Complacent year 10- apparently...

[DinkyDaisy]

Well- 1st world problems and all that but here we go...
My ds always had high predictions for all subjects. Mostly 8s with the lowest prediction a 7.
So, basically left him to it- until his first year 10 Report hit my email.
Still good grades but slipped a grade in everything...
Parent Eve later this week.
I emailed his tutor and the word that has come back to me is that he has relied on natural ability but needs to do more now.
So guessing both of us need to pull our fingers out.
He does seem a bit fed up at his report and has been muttering about mocks and revision stuff so think has been shocked out of complacent mode...
Guess I need to step up as well.
Any advice appreciated. He is my eldest...
Thanks.

I’d probably draft up a timetable for studying/revision together but with him taking charge/responsibility for his own learning. And then help him stay on track with it.

Focus on reviewing topics done so far each week. It’s a good habit to get into and helps develop good study skills.

Grades also depend on how the school is assessing work. If they are using gcse grade criteria then he wouldn’t be expected to be achieving the top grades so early in year 10 so the drop might not be as bad as it looks.

Thanks both.
End of year 11 predictions on his report.
Both him setting up his own timetable and also reviewing topics each week sounds good..

Maybe make sure he tells you when tests are, and you ask him
a) how revision is going for them
and
b) how he did (and what the range of scores in the class was).

Before half term DD2 had maths, biology & food tech tests.
Next week she has English, Chemistry, Geog & RE.
She is getting significantly more tests that need revising for now in y10 than ever before.

Encourage him to make revision notes (mind maps, cards, diagrams, whatever) for tests as they come along as it will ease the load later.

Apparently his tutor spoke to him today telling him not to work too hard in case he burns out. [Not a risk at the moment!].
Mmm- think I have been labelled as a pushy Mum.
Irritating thing is, is that due to trusting DS and the previous grades the school have predicted for the end of year 11, I have probably been rather slack!
I said to ds it is a case of working in a focussed way rather than doing lots of 'time' ineffectively.

Thanks TeenPlus. Good idea.
I am going to look at what homework he gets as well as can check his email for that.

Agree with the advice above - a revision 'timetable' is a good idea but led by him.

Lots of creative/fun revision activities rather than copying out notes at this stage to keep him engaged.

Possibly rewards for revision? Not suggesting money or gifts but something else that would motivate?

To be honest I'd concentrate on making decent notes, making sure he catches up any lessons missed, make sure he understand the content and does homework on time and to the best of his ability.

Save the revision till year 11.

He’s year 10 , this is very common and at the risk of generalising especially with boys. If they know he is bright then at this stage they will be trying a bit of stick and carrot and frankly a reality check. Given that he has the best part of 5 terms to go before exams I would not be going over board with study plans and such like , it’s a marathon not a sprint . They are 14/15 , encourage good habits , get him to take his tutors comments seriously but don’t over react .

Thanks Bobbins.
I wonder if he has slackened a little. He used to look up stuff on youtube re: Geography/ history etc.
I think that he is looking at non school related stuff lately...
Need to keep an eye...
Rewards an option as don't do that at all at the moment concerning school. Will think about that...

I'd say needs to revise properly for tests, but shouldn't need to do 'extra' at this time if he is reasonably bright.

I am prone to over react...
Thanks for the reality check!!

Parent's Eve reassuring.
All to play for really if he pulls his finger out.
Thanks all and I will join you from now on on the other thread...

It is really early days. Glad you feel reassured.