Year 12 #2: Carols, commutes & a few stocking fillers

[Stickerrocks]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/further_education/3410431-year-12-1-gcses-are-sooo-last-year

That work load is intense bpisok. I suppose we have no way of knowing how many of those dc would achieve the same grades and uni/job offers without that level of input

Stickerrocks thanks for the new thread. Great title!

Peggy I'm glad. tell us more though... did your DD get an apology from the tutor or a reassurance that she won't be spoken to like that again, unless she truly merits it?

Everyone else, thanks for your support over DS1. It is oddly reassuring to know that he's not the only one feeling worn out.

bpisok your description (paraphrasing) that DS's school is a state school with independent characteristics has hit home. I'd never thought of it that way before. I just thought this is what all 6th forms are like. If its just a case of DS1 transitioning to a new regime, then i can understand why it isn't something that he must do instantly without any pain. I know that the times when my life has changed dramatically, I've taken a while to adjust, but I always got there in the end so it would be unfair of me to expect better from DS.

That great whistl and hope your ds can see it that way too - and you don't worry about a few lower grades along the overall path.
And yes hope DD is ok Peggy. I think it was the tone more than what was said that shocked us all.

Checking in - purely so I can remember the name of the new thread!

I think they are all a bit exhausted. This term always drags once the clocks go back! We break up next week and will be off to sunnier climes for Christmas along with a number of books separated across our hand luggage for EPQ research which will be done on the beach!

There are definitely worse places to do EPQ research, Jackie!

Hello! Can I join please? So much of what you are saying resonates with me, I thought I should stop lurking!

I've also got a very exhausted Year 12 DS (though he won't admit it). He's more short-tempered than usual and now has a cold and sore throat which is going to make singing (a concert) on Saturday rather challenging.

Glad to see so many supportive mums on here who are standing by their DCs. Must say it's not only DS who is exhausted - I am, too! Can't wait for the holidays to have a break.

Welcome, 242Mummy. How many more days of 6th form does your DS have left until the holidays?
DS has 11 days at school to go. I've never counted down so carefully!

Hi there 242Mummy, make yourself at home!

No beaches in sight for us but I am looking forward to the holiday. I have a really busy couple of weeks coming up. All fun stuff but still tiring.

10 days! Finishes (oddly) on Thursday but then down to M&S on Friday for 4 hours of bag packing to raise funds for Explorer Scouts.

He's not done a single bit of work on EPQ despite really liking the idea of doing something Math, Music and Brain-related I'm trying to get him to look at what resources are out there (apparently his school subscribes to an electronic library of journals) but nothing has come home yet.

He's keen on his esport though - lots happening on that front!

Welcome 242mummy. I get all three of mine back on the 14th. Can't wait but need to get washing machine and fridge primed for the onslaught. DD2 just been telling me about the carol services she is going to - I am delighted she is going with friends & enjoying the full uni xmas experience but couldn't help a slight passing flicker of sadness that I don't get to be involved any more.

whilst so glad you had that chat with your DS.
Welcome 242

DS is so busy this week and comes so late, he has started to shower in school. He takes towel and shampoo. Next I guess will be a camp bed and a camping gas

Welcome 242mummy

oratory bet you are excited

whsitl glad you feel a bit better about DS1

shalom can I come too please 😀

DD report has come back which is good and I have a work-do tomorrow night. Not looking forward to it to be honest. Could do with an early night preferably waking up when someone else has done the Xmas shopping. I haven't started yet and am all out of ideas.

If you get some ideas could you share them with me? I had thought of getting DS3 an unlimited Cineworld membership but at £17.50 or so a month he’d have to go 3 times to make it worthwhile. (And that was rather more than I want to be spending!) Also, I usually pay for his approx once monthly cinema trips anyway so just a normal Cineworld gift card wouldn’t seem like a good present. Sigh

EllenJane headphones? My two seem to burn through them so another pair are always appreciated.
A new phone.
Gym pass? V. expensive, but..??
DS is getting a calculator. It is just an extra present but I'm already feeling guilty!
Books - I got DS2 the Stephen Fry Heroes one earlier today because he's always been interested in the greek myths.

Found you

So spoke to DDs 6th form tutor, my suspicions were correct DD is struggling with all 3 of her A levels. They have marked her name with an amber flag (RAG system). DD is unaware that I have been in touch with 6th form as she will hit the roof.

College are going to discuss a plan going forward and come back to me.

Sorry to hear that twin, although good they are putting something in place now. Have heard previously of dc who have only found out they are struggling on getting AS results - not much consolation I know but hope its helpful support.

Will she necessarily know you have been in touch.

DS is easy for xmas this year as he just wants D&D books and accessories. Its everyone else I need to sort out and find inspiration for

He has bought himself new headphones, grr. A gym pass is a rather unlikely present for DS3 who seems allergic to sport or exercise. He got a new phone for his birthday/GCSE completion. It’s so hard! I’m on a smallish budget. So far he has some books and a belt.

That’s a shame, twin. But better to make plans earlier rather than later.

DS wants black trousers, book of bass guitar music, new tennis racket, Tommy Hilfiger jacket, electric pick up for his cello, Neil Gaiman’s book of Norse myths, a pair of those awful slider flip flop things, tickets for Hamilton (!) and some new ski-ing gloves.

Now to wheedle list out of DD...

Thanks for new thread.

Welcome @242Mummy - it's amazing how man my if or DC in the same boat.

Am shattered too and looking forward to break. We are all off from the 14th too and will be getting away somewhere hot with wider family rather than beach.

Brain - DS wow with the showering at school - I am both impressed and sympathetic - to the creativity but also at how tired he must be.

I am struggling with the presents too - considering computer peripherals. Mouse, electric drum kit, - I would have gone for headphones too but they both have good ones. What about a magazine subscription?

Would welcome any tips too.

• how many of our DC in same boat

Fortunately this year as one of the earlier birthdays DS has driving lessons for Christmas (as well as the TK Maxx raid for socks, Moschino pants(!) and a pair of chinos.

Thanks for the warm welcome - feel part of the group already!

DS1 wants a couple of Switch games, a desktop computer (!!) but really needs a replacement for his graphic calculator as its screen is very dim and no amount of shaking, pressing or new batteries is making a difference. Hmmm.

What about sending off for a provisional driving licence and a set of driving theory books? Or a set of lessons? Was thinking that for DS1 or maybe wait till his birthday (March).

One of the best presents DS1 got was membership to the Royal Institution - he went to quite a few workshops and we won the ballot to see the Christmas lecture a couple of years ago (DC in front row and on TV!)

Other possibilities

• power bank for phone
• gaming monitor
• onesie
• theatre tickets for the family (post Christmas London trip)

Power bank, now there’s an idea...

Yes provisional licence and theory books are a good idea and also good to prepare before actually going on the road