Scotsnet exams thread 2022

[WeAllHaveWings]

I haven't seen a thread for this years exams yet so thought I'd get the ball rolling (hopefully not too early!). Who has dc sitting exams this year and how are they getting on with their prelims so far?

ds(17) is in S6, he is sitting

Maths AH
Physics AH
Geography H (crash)
PE H (sat 2 years ago at NAT5)

They had their prelims in December which was good as they could relax over Christmas. He has had results back for 3 - will start with the good - Physics AH 70% 😀, then the no so good - Maths AH 45%, PE H 42% 😮.

He is very pleased with Physics, as he didn't expect it. The others he expected but seeing it has still been a shock. Hopefully in a good way and he will get his finger out as he hasn't been applying himself this year due recent first car freedom 🚗 + first girlfriend since he was 14 👫 + out together in said car 💏 + finally started his teenage rebelling phase 🙄.

Did anyone find it was similar in S6 with their teens? I think he is just scunnered this year with school and going through the whole studying and exam process for a 3rd year running. Many of his friends seem to feel the same this year.

Both my Higher classes this year had a fair number of students who achieved a C at N5 and then went on to pass H this year. We are realistic about what they are aiming for at H, but progression to Higher from a C at N5 is absolutely achievable.

@Rae36 Now is the perfect time for him to reflect, with some support, on why some of his results were disappointing. Were they unexpected or similar to prelims. He needs to be honest with himself to avoid wasting a year sitting Highers that he most like will fail if nothing changes, is it aptitude in those subjects, exam technique, studying technique, effort, leaving it too late. What could he do, and more importantly, is he willing to do it to achieve at Higher.

Does your school allow them to do some Highers over 2 years S5-S6, would that be an option if he didn't feel ready once he had done the prelim?

How does having weak students in the Higher class affect the strong pupils? Are they stretched to their full potential, or are they bogged down by the weaker pupils?

I think that "conditionalitis" is a big problem in S6. Perhaps it infects some students who need good grades at AH. I know someone who didn't get a university offer in S5 (applied for a very competitive subject), but somehow still didn't put a huge amount of work in in S6. With predictable results. Is now appealing, but perhaps doesn't actually deserve better results. My DC did an evening job in S6 - 10 hours a week - and got her first boyfriend, plus other distractions. I was a bit concerned, but work happened too and she did well. A lot of growing up seems to happen in that one short year, and I think I'd prefer a 2 year 6th form.

Well, I have more A than I have Cs in my H class (I have more As than any other grade) so I don't think they were 'held back'. I teach two essay texts - one which is accessible by all but has the potential for the stronger candidates to really fly with it, and a more straightforward text that lets the less-confident candidates feel really secure when writing about it.

Time and time again I'll look at a text in a new light based on a student's observation - at either end of the grade spectrum. We all benefit from having different perspectives and motivations in the room. I'd have a really strong reaction to someone telling me our kids could only progress to the next qualification with an A or a B behind them.