year 11 gcse revision

[6thformcolleges]

DS has never revised. In a normal year I would let him do mocks without revising in the hope it would shock him for the real thing. However this year they may count towards the final grade so I would like to encourage him to revise. However likely to be very minimal and reluctant.

What would you recommend if someone planned to spend perhaps an hour or two in total per subject for maths, English and triple science? Ensure secure in formula? Any suggestions of what could make most improvement for each subject? He has a good quick memory. He hates BBC bitesize for some reason. Doesnt mind other online such as seneca.

Just want to ensure if I can get him to do something he uses his time wisely! Thank you.

I'm tempted to say that an hour or two will make sod all difference..

Failing that:

• quotes for English Literature
• formulae for physics & maths
• order of reactivity & soluble salts rules & flame tests for Chemistry
• ? for Biology
• mark schemes for English language

DD wrote down each of the modules for each subject and set aside a block of time for each plus some spare blocks for weak areas and traffic lighted them as she went, writing revision cards for the future, testing herself. If she didn’t feel confident about a module it would go back in the mix and she’d use a spare block to cover that. She recently finished first lot of mocks, second lot are in the New Year. She probably spent between 45 mins and an hour or so per sub topic, most of half term was spent on revision but she did give herself two days off.

Foundation or higher for triple science? Assuming higher and minimal time I'd focus on stuff you can practice

Physics: equations, using them, showing working, units

Chemistry: calculating numbers of subatomic particles, calculating relative formula mass, mole calculations, reactions and formulae they should know (metals, ionic compounds).

Biology: equations for respiration and photosynthesis, linking surface area to everything, key terms for the ecology bits.

All three: standard practical improvements, reading graphs, calculating means, making conclusions from data..

Thanks TeenPlus - I was tempted to agree but feel I should try to get him to do something but realistically someone who has never revised or done homework is not going to transform overnight!! Why mark schemes for English Lang - so he knows how to allocate his time?

Pettswood - Your DD sounds like my DDs, sadly DS is not like his sisters!! Scary that he is competing against students who will spend all xmas holidays revising! However I could never know what he does in science even if I revised non stop so he is lucky.

Frirlrubert - Higher for triple. Predicted 9 for physics so may be secure at formula. Only predicted 7s for others - thanks for the suggestions.

Is there anything for maths other than formula?

English lit - depending on what grade he is aiming for - make sure he has secure knowledge of text - order of what happens, who does what, key characters, key scenes. He needs to reference this in his essays.

Then find/note down key quotes and think about what themes to use them for. For eg, R&J "I defy you stars" is good for character of Romeo, theme of fate, theme of power and importance of love.

He needs to do that for all three texts. Also if he is doing AQA then he has to do unseen poetry so needs to revise key terms.

Practice questions would be useful - from past papers - doesn't matter if he has done them before.

Can you sit with him and test him on quotes or timeline of texts?

Eng language - past papers are the best thing. Also DD has a basic story structure that she adapted to whatever the creative writing task was about. With past papers, help him to see what the exam is looking for - facts, terms such as metaphor or simile, analysis, comparison? if you are not sure, the mark schemes are helpful.

I said mark schemes to know what is being looked for in each question because (in my view) it isn't at all obvious. Some questions you get marks for use of interesting language constructs, others not so much.

And yes also to identifying and referring to subject specific terminology.

Maths is doing loads and loads and loads of questions. If only 1-2 hours I'd maybe suggest he does a past paper and then self marks it.

@TeenPlusTwenties

I said mark schemes to know what is being looked for in each question because (in my view) it isn't at all obvious. Some questions you get marks for use of interesting language constructs, others not so much.

And yes also to identifying and referring to subject specific terminology.

Yes this is what I was trying to say, thanks Teen :)

I only know AQA well, but the first question in Eng Lang asks for four facts from the text - so literally that. Subsequent questions may need the student to use terminology such as simile or alliteration so it is important that they know that exam technique.

OP. Does your DS care about the results he gets and just thinks revision is pointless, or does he not really care?

If he cares, would it work to agree target grades for these mocks, and that if he doesn't get them you'll be allowed to nag more for the real exams later (or second mocks, or whatever?)

The impression I get is he is probably going to get decent (e.g. 6+) passes without revision anyway?

Have you tried the 'how will you feel in August if you get 6s when friends who are less clever than you are getting 7s & 8s?' He doesn't want any 'if only...' thoughts - it will be too late by then.

You are thinking of BTEC computing, yes? I presume he is aware that not getting e.g. a 7 for maths would rule him out of changing his mind re A levels and doing Maths?

Thank you for all ideas. I dont think he can see the connection between revision and results and not sure he cares anyway, certainly not enough to give up his time. I am not sure he will ever ask class mates what GCSE grades they got as he has never shown any interest in others grades or discussing schoolwork.

I think he should get a 7 for maths, school certainly think so but I feel his work ethic is not suited to A levels. For example he doesnt take any notes in class!! Most people assume he has ASD or such and school certainly believe he has a SEN without a diagnosis. I have never doubted it.