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Original poster

Can average children be pushed to get 'A' at GCSE or is it setting them up to fail?!

57 replies

Bluebell99 · 17/04/2012 12:24

My friend has just removed her child from our secondary school because she wants her to get A's in her GCSE and doesn't think she is on track to do so. Parents are supportive pushy and ambitious but child is average ability but works hard. My other child is at primary with this child's sibling and apparently the sibling is in tears everytime they have a test. So her children are under alot of pressure to do well. Do you think average ability children can achieve 'A' grades if pushed or is it just setting them up to fail???
It's making me worry that I am not pushing my older child enough :( He is above average but not a high flyer.

OP posts:
AIBUqatada · 17/04/2012 13:09

I think that average children can get an 'A' at GCSE. These days, an 'A' is more-or-less about fully absorbing the instructions on how to pass the exam, and working conscientiously. It isn't about being particularly bright.

However, "pushing" is possibly setting them up to fail. It is a really difficult fine line.

tiggyhat · 17/04/2012 13:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

crazygracieuk · 17/04/2012 12:57

I think you need adequate time to get them to an A grade too. If you start now and the exam is next month then probably not possible but if the child has time (say at least a year or two)then I think it's definitely possible.

sue52 · 17/04/2012 12:51

Yes it's achievable with hard work, good teaching and the desire to succeed. I would be concerned that the parents are projecting too much of their own ambitions on to their children. A primary school child should not be in tears because a test.

Original poster
Bluebell99 · 17/04/2012 12:39

Not home schooling, has got her into a over subscribed outstanding school in next town. The thing is, I think her child does work hard but is struggling in English.

OP posts:
mumblechum1 · 17/04/2012 12:32

Depends what the subjects are, some are v v easy(eg Business Studies), some v v hard.

belgo · 17/04/2012 12:30

Yes an average child can achieve A grades if they work hard, and more importantly, have the motivation to do so. Is your friend now home schooling?