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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:
noblegiraffe · 07/05/2017 15:47

But presumably you'd attended the lessons, kmc. This lad isn't revising, he's learning for the first time.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 07/05/2017 15:48

You do need to have a reasonable understanding of a level maths.

noblegiraffe · 07/05/2017 15:49

I'd start taking bets on how long into his 7 days of studying before he realises he has made a horrible, horrible mistake and starts trying to back out of it.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 07/05/2017 15:49

Out of sheer nosiness, which modules is he taking?

sonjadog · 07/05/2017 15:51

I think it could work for some subjects, but it won´t work for Maths. You need to practice the methods and applying them over a period of time. You have to understand how it hangs together. You can´t just waffle on and still get a few points.

Bluntness100 · 07/05/2017 15:52

I'd start taking bets on how long into his 7 days of studying before he realises he has made a horrible, horrible mistake and starts trying to back out of it

I'll guess day one he will know. When he tells the op though I'm not so sure. I imagine he will either pretend to do the work then fake some other priority or he will just say screw it what's the point I'm not doing it I'm too busy with other stuff. Either way day one he will know it's game over.

SandyDenny · 07/05/2017 15:54

I think the posters saying they did this in the past maybe don't know what's on the syllabus for a Maths AS level. Which board is he doing and how many modules?

I'm prepared to bet no one could do it in a week

Stillwishihadabs · 07/05/2017 15:56

Hmm, many medics I know have learnt pharmacology/pathology or anatomy in a couple of days before the exam. Most had been to some lectures though...

Stillwishihadabs · 07/05/2017 15:58

I also have AS maths, I wouldnt say it was impossible

grannytomine · 07/05/2017 15:59

I don't know if he can but do come back and tell us in August. I admire his confidence but fear he might be a bit optimistic.

Holowiwi · 07/05/2017 16:00

Ooh maths I think he chose the wrong subject to do this.

grannytomine · 07/05/2017 16:00

Is it 3 modules?

noblegiraffe · 07/05/2017 16:01

Medics are generally exceptionally bright students with an excellent academic record who are immersed in the study of medicine.

The OPs DS is a B grade student who hasn't done any maths for a year. He probably can't even remember a load of basic stuff from GCSE, yet alone be ready to tackle A-level.

Donthate · 07/05/2017 16:01

He will get a U. Still he will learn that he was wrong.

Bubbinsmakesthree · 07/05/2017 16:02

I think you'd have a chance in some other exams - but maths, no way!

noblegiraffe · 07/05/2017 16:03

To get an E requires about 40% averaged across 3 modules.

He has given himself 7 days for C1, C2 is 7 days after that, then he has a bit more time for his applied module as those aren't till after half term.

YellowLily · 07/05/2017 16:04

SecretNetter - completely agree wholeheartedly! A* at GCSE here - found maths easy. I scraped an E at AS level. It's completely different! If he does it then I'd recommend he apply for Mensa as he may be a genius after all OP Wink

Original poster
user1494154933 · 07/05/2017 16:09

Would the modules be written on the statement of entry? I know it's aqa and he is doing 3.

OP posts:
ChatEnOeuf · 07/05/2017 16:13

Great idea for an experiment. I can see why he's picked maths (and only the AS, the full A' level would be a lot harder). If he did higher tier GCSE then it might feel a little more straightforward, to begin with. A lot of the questions follow the same structure, so if he understands the working and can recreate the right method for the right problem, then he might be okay. Fascinated to see the results.

TinklyLittleLaugh · 07/05/2017 16:25

Maths is not a regurgitation, swot and memorise type subject though: you have to understand it to answer the questions.

hackmum · 07/05/2017 16:28

You cannot learn AS level maths in a week. It's not like history or psychology. You have to understand the concepts and apply them, and it's a huge leap up from GCSE.

BlessYourCottonSocks · 07/05/2017 16:48

hackmum as a History teacher I feel obliged to point out that you couldn't pass AS History by cramming for a week before hand. It is a massive jump up from GCSE - my A* (at GCSE) students are currently stressed to the eyeballs that they have a week to go before their exam and they are getting C/B grades generally. And that's after working their socks off all year.

No one ever bluffed their way to a History A level. You need a depth of knowledge to write analytical essays that you just can't memorise in a week.

QuietCorday · 07/05/2017 16:52

I think this is a great experience for your DS. If he fails, he'll learn an incredible lesson fairly early on in his life about effort and achievement. If he succeeds, he'll learn a lot about taking risks and gain confidence in his abilities.

It's a win win situation that will probably give far more value down the line than the £150 cost of the exam.

MissMillament · 07/05/2017 16:59

DD is doing AS maths. She got A* at GCSE and has been working her socks off - doing 8-10 hours of homework each week. She is predicted a C (although hopes for better). No chance of doing it in a week I would say.

hackmum · 07/05/2017 17:02

Fair enough, Bless. I suppose I thought that in theory if you were very bright you might be able to cram it in a week and scrape a pass, whereas I don't think that's possible in maths.

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