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Original poster

2 exams on a day - feel , impossible to sit 2 ( 2.5 h each) exams on a same day?

29 replies

newtothis15 · 05/01/2020 19:40

I think pm exam would be too exhausting if a child did an exam am?

OP posts:
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Original poster
newtothis15 · 10/01/2020 06:54

it was to much, my DS was exhausted inthe afternoon, said finished all exams early, and I knew it was a sign he just wanted to end it...I hsould have chosen just 1 preferable school and sit 1 exam...

OP posts:
jor456 · 06/01/2020 13:51

I think it is too much but know the schools in question do not offer any alternative. Hopefully that’s it though for the rest of the week?!

Needmoresleep · 06/01/2020 12:07

The two schools are within walking distance of each other, across Hammersmith Bridge, then along the river. Take a packed lunch and give him a brisk walk.

They are also not ‘first past the post’. Schools select on a range of characteristics, resilience being one. Make them aware that it is the second exam of the day, but don’t make a fuss. They will expect a new Yr 7 child to be able to cope with quite a heavy full day of demanding timetabled lessons plus homework. If they can’t cope with two exams on the same day, schools will worry that they would struggle.

It is very likely that boys sitting SPS did well in the LU exam. SPS is one of the most selective schools in London. Only the top of the cohort will try, probably using LU as back up. Whereas others sitting LU may view LU as a ‘stretch’ school and perform less well.

NorfolkGardens · 06/01/2020 11:39

It probably is too much for most children. However, if it's an 11+ exam for a selective school my feeling is that they're going to want to test resiliance and application as well as the ability to complete the exam. If they're entrance exams for separate, very highly sought after and competitive schools part of the answer why the highest attainment is achieved by students who sit both exams might well be because only the most able enter both exams.

RedskyAtnight · 06/01/2020 10:49

If this is 2 exams in 2 different places, I think the moving between places and having to settle in to a new place adds an extra element of tiredness.

DS has just sat GCSE mocks with 3 x 1.75hr exams in a day. He was totally shattered. I would say it's a lot for a 10/11 year old.

Xiaoxiong · 06/01/2020 09:41

I loved having multiple exams in one day. Getting all keyed up, the adrenaline pushing me through both, then home knowing two were out of the way rather than just one. In my experience it's the same amount of prep/psyching myself up for one exam as it is for two, so might as well get them done in one fell swoop and then relax!

TwoOneBravo · 05/01/2020 21:07

It’s not compulsory.

Don’t do it if you feel it’s too much.

Your choice.

logfire2020 · 05/01/2020 21:06

I personally wouldn't put my 10/11 dc through it.

I don't understand why parents feel a need to sit 5+ schools and 7+ is just ridiculous. As a result, there will be inevitable exam clashes.

Schools will have worked things out when they set their test dates and will most likely will want some helpful intel on priorities, which will gauge their offer levels.

Many schools offer an alternative exam date in advance, even though that may be less acceptable as it is forcing an early parental decision on priorities..... that's not a bad thing!

TeenPlusTwenties · 05/01/2020 20:40

It's not compulsory.

Mushypeasandchipstogo · 05/01/2020 20:25

Another here who had 3x 3hr A’level exams on the same day but it was a long time ago!

ripple11 · 05/01/2020 20:24

Yes Mama, he doesn’t seem that bothered by it!...just got to get on with it.

MamaMumMama · 05/01/2020 20:18

It sounds a lot but that is what it's like from GCSEs onwards. DD just took her 11+ and had two exams in one day. Kids cope with these things, lots of revision and practice with exam timing and they'll be fine

ripple11 · 05/01/2020 20:10

The point being with 11+ is you are doing it at 2 different locations.
On Tuesday DS has a 4 hour exam , a 45 min break ,to get to another 3 hour exam 25/30 min drive away.
Just depends on what schools you choose and whether they offer alternative dates and times.

YourOpinionIsNoted · 05/01/2020 20:02

So long as everyone is doing the same it doesn't matter does it?

BackforGood · 05/01/2020 19:59

Standard for public exams (GCSEs and A-Levels), once the dc is 15+.

Pretty ridiculous for 10 yr olds, IME. (To do 1 x 2.5hr exam at all)

BathTangle · 05/01/2020 19:55

Yes, standard. I did 3 11+ exams in a day, twice (assessments for two different schools). As did everyone else who applied for those schools.

Original poster
newtothis15 · 05/01/2020 19:52

Thank you for replies. So sorry, for not clarifying - it is at age 11+ exams. Year 6 child.

OP posts:
Plural · 05/01/2020 19:51

I did three a level exams in one day. It happens

YourOpinionIsNoted · 05/01/2020 19:50

Totally normal. Ridiculous to suggest it would be too exhausting for any NT student.

superram · 05/01/2020 19:50

Some kids sit 3 depending on length. As a teacher of a subject that for the past 3 years has been in pm after maths or English it is a bit of a pisser but not unusual.

peachgreen · 05/01/2020 19:49

Very normal. I had three in one day at A Level.

MoreSweetcorn · 05/01/2020 19:49

No problem with this at all. Standard procedure

PrayingandHoping · 05/01/2020 19:49

Gcse and a level this is totally normal.

I remember having my 2 hardest a level exams on the same day. Not fun but that's life

SpeedofaSloth · 05/01/2020 19:49

I remember doing this.

11plusisuponus · 05/01/2020 19:49

If it's St. Paul's and Latymer (saw your other post), the lady at Latymer said that those who sat 2 exams on the same day on average scored higher- not sure if she was telling the truth! I think there will be many boys trekking over the river between the 2!

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