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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DS thinks he can teach himself to pass an exam in a week. AIBU to think he is wrong?

755 replies

user1494154933 · 07/05/2017 13:45

This is going to sound ridiculous and I wasn't going to post, as you'll probably call me stupid Blush or irresponsible, etc.

My son is now 18. He isn't a 'genius' or anything like that. He did ok at GCSEs but didn't try hard at all. I used to try my best to get him to revise for him exams, he refused to and said it was pointless and exams don't help etc. which is ridiculous because as much as I do agree it's about memory, you clearly do need to know, anyway, he did ok and got accepted into sixth form, he decided not to go and got a part time job but did a part time photography course in the evening (he is still doing that).

I don't really know how it came about but I think I brought it up about how his exams were important and does he agree now he has matured and he was saying how he doesn't agree because exams aren't showing how intelligent you are, etc. and anyone can do them if they learn the exam technique. Last year (around december) he was telling me how he was going to prove it, he booked himself into the Maths AS exams for this summer (last year you can do these ones I believe). He hasn't learnt anything yet Hmm and I keep bringing it up (he spent £150 odd pounds for the exams (private candidate) and will sit them at his college he goes to part time) and he is telling me 'to wait and see'. He says when he has a week until the exam he will start learning the technique of it? I could slightly understand if a different subject, but he seems to think for Maths it works the best. I really don't understand his whole thinking behind this, but can't wait to be like WTF when he doesn't pass...

AIBU to think this is just stupid and not possible?

OP posts:
Original poster
user1494154933 · 23/05/2017 23:01

Good luck to your DC too.

Oh, DS does not have a fancy calculator...

OP posts:
GrassWillBeGreener · 23/05/2017 23:19

My understanding of how the IMOs work, is that a fair amount of effort goes into agreeing all the translations of the questions once they are chosen (people from every country participating can submit questions each year, from which a shortlist is made). After the team leaders have marked the papers, there is a fair chunk of time during which all the results are moderated and finalised. I would think that issues of varying notation are well understood and if something was in doubt that actually made a difference to a solution (unlikely from, for example, differences in notation of division or fractions), there would be extensive discussion amongst several different people. To be honest, though, the proof's the thing ...

I remember when I went (won't tell you the year or country as that would out me totally!) thinking how odd it was to have our leaders arguing that we deserved more marks for questions since all through training the default was to lose them ...

GrassWillBeGreener · 23/05/2017 23:20

Sorry, thought I'd managed to quote a bit there - someone up thread was wondering about how they manage all the variations in notation in the international olympiads.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 24/05/2017 14:42

Thanks Grass, interesting insight :)

marcopront · 24/05/2017 16:44

In international Baccalaureate exams they have set notation they will use in exams and this is published. However examiners are instructed to accept any notation in answers.

PeanutButterCheesecake · 24/05/2017 16:54

How'd he get on OP? I found today's c2 easier than c1, questions were more straightforward/approachable.

TeenAndTween · 24/05/2017 18:36

Also wondering how OP's DS got on today.

When in the final paper? Will he be sticking to the 'one week' rule and thus not working all over half term? I think he should allow himself at least the days he lost on C2 by being ill. Hope all recovered now.

eatingtomuch · 24/05/2017 20:22

Hope your DS got on ok today OP.

Original poster
user1494154933 · 24/05/2017 22:37

Hi all, thank you. DS said the paper was quite nice, but said the last question was 'mean'. He thinks he passed that paper, but maybe D or E. He will be giving himself something like 16 days for the 3rd module.

OP posts:
UnderslungBowlingBall · 24/05/2017 23:58

Long term thread lurker, just wanted to wish your DS the very best of luck with his exams, sounds like he's put a lot of work in in the past week so I hope it works out for him Smile

38cody · 25/05/2017 00:25

HI
My son isn't an arrogant type either but he presented EXACTLY the same argument.
He then dropped out of A's because he 'couldn't commit to working that hard' because he needed a good social life and did a BTEC instead. He got 3 distinctions and a place in a very good well respected uni.
Sometimes the cocky ones get away with it!

noblegiraffe · 25/05/2017 00:29

OP I had a bit of a chat with your DS after his exam, he asked whether he could resit these modules next year as maths goes linear. He can, and that he's considering taking the full maths A-level now is great news Grin I did tell him that what he is doing is quite extraordinary and that he clearly has a talent for maths.

It's not often I change my opinion so completely, but I've gone from 'I hope he fails' to hoping he does well, and also that it takes his life in a different direction.

Potentialpoochowner · 25/05/2017 10:39

I feel tirn between wanting your son to continue his maths career (at which he is clearly talented), or continuing with his experiment in exam technique and going on to do an AS in one of the arts subjects next. In general though - hats off to your son OP!

Mumoftwoyoungkids · 25/05/2017 14:30

OP - when he finishes the exams if your ds is now thinking of a maths based career and is wondering what is available to someone with a maths degree I am happy to tell him a bit about what I do. (I'm an actuary.)

PeanutButterCheesecake · 25/05/2017 14:30

Someone in my exam said the last question was mean/she didn't know where to start....I thought it was alright but I did 2 solid days of logs beforehand as they're my weakness!! It was about as tricky as c2 logs get, I think.

MsAwesomeDragon · 02/06/2017 18:43

user, does he want to do a mock for fp1 and have my dd mark it? She won't be offended if he doesn't, but is happy to do it if he does want to, just let us know.

Etymology23 · 03/06/2017 18:34

Hope his prep is going well op, his level of cramming is impressive.

Tailypo · 07/07/2017 10:31

Hi OP. Wish your DS all the best - how has he been getting on?

Original poster
user1494154933 · 11/07/2017 17:28

Hi so sorry! I just saw someone post about this on the 'what happened to' thread and realised I needed to update.

He has done all 3 exams now. Sorry to the poster who offered, that was very kind of you. He had been in contact with the lovely user who helped him with his other papers.

He isn't sure if he has passed and in all fairness has said maybe I was right Grin but I'm impressed! He has turned down his uni place for September (which was to do photography) and is considering doing a levels, but he isn't 100% decided yet. I keep telling him he needs to decide soon! Results are 17th I believe of August, so we will see and I'll update then!

OP posts:
TurquoiseOwl · 11/07/2017 17:36

I hope he does it! I did my AS exams last year and failed Blush I retook the AS this year (it was hard!) and doubt I've passed Sad and look how long it's taken Grin it was from home too. I'll look forward to seeing the results!

fourquenelles · 12/07/2017 23:26

Thanks for the update user

Humm1ngb1rd · 16/07/2017 15:52

Just checked back on this after much lurking and laughing and being impressed in equal measures. Glad to hear ds is okay and that he's considering other career options. Like another poster its reminded me of my love of maths. Any thoughts on career changes to maths tutoring/teaching without teaching experience but strong maths qualifications 20 years ago?? Ps if it helps i still have my graph calculator Grin

DearPrudence · 16/08/2017 21:57

Just realised its results day tomorrow. I followed this thread and told DS (15) all about it - your son is his hero!
Hope he's happy with his result. Fingers crossed for him Smile

emma6776 · 16/08/2017 22:04

Placemarking

Katinkka · 16/08/2017 22:06

Very excited for the results!