How to survive year 10/11

[Theblackdogagain]

I have twin boys age 14 going into year 10. They are at separate schools and I have different expectations for both.
One has physical and learning difficulties and I'm hoping for 5 passes, Inc maths and English. He is hard working and will try to do that.
The other is clever but lazy, I've asked him to read his English set texts over the summer holidays and he hasn't read the one book I've asked him to read. What is the best way to help him to achieve his best and work hard? I don't want to be on his case all the time but he will do the minimum needed. Any advice? He should get 9 good passes (maybe 6/7 at a push) but too him 2 years is ages and to me it's so short.

DD is going into sixth form and hasn't read set texts either! I'm sure school will cover them in plenty of detail for GCSE. Two years is simply AGES when you're 14-15.

My year 10 had a bit of a panic in his eyes last night when I said 5 terms til GCSE's.

That said, we have no idea what texts they are doing for GCSE. He's done nothing all summer.

If school hasn't started yet, might he watch a tv/film version of the book this afternoon?

I'm not sure how homework is going to work this year. He's taking on all sorts of extra curricular stuff. Something will fall apart somewhere (probably Mum's taxi!).

Try not to worry, and have as light touch as possible on homework. The thing is, if they're stressed by home and school, I believe they tend to carry that into adulthood, and it isn't good for them. I was a bit on my son's case , as he was clever and a bit lazy. He eventually chose a very difficult degree, but he did worry a bit about staying at the top in the top lane, and it wasn't necessary. I think I may also have contributed to causing that concern, by checking he was working during his GCSE years. It's his life, after all.

Try and tell him it's way more manageable if you keep up - hand in homework, get notes for any missing lessons and gaps in understanding. Don't fall behind. That way revision is just that - going over what you know and consolidating it.
Make it easy for him to study - space/time/support. Let school do the chivvying.
Would rewards help? Termly treats for good attitude/school reports etc. Pay for something special after the exams? A trip.or a concert maybe?
Just about to start year 12 here having come through to the other side 😁

We've just been discussing this over lunch. I also have dt going into year 10 (I have an older one at uni). My dt are chalk and cheese one has asd and medical issues, is anxious and was sorted for school weeks ago my worry is dc expectations are high but possible (aiming for all 9s). Dt2 is expected to get 7s (although I'm sure could get more) but is lazy /does the minimum needed. Not read the text yet.
I usually ask how schools been daily, ask re homework on Friday (encourage a plan), provide lots of revision cards and revision guides if needed and encourage to keep on top of it. Dt2 has actually used after school homework club on occasion because he'll be more focused so will encourage if needed. I don't actually expect to do much but encourage and support them. Especially now and after mocks they will hear alot from teachers telling them to pull their socks up etc they don't need me to repeat it.

Thanks, I've set some expectations (no gaming until homework done, homework club to be used if needed) and told them to ask for help if needed, I'm happy to pay for tutors etc to give them the best possible chance.