GCSE Support Thread 2013

[wolvesarerunning]

I've been waiting for someone to start this (was on the 2012 thread last year and am unlucky enough to have dc 18 months apart in consecutive school years!) Please join me to support and share the angst with only four weeks to go now to the first written exam.

I bet the examiners must have a right laugh at some answers they see!

DD2 has Sociology IGCSE tomorrow morning. I'm a bit in trepidation because it's a 2 and 1/2 hour paper which I think is way too long for GCSE level. I just hope she can concentrate enough for that long - and get it all in as it's very tight for time. It really should be split into two papers in my opinion.

She knows the Sociology really well but I'm worried her level of English isn't really up to it. Hence I'm up late trying not to worry (as if it can do any good anyway!)

Thanks mumslife for the feedback....My DS does not cope at all wel with exam post mortems and when I asked him what the 6 mark sustainabiity question was about he claims he could not remember and then we drove home in virtual silence! History he loathes with a passion (bad GCSE choice!!) so he said absolutely nothing about that....I guess what will be will be and its best to just move on to the next.....

Thanks...its probably irrelevant to be honest, I was just trying to make conversation with him!! Edexcel TA Physics today.....

DS said this afternoon's Biology was easy but that it was a good job as he had a massive headache. He looked a bit white when he got home from school so we've taken the executive decision that he can stay at home to revise tomorrow (no study leave here). He has a big week of exams next week so he needs to be fighting fit for that!

Well my DS, chatty as ever said the physics "was hard" and that was it! I hope your DS feels better soon webwiz...its very draining on them!

DD1 thought the biology was 'ok'. She doesn't have anything till Monday now, so we spent the evening watching Game of Thrones. :)

DS thought physics was difficult today. It's one of his best subjects so I think he is quite worried. Oh well, that's one subject completely finished. He's playing cricket all day tomorrow (deliberately arranged for a day when the team could all play) and then he has his first classics paper on Friday.

prettydaisies same for my DS.....he was expecting to crsuise through physics and I think he got a bit of a shock!

Nearly over now: dd only has the maths resit next week. She dropped the second science but has otherwise gone in for every exam she was registered for this term, even the RS which she hasn't really been attending lessons in. No self-harming, no suicide attempt, no bad panic attacks. I am very, very proud.

It feels slightly odd to hear other parents talk about their children's GCSE experiences; it seems such a different world to me. All I want to see is dd face up to something difficult and survive.

Cory, lucky your DD! DS has to keep motivated for a really tough week next week, history, geography and both maths followed by last geography and both further maths papers the following week to finally finish on June 21st - I feel it's been a very long haul. Thank goodness the school are still organising revision sessions which get him out of his room for a change of scene. (He is looking very white and spotty!)

cory sounds as if she and you should both be very proud. roll on the last exam...

DD1 has media today, plus more maths revision, maths all day tomorrow, maths on sat morning, and maths maths maths all next week. I know they are trying to get everyone's grades as high as they can but not sure that it might not be overkill. On the other hand if she gets her bloody C she'll never have to do maths ever again.

Hi,

We found this to be a brilliant way to learn, especially trying to cram in all the last minute learning.

Hope you all find it useful and good luck to you all

churchillmaths.co.uk/cmlweb/app.html

Laura xxx

fivefathoms Thu 06-Jun-13 10:34:00
"Cory, lucky your DD! "

I think you may have missed the tenor of my post.

Thanks for kind congratulations- and good luck to everybody's dc! We're getting there!

DD1 has a similarly tough week next week, Five - history, geography, the last chemistry paper, and some maths. Then the rest of the maths the week after (she is doing double maths too). She finishes on 20th.

DD1 still has 7 exams to go, and she has already sat 17 separate exams, with a broken right hand (having to type with two fingers on that hand for those exams for which she is allowed to use a computer which is by no means all) just a few weeks after being badly assaulted and suffering facial injuries. I am in awe of her for even giving it a go, in the circumstances.

Good heavens, that's awful, Russians. Your poor dd! But very brave of her to soldier on.

Cory Yes :( and yes :) - like I said, I'm a bit in awe of her. she won't do as well as she was expected to do, I'm certain, but there was no way she was just going to give up. I'm proud of her. You must be very proud of your DD too - I'm so pleased it's gone OK for her (and you).

more kudos then to russians and DD. Gah, I'm sick of these exams and I'm not even sitting them, and have not been involved in revision at all.

What is everyone elses DC doing post exams and before results/starting 6th form and college?

Mine wants to get a job but I'm worried she's left it too late. Am anticipating a lot of resentment from DD2 that she still has to go to school for another 5 weeks while DD1 doesnt. Also slightly worried about my lack of privacy... am used to working from home/pootling about when I'm not working, not having to account for another person in the house all day every day.

How about voluntary work, boschy? Something to put on your CV and possibly somewhere to pick up useful skills.

Dd has just been down to see the local volunteering services. Too late to get a paid job and with her anxiety issues she really doesn't want to be hanging around doing nothing for months; she'd be a wreck before college starts.

Much respect to dd, Russians

Boschy my dd2 is also getting pissed off about going to school every day while dd1 gets a lie in! Next week will be a bit more stressful though, with more exams in it.

Dd1 trying to find a job and has taken lots of CVs round town but heard nothing yet

DD has had a quieter week this week but ramps up again in the next two weeks with History, Geography and two lots of Maths times 2 papers each. Still doing lessons for subjects still to be examined and revising at home - but currently having a cat nap after a lie in the sun. Will be glad when we get to 20 June (last day).

Am in awe of those DC who are doing all this with other worries, injuries or concerns - shows a real strength of character and that is a great life skill to have.

Like most we have a tough 2 weeks ahead....6 next week - Geog, history, 2x maths, chemistry and biology TA papers and then 4 following week-geog, history and 2 more maths!. Also finishing on the 20th. Good luck to everyone....on the home stretch now!