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Original poster

Disappointing GCSE science mock results-how to improve in 13 weeks?

34 replies

alwaysplanning · 07/02/2024 11:23

DC received their mock results last week. Overall ok results, with room for improvement across the board. However, he is especially disappointed with science results-5/5/4 predicted 6/6/7 (triple). Biology especially disappointing (4, predicted 7 but realistic might be a 6).

How best to focus on the time that's left? He admits that he didn't do enough (any?) past papers but as he still has a lot to relearn of the syllabus how should he spend his time? He mostly used Seneca and cognito with free science lessons videos in there too but his working memory is poor so he's obviously not retaining the content.

If he starts with past papers, should he methodically work through each question with his revision guide/YouTube videos and learn through tackling the questions? With the answers to hand? Should he struggle and persevere with revision notes? Do flashcards?

Sorry if that is a really basic question, I'm not sure he really knows how to revise. He has no useful class or revision notes either, has dyslexia and probably finds making notes stressful and difficult.

Thank you.

OP posts:
TheLongpigs · 07/02/2024 11:41

You would need to check what exam board your school are using, but I am a big fan of the Collins revision guides.

shepherdsangeldelight · 07/02/2024 11:39

What is the view of his teachers? Do they think he is still capable of reaching the higher grades? Crucially - were those results achieved on higher papers and are they still going to enter him for the higher papers, or are they now recommending that he takes foundation papers? Does he need science for whatever he is planning to go on and do later? Arguably he might be better to take foundation papers and bank 5s rather than risking getting a lower grade on higher.

Original poster
alwaysplanning · 07/02/2024 11:38

TheLongpigs · 07/02/2024 11:36

There are really good revision guides available and v good value on Amazon. I prefer these to online revision as it's writing (like in the exam), and much easier for you to keep track of. You can pull out the answers and keep them, ask him to do 5 / 10 pages a day and then work through the answers together, marking as you go. He could make serious improvement this way. Some revision guides have really good précis of the topics in them, which helps learn missing content.

Thank you-are there any that you would especially recommend?

OP posts:
TheLongpigs · 07/02/2024 11:36

There are really good revision guides available and v good value on Amazon. I prefer these to online revision as it's writing (like in the exam), and much easier for you to keep track of. You can pull out the answers and keep them, ask him to do 5 / 10 pages a day and then work through the answers together, marking as you go. He could make serious improvement this way. Some revision guides have really good précis of the topics in them, which helps learn missing content.

Original poster
alwaysplanning · 07/02/2024 11:33

Howsoon23 · 07/02/2024 11:30

Revision books are your friend - most schools provide so i am suprised they havnt. CPG are commonally used. Also does the school do revision sessions again most schools do - if so insist he attends. talk to the teachers about where his biggests gaps are and focus on them.

you can go a long way in physics with knowing the equations and be able to use
And i could do a lot of quizzing with him using the revision books

He has the revision guides, admittedly he didn't really use them, he finds the layout busy and confusing (and just is resistant to too much reading, frustratingly). He started on the CGP workbooks but I think the problem is he knows it while he's working through a topic then promptly forgets it 2-3 weeks later.

OP posts:
wiltonian · 07/02/2024 11:31

Seneca - online. It's easy to use and specific to the relevant board. If you pay for it you can, I think, get past papers too.

Original poster
alwaysplanning · 07/02/2024 11:31

Thanks for your reply. I don't think he used his extra time for sciences, I think it's just that he doesn't have a strong grip of the content.

OP posts:
Howsoon23 · 07/02/2024 11:30

Revision books are your friend - most schools provide so i am suprised they havnt. CPG are commonally used. Also does the school do revision sessions again most schools do - if so insist he attends. talk to the teachers about where his biggests gaps are and focus on them.

you can go a long way in physics with knowing the equations and be able to use
And i could do a lot of quizzing with him using the revision books

Bluevelvetsofa · 07/02/2024 11:26

What was the reason for the results being less than hoped for? Was it not having time to finish the papers, or was it because he couldn’t answer the questions?

I’m wondering if he has had support for the dyslexia, in the form of extra time or other access arrangement.

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