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Secondary education

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Original poster

Is it just me or have GCSEs taken over your life too?

62 replies

tiredand44 · 24/05/2018 16:37

It's ridiculous! I'm completely stressed, I'm obsessing about what revision (or lack of) that he's done. I've spent a small fortune in revision books and online revision help, and I'm not sure he really cares! He's currently revising English Lit (which is tomorrow...he needs to know 15 poems) whilst lying on his bed with the revision guide in front of him. There are no beautiful mind maps, no notes, no practice essay answers...nada.

Do I just wash my hands of it all and let him get on with it? My issue is that I know he is so capable of doing A'levels, but he needs 6s to get back into sixth form and he's just too bloody lazy to ensure that happens!

Please help Wine Gin Cake

OP posts:
Sexyfothermucker · 24/05/2018 16:50

Omg are you me? I'm having the same issues with my ds. He had maths revision yesterday after school but he didn't go?! Why not? He didn't want to.
I'm stressed to the eye balls and he's so laid back he's horizontal!

Original poster
tiredand44 · 24/05/2018 17:26

@Sexyfothermucker I don't understand! He's so laid back, no ounce of stress, no nerves...he just does not seem to care. He only revises the day before the exam, apparently it won't go in otherwise Hmm

I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

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sam235corner · 24/05/2018 17:56

I used to be stressed like this, went totally overboard with my oldest son, didn't work he `pretended' to revise. My youngest son is currently sitting GCSE's, he told me to back off weeks ago and that's what i've done. If he fails, it's down to him and he will have to accept the consequences. I do think these days a lot of them go online to revise, certainly no post it notes or mind maps in my house at the moment! I know it's tough, but trying to control a teenagers revision is just a complete waste of energy. Some of them have to learn the hard way, if they fail they will soon learn they have to work for exams etc. Boys especially struggle with the emotional maturity required for revision and focusing on school in general.

Tweennightmare · 24/05/2018 18:18

Can I join just to show this behaviour is not solely confined to boys . I am having the same problem with my DD but with her every time I go upstairs she is in the bathroom. I have no idea what she is doing in there except I know it is not revising (despite me putting revision post it notes around the mirror) . Driving me insane. I have stopped asking how the exams are going now as I can’t cope with the replies of it was really hard or I think I mucked up question 2 my nerves are in shreds . Only 4 more weeks to go!

Petalflowers · 24/05/2018 18:23

Same scenario here. DS has a shelf of revision books, many of which I don’t think have been touched. I’ve brought coloured postcards, paper, highlighter pens etc. I’ve spent a small fortune!

I go from stressing, to letting-them-make-their-own-mistakes.

I think it’s because we want the best for them.

Sexyfothermucker · 24/05/2018 18:35

When I ask how an exam went I just get shrugged at. If I ask if he's revised I get a one word answer and when I say how important these exams are, you won't get another chance etc I just get "I know". Well if you know, show some passion for gods sake. He's such a clever lad, I know what he capable of but he just needs a kick up the backside!

Sexyfothermucker · 24/05/2018 18:35

Only 14 exams to go 🙄

Original poster
tiredand44 · 24/05/2018 20:18

Every exam goes well here!! I don't for one minute think it has, but he's so blasé about them all!

I'm so glad you're all in the same situation...I spent one evening writing up biology flashcards. It was only once I had finished that I realised how ludicrous it was.

@sam235corner I admire you! I think I need to adopt your attitude. My daughter is at uni now and is so different! It's hard when that's what I've been used to.

OP posts:
Original poster
tiredand44 · 24/05/2018 20:19

@Sexyfothermucker 11 to go here....he was 'encouraged' to drop P&R and French...

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Ggirl27 · 24/05/2018 20:32

So with you all on this thread! Mine has been revising for English Lit tomorrow which he hates. Has revised this afternoon. Has eaten, gone up stairs to do a bit more. Thought I'd stick my nose round the door and he's playing Fortnite. I despair…

Petalflowers · 24/05/2018 22:31

Pity there’s not a gcse on Fortnite this year. I think the entire gcse population would get 9*!

Original poster
tiredand44 · 24/05/2018 23:35

Mine would definitely be up there!! Why is it so hard for them to just try hard? I wouldn't mind if I thought he'd done his best?

So English Lit tomorrow for me him...what's on your agendas? And bring on half term!

OP posts:
sandgrown · 24/05/2018 23:45

I have done exactly the same things as you OP but to no avail. He just says all the exams have been fine! He has wandered upstairs with a poetry revision book but I can hear him on the x box!

BackforGood · 25/05/2018 00:04

I'm actually not this time.
But it is the 3rd dc I've had go through, and this is the first one that has really put the effort in.
I really, really hope, for her sake it is reflected in her results.

I got quite stressed over dc1 not working, but did relax a bit with dc2. I think I had just learned that however much 'leading to water' you do, it is only they that can 'choose to drink'.

Ggirl27 · 25/05/2018 07:45

I will be celebrating tonight. I won't have to listen to my DS moaning about English Literature ever again. I deserve a 9 in patience and understanding!

Original poster
tiredand44 · 25/05/2018 08:40

@Ggirl27 Definitely have a 9 for putting up with that! I wouldn't mind whinging, I get nothing...no emotion at all! No whinging, complaining, stress, relief, nothing!! Very odd.

I think he's wholly underprepared for English today but as @BackforGood said...I can lead him to water but if he doesn't want to learn it I can't make him!

OP posts:
PennyPickle · 25/05/2018 20:32

School GCSE's did stress me out during the run up. Mainly because dd put no effort into revision whatsoever. No amount of me - - nagging-- relaying that these results will be with her throughout her life and she needs to do well otherwise she will find herself resitting English and maths until she's 18. (Not sure if that rule applies in all areas but it does in mine). Or that only those with the highest grades will be considered for college.

DD didn't seem to take on board that there more revision she does the better grades she'll receive. So I have stopped stressing and hope for the best. If she has to resit that's an important lesson learnt.

Saying that thank goodness for a week off!

EventNotInData · 25/05/2018 20:37

I’m planning on getting sloshed tonight - my nerves are absolutely shattered. Thank god for Ozymandias.
Wine everybody?

mummmy2017 · 25/05/2018 21:01

Mine has been doing the lots.. I have no free wall space . I pick up a cushion and cards of pretty words highlighted are there... it's driving me nuts...
Still not sure she is doing more than headlines...

Japanesejazz · 25/05/2018 21:03

Wait until you get to A levels. This is nothing! HTH.

spababe · 25/05/2018 21:07

No because I have another DC doing A levels. Both DC have places in September dependent on results. Double stress!! Can't wait for June 15th about 1pm.

Japanesejazz · 25/05/2018 21:10

Don’t forget results day. The waiting period is awful too

Japanesejazz · 25/05/2018 21:11

In hindsight a 7 year gap has been a good thing

Petalflowers · 25/05/2018 21:19

I’ve got double stress as well, although I think in one respect that’s easier. Ie. Both of them revising, rather than one wanting to play, and one to work.

Not looking forward to the night before results day.

spababe · 25/05/2018 21:19

results days