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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Y13 support thread, anyone?

700 replies

cardibach · 06/04/2014 19:20

I remember our GCSE one 2 years ago. It was a haven! I hesitate to start this as I'm not totally confident of wanting to post DDs results in the end, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
So, how's the revision going? What are the tricky subjects for anyone's DC?
DD is revising steadily, but then she always does and has had some disastrous module results, so not filled with massive confidence. Biology is her issue - she knows and understands it but can't seem to give the examiner what they are looking for. We've had papers back and her tutor says she hasn't answered anything incorrectly, just hasn't said precisely what the examiner wants. Seems so unfair.

I'm stressing. Anyone else?

OP posts:

FantaSea · 22/05/2014 14:33

DD's first A2 is on the 2nd and the last on the 20th. She only has one day with 2 on it, the rest are spread out.

C2 AS edexcel this morning - DD found it very hard and didn't finish, so she is a bit glum about that as she put in a lot of work for it. Apparently some people were coming out crying, which is just horrible, but does confirm that it was a hard paper. Poor kids, so much stress.

BeckandCall really sorry to hear about your DD - you have over 3 weeks to go yet, so plenty of time. At least if there is a bug going round, she has got it out of the way, rather than in the middle of her exams. DD says she heard someone was sick in an exam yesterday (not hers). Really hope your DD feels better soon

Isthiscorrect · 22/05/2014 14:38

We have 5 A2's but not until 2nd June and then thru until last one 13th June. All essay questions. It was the last day EVER today, many tears (just mine) already with a in hand. We are also moving on 8th July, address and country unknown (that will totally out me). Feeling just a bit loads adrift and homeless and unwanted.

Not sure about Bio, according to the exam schedule the exam code was WB101. Sorry, maths and stats seemed to go ok. Economics last night was alright. Of course these are just general consolidated opinions of a number of students. We did of course have the students already panicking about having to resit year 12 (that's really not going to happen, its very very rare).

FantaSea · 22/05/2014 14:48

Isthiscorrect I hope your move goes well. What a lot you must have on your plate at the moment. I can understand that you feel adrift - I feel like that with just the A levels and DD leaving school going on, let alone an overseas move. For me, it is the realisation that things are changing and without school as part of our lives, it will be very strange. You sound as though you have been a huge support to so many students and you must have made such a difference to them. My DD has poured out her heart to the exams officer on several occasions as she is very kind and approachable. DD says she couldn't be honest with a teacher in the same way in case they 'judged' her, so I expect you have made other students feel so much better in the same way.

Original poster

cardibach · 22/05/2014 18:25

summerdip yes, Cardiff is her first choice, and sadly the highest entry requirements... I love Cardiff too.
Her first exam is the 2nd, but it's an AS resit. The others are spread out helpfully between then and the 18th. She has 5 altogether.

OP posts:

summerdip · 22/05/2014 21:14

So sorry Beck your DD is unwell - nightmare - but she should pull around by then.

Do feel my DS has so many exams because he chose further Maths instead of Geography - no resits needed there. Think he just wanted to be part of the elite Maths groups. He is aiming for a * in Maths but with so many resits scared he'll slip to a C in Further Maths. That would man a retake

summerdip · 22/05/2014 21:17

Anyway - his choice and my job to support his life choices.

leaving school - soon to be an adult - our role is changing is it not?

I too feel Ds is a little young in himself but in some ways so responsible. While unsettling, it is magic to see them grow personally and develop into independent beings.

BeckAndCall · 22/05/2014 23:55

Thanks guys, really appreciate the virtual support. And that's my thoughts exactly - better now than 2 weeks from now!

FantaSea · 23/05/2014 14:28

DD had her Chemistry resit this morning and is reasonably happy with it - what a relief, that has been a huge worry for her. I feel we have a little reprieve now with half term next week, this week has been exhausting just doing 4 exams.

How has everyone else got on today? Hope it went well for everyone

bruffin · 23/05/2014 14:41

DS had D2 yesterday and said it was ok. They had a final day today with a special lunch. They did out the hall with round tables with table cloths and flowers and the boys regressed and played tricks on teachers which involved jelly and a stapler I think someone has been watching The Office

Hope your DD is feeling better soon Beckandcall

HPparent · 23/05/2014 16:13

Hi FantaSea,

Yes DD thought Chem 1 went well. She went back and altered her multiple choice questions at the beginning (never know if that is a good idea or not!) and said there was one weird question but I guess there always is...

Last night she said she had thought she had done as much as she possibly could. She woke at 3.30am and didn't go back to sleep - which she blames on all the cups of tea she had yesterday!

One more resit in Chem and then onto English (only one exam!) and the A2 Biology and Chem. I cannot imagine how Isthiscorrect's dc can manage 5!

Hope everyone else is bearing up! I really think a lot of it is technique and keeping your nerve on the day.

BeckAndCall · 23/05/2014 16:33

Sounds like everyone has had a decent opening week, phew.

dd feeling much better, thanks. She's actually revising now! Picked up a book for the first time in a week! Poor thing. I need to keep her strength up with a regular supply of ice cream and cake......

summerdip · 24/05/2014 10:30

My school had lots of fun and frolics yesterday - Yr 13 leavers day and pupils were off on a pub crawl afterwards! They need a bit of light relief between the studying

Good to hear exams have been going well. 3 done here and DS is very optimistic - they don't always know though I suppose but fingers crossed.

