It would be great if we could keep the thread going while they are in year 11.....I am reading Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at the moment, only 3 chapters in, it reads like a teen book to me. It's easier than Thomas Hardy, so it could be worse.
There is a facebook group for ds's year, but many of them have issues with the school and go on about how it's rapidly going downhill, which isn't helpful. A lot of teachers have left, but they've been replaced this year apart from one maths teacher. My ds says he is changing tutors this year, but to a Geography teacher who he likes, and changing maths teacher, and that's it, so it's not too bad.
To make things as organised and relaxed as possible for ds, we are putting a TV in his room after sorting out the aerial, getting some shelves organised for him in the study (he has everything in a pile and sometimes gets stressed when stuff gets lost), bought him some cards, highlighters and he can keep biscuits in his drawer!
Even though the GCSEs we are told are more difficult, at least these days there is utube and more support from the school. I left with 3 O'Levels; my secondary school wasn't very supportive and studied for more at evening classes.
He hasn't been given vast amounts of work to do over the summer (or so he says!). He's working on a project about Elizabeth I and has been asked to watch the film with Cate Blanchett - it's not historically accurate, but at least conveys some of Elizabeth's issues.
IAmtheBFG I know what your dd means about lack of past papers, it has been concerning me as going through past papers has helped me pass exams. I am wondering if the teachers can compensate somehow and set questions in the style of what will be asked.
Ds's Head Teacher is running 15 minute sessions for parents to go in and talk to her, I may take advantage of that and make an appointment to see her.