To think I might be able to help?

[Lottiethelemming]

My little brother has his mocks in just a few days time.

He messaged me to say he hasn't done any revision. He's been too busy on his PlayStation.

He's worried (as he should be).
He's good with the sciences but needs help with English, Maths and Geography.
I've bought the English revision book for the book he's reading and I'll read it tonight and at work tomorrow and then in the evening so I can give him some guidance.
He's coming to stay for the weekend so we can revise together.

AIBU to think we can achieve something?

I never revised for my GCSE's and got good grades (didn't tell little bro that).

Before anybody asks, I've bought him all of the revision books he could possibly need. I've checked in regularly to see how he's doing and all was going well...until I got his message tonight.

And no, my mums no use.

I adore my little brother and I want him to do well. Any advice?

I mean it comes down to the age old question of how much cramming can achieve doesn't it?

Hopefully it'll get the boot up the arse he needs!

Really lovely that you have a relationship where he can come to you with this though :)

Good luck!

I'm not in the UK so maybe are consequences of low grades at mock stage but personally I wouldn't worry too much about mocks. Do what he can before the mocks and then set a plan for revision for actual exams.
At least he's recognised his dossing now and not just before the real thing!

Thanks @BobbieT1999 to be fair he's been a little shit recently so I'm not surprised he's lied to me thus far.

I'm his big sister though and I love him so I'll put that aside to help him.

English Literature he needs to revise key quotes.

Maths just practise plenty of questions.

Geography has a wide syllabus. Wd be hard to cram in last minute.

I advised my ds to break down geography into flash cards. He didnt listen lol.

Good luck!

The thing is though @sillysmiles the UK mocks can potentially be used as final results.

I'm praying they're not but at least I know what the status is now so that we can set a plan going forward.

Do it OP! My DS was failing terribly at school. He failed all of his exams. When the next lot came around, I committed to helping him revise and he passed them all, some over 80%.

Some kids just need managing when they’re younger. PM me if you need tips.

@sillysmiles

I'm not in the UK so maybe are consequences of low grades at mock stage but personally I wouldn't worry too much about mocks. Do what he can before the mocks and then set a plan for revision for actual exams. At least he's recognised his dossing now and not just before the real thing!

Ah, mocks might be used as evidence for TAGs though, so they do need to take them somewhat seriously.

Sign him up to a free account on Seneca Learning. It's exam board specific and covers information for revision while asking them questions.

Geog focus on exam technique and data response questions, try and get hold of some past papers from the exam board website. Go over command words (describe, explain etc) and the marks allocated to each question dictating the length of response etc.

Hey OP, look up some strategies on HOW to take the test, that can be more effective than cramming information. So smart test taking strategies, how long to spend on each question etc. And then do some practice questions!!! I think you can make a difference.

Using the information to write his own revision questions instead of passive reading over .
Make mind maps to annotate key concepts and words.
Use questions and mindmaps as revision

I’d definitely recommend doing some past papers to see what areas he’s doing well / not so well at. You can download them for free from the exam board website, along with mark schemes. Get him to mark them with you, so he can see for himself what the examiners look for.

Impress on him its not too late. These are mocks, if he starts revising now then he stands a good chance for his real exams.

You could give him target of what to revise each week start giving him mini tests each weekend to see if he has revised.

I have no advice (you’ve had some good tips here!) @Lottiethelemming but really wanted to say, you are an incredible sister, how lucky is that boy, wish there were more like you in our world.