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Original poster

I don't know what to do or say to English teacher about GCSE mock results to get help

27 replies

LolaBaby75 · 20/04/2026 09:03

My DD is close to the GCSE exams now - about three weeks to go. They have always been a grade 7 student in classwork and homework but in both sets if mocks it has fallen apart. They have got Eng lang 2, Eng lit 4 before Christmas; and now in the most recent mocks Eng lang 4, Eng lit 2. They NEED a 6 to do the A-level subjects they want so they are devastated. I took a look at the class feedback on the mocks and it was all impossible to understand. The rest of the class are getting advice on how to turn their 7 into 9 with university level nuggets - they are clearly a clever class. This doesn't help my daughter though who has basically given up any work to do with English since the first mocks. Nonetheless she seems to know all the quotes but doesn't know what to write. I'm at a loss. The teacher hasn't contacted me after this last lot of results. They were completely shocked after the first but just seemed to think they would work and be alright. What do I write to the teacher? Ask for individual feedback?

OP posts:
redskyAtNigh · 20/04/2026 09:27

Those results are so at odds with her predicted grades that it seems unlikely that it hasn't been picked up. At DC's school they would have been put in an intervention group - does anything like that happen at your school?
It sounds as though DD is working to a higher level, just falling apart in exams, so that might be the point to address. Can you afford a tutor to work with them on exam technique?

I would also suggest contacting the school to find out what can be put in place.

TreesAreLife · 20/04/2026 09:14

I would send her teacher an email and cc in the head of English saying your points. Make sure you explain that it is concerning your daughter and ask how you can work together to ensure the result she deserves. Try to not be accusing in your email but phrase it in a way that everyone wants the best result. Ask if there are any after school revision sessions, any YouTube videos, revision booklets etc.

It could be that she misread the questions under the stress of formal exams, if so the teachers will know that it wasn’t representative of her actual ability. If this is the case, she can learn some calming techniques to apply at the beginning of the exam. Then she needs to use some exam techniques such as underlining the key words in the questions.

Teachers generally always do want the best results for their students, it does reflect on them as well the proportion of higher grades. This will be especially true if she is in a higher set for English.