My son underperforms in exams

Is he answering all the questions before the time is up?

Ask the school to do some assessments. There’s CTOPP2, which tests phonological processing, and WRAML2 which tests working memory. My son has just had these done in year 7. He gets extra time in exams and is on the additional needs register. Make sure he is very organised and use posts its and lists. Organised environment, organised mind(or something like that).

I agree.

We would do:

• what is war <repeat until can define>
• what are the criteria for a just war <repeat until can list criteria>
• what is war
• what are the criteria for a just war <repeat>
• give 3 different religious views on war <repeat>
• what is war
• what are the criteria for a just war
• give 3 different views on war

Then again later in the day or next day, hopefully faster
Then again a few days after that

And repeat with everything needing to be learned.

I’m afraid it’s about repetition!! It’s boring but it works.

Working memory is holding information whilst doing a task, such as in mental maths.

I think you should work on revision techniques, and coming back to things over time.

Also consider whether loads of music commitments and a day a week plus homework to an additional language are the best focus going forward. (Can he at least do a GCSE in this language to get credit for it?).

Sounds like a working memory issue. Ask his school to test him for processing issues. If he has issues he may entitled to extra time in exams which will make a real difference.

It depends what works for him and what subject type of learning is needed. For lots of facts, try revision cards - one word or question on one side, answer on the other. Take them everywhere and use lots of spare moments to go through them. Also use post-it notes round the house if that might work. For longer answer type questions you need to practise writing at length, expanding answers and working to time. There are no short cuts for most people, you're right.

Memory and revision strategies are helpful but it’s worth talking to him to see if he’s up against the clock. If he’s running out of time and has memory difficulties he may have a well masked learning difference, eg dyslexia, or just a specific issue in memory. He doesn’t need a diagnosis for the school to consider access arrangements although there is a strict process for this set out by the exam board. Contact the senco to flag this - they may already be aware due to tutor observations, but it’s worth doing.

I was always a good pupil at school. They consistently gave me good marks for course work and class work. I failed miserably in exams. Questions I knew the answers to I could not remember in the exam. It was always like this for me. The minute the exam was over it was too late to do a thing about it. I still remember failing badly in a history exam to this day.. blast Jethro Tull and his bloody horse hoe...........

So, I've only become aware of this as an adult.

Other people can retain information.

I'm not one of those people - yet I passed with A grades in everything back in the late 80s.

There's no easy way. you He will have to revise/revise/revise for at least 6 weeks before his exams daily - for 2 hours+.

I thought everyone did this or else how would you pass the exams? As an adult I've found out most of my contemporaries did about a week of revision and basically just reread over their work.

As an example, I'm an adult, I should be able to tell you how a volcano works. But I have literally no clue. If I go and look it up now, I'll be nodding going yes yes, that's how it all works - but set me a test on it tomorrow I'll fail.

My husband, who 'technically' is a bit dumb actually isn't. He passed an anatomy exam 5 years ago and can still tell me about the different muscles/bones etc. I'm in awe at how his brain retains information.

DC will be taught over the coming years revision techniques and how to answer exam questions/manage time in an exam - I feel this is as important as actually knowing the stuff as if you dont get it down in the desired way you loose marks. My DS always lost marks in maths for just putting the answer which was yes the correct answer but he was't picking up the marks allocated for writing down his workings.

To get something properly into your memory you have to keep reviewing.
So learn. Review next day. Review 2 days later. Review in a week. Review in 2 weeks. Review in a month.

Is the stuff in the tests stuff you know he revised? Did you think he knew it?

Mind maps and/or prompt cards with you testing.