How is the studying going? How much coaxing/ encouraging do you have to do?

FantaSea · 24/05/2014 13:18

HPparent pleased the chemistry went well for your DD too - what a relief. I agree, an awful lot is down to them being able to hold their nerve on the day and also their exam technique. I have kept on and on to DD about leaving anything out that she can't see how to do immediately and then coming back to it, and focussing on getting the maximum marks on all the bits she can do. I am hopeful she will clear a C on the chemistry overall, which probably sounds quite low to some people, but for her it would be a big achievement.

BeckAndCall pleased to hear DD is feeling better, what a worrying time you have had.

summer as far as coaxing/encouraging goes with DD, I try to keep nagging about doing more revision to a minimum. How much coaxing do you do?

Original poster

cardibach · 24/05/2014 13:30

I used to have to do loads of coaxing/encouraging, but now she seems to have developed her own motivation. It's nice! I am now focussing on a steady supply of healthy food and come good, short revision breaks - going out for coffee, or lunch, or a walk.
We have found the completely unscientific use of blueberry smoothies to boost concentration helpful. I really don't care if it psychological, it is boosting her confidence! I mix blueberries, strawberries or raspberries, a spoonful of yoghurt and some milled linseed with milk in the smoothie maker. Worst case scenario, she has had a healthy drink with breakfast. It is costing a fortune in blueberries, though, even using Aldi!

OP posts:

summerdip · 24/05/2014 13:54

Cardi- we are a smoothie family too - raspberries here! But just may slip a few blueberries in

Fanta- some days he drives himself others encouragement needs to happen - think this is more typical of boys - a stereotype but sometimes true. Today - he's low - feels he's going to fail despite over confidence a few weeks ago.

I realise there is stress going on. Our problem is DS can never do hours of study - constant breaks and half hours of work here or there.

HP - I think a C grade is a good grade. Many of my pupils are aiming for this and they will go to nice universities to do useful courses. We are so told we need A's and B's we forget what a high standard a C grade is.

Original poster

cardibach · 24/05/2014 16:39

I agree, summerdip. People are devaluing the lower A level grades, although any A level grade is an achievement. It makes me very cross.

OP posts:

FantaSea · 24/05/2014 16:51

cardi your smoothie sounds lovely and I agree, any A level grade is an achievement.

summer sorry your DS feels low today - DD has patches like this. Perhaps it is because it is half term and he has relaxed a tiny bit? When DD relaxes a bit, she realises how tired and exhausted she is and this can often bring on feelings of 'I can't do it'. It is so hard to know what to say to them isn't it? DD can't do hours of work at a stretch either - it is all too difficult for her. She is doing papers mostly at the moment and they have a definite 'end' so once she has completed one and looked up all the bits that she didn't know etc. she will then have a break, and play her game for a bit, and then do another one. It works best for her. I have RL friends who have DC who seem to be able to work for hours (days) hardly stopping to eat, and while part of me is a little doubtful that his is actually happening, I still find it a little unsettling.

bruffin · 24/05/2014 17:24

Summer and Fanta short spells of revision might actually be better.
We had a talk at school for dd's gcse the other week. The teacher said we remember best what we learn in the first and last 10 minutes. Derren Brown also says that our brain will only remember 7 things at a time, so short revision with lots of breaks is probably more effective.

BeckAndCall · 25/05/2014 07:51

So far as breaks and coaxing is concerned, I generally leave DD to it - whatever she's been doing so far (GCSEs and ASs) has been working so she knows what she's doing. She's definitely a 'lots of breaks' person and also likes to work with music on.

The only thing I do is go in and wake her up at a decent time - where 'decent' is defined as 'still morning'! I hate seeing the day slipping away and her still in bed! But she's definitely an afternoon and evening person - she'll still be working long after I've put my feet up for the day.

summerdip · 25/05/2014 12:32

All helpful comments above.

This is a good support thread.

Yes, I agree short , very focused bursts are good and it is unsettling when you are waiting for him to return!!!! and also when friends describe solo motivation with their Dc studying for hours on end.

In this house, we have had to support, coax and encourage all the way but the progress since year dot has been good - keeps us going!

HPparent · 25/05/2014 14:59

Summerdip - my DD needs the As otherwise she will not be able to get on a degree course to enter the profession she has set her heart on (VetMed). Of course any grade at A level is an achievement.

whatsinaname01 · 25/05/2014 18:16

Thought i'd touch base - cought up on the thread,some excellent advise.

My DS has done 4 resits and has 9 exams left!

My DD is half way in her GCSE's.

Both are having a break this weekend- I feel they just need to chill. The whole house seems to have breathed a sigh of relief and stress levels have definately gone down.

Back to it tomorrow but bliss at the moment. We are all remembering that it can be fun to all be together!

Glad to hear that the majority of exams seem to have gone alright so far for everyone. DS doesn't say much about his so have no idea really- fingers crossed. DD seems happy enough.

whatsinaname01 · 25/05/2014 18:47

*caught up

HPparent · 25/05/2014 19:31

DD is not looking at the Student Room unofficial mark schemes until after the results (or so she says!). Very wise in my opinion, I had a quick read and it nearly freaked me out...

FantaSea · 25/05/2014 21:14

HP I have looked at the unofficial mark schemes for the maths papers that DD did and thought the second one looked as hard as she said, but I haven't told her I have looked as I don't want to worry her. I am pretty sure she is unaware that they are there. I think your DD is very sensible not to look.

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