't want to be there is a miserable waste of an hour.

[Flyonthewindscreen]

Thanks for replies. DS almost certainly won't be choosing maths or science A levels. He likes and is good at languages/humanities. I am just aware of not being a pushy parent in past and wondering if I should be trying to maximise his chances of an A/B grade in maths.

[ohtobeanonymous]

If he is on track for a B then he probably cant see the need to be concerned with a tutor. What might happen though, is that as new concepts are introduced, if he is a bit unsteady on some of the 'basics' or even just in exam-technique/interpreting questions, he may lose further confidence which can create a bit of a vicious cycle!

Tutors help in all these areas. You might want to consider 'selling' the idea to him by calling the tutor a 'revision coach' or something...? I know a fabulous tutor who is based in London, but does Skype tutoring.
She comes highly recommended by my own DDs in Y7 and Y9!! PM me if you'd like her details.

[Scarydinosaurs]

How about explaining it as someone to do his maths hw with him?