Anyone want a thread for starting year 10 this autumn?

[MyOtherProfile]

If so, here it is!

Hoping not to be Billy NoMates...

I share your pain. My eldest only really got the idea after his first lot of mocks when he realized he would need better grades to get to the 6th form he wanted.

My youngest hasn't had that epiphany yet and has spent today prancing around. I'm just hoping for the penny to drop soon.

@StColumbofNavron would he listen at all to your eldest, about the reality of what was needed? It’s really hard. I’m warming DS up to the idea of trying to find some part time work, I think it can really help them grow up. But does take up more of their time that could be spent revising!

Occasionally eldest gets through but then he forgets it. He just says he’ll do whatever course the grades allow him to do. I wonder if I let him carry on and for the start of y11 based on y10 exams things like the PS do get limited. But will he really just continue ignoring?

A job is not a bad idea, but he cannot get one until he is 16 around here. He does have work experience coming up and I’m hoping he might be inspired.

Does anyone know the entry requirements for T levels? He seemed the tiniest bit interested in a couple but I’m sure that he will still need better than 4s.

Hi, was on the thread a while back but have name-changed since. DS has been doing pretty well with revision over Easter in preparation for end of year exams after he’s back - was pleasantly surprised tbh. But it’s a bit scary how much content they have already covered, and how much there is already to learn with still a year to go.

English Literature has been the biggest challenge here - seems like you basically have to plan out different essays by character / theme, complete with quotes, and then learn them all. Essays are not DS’s strong point so this has been painful! He’s been watching some YouTube videos, but some of the ‘interpretations’ seem a bit of a reach! Haven’t even had to get into the poetry yet.

Sorry StColumbofNavron, I know very little about T levels, what are your options post 16? It seems to vary so much by region on whether people stay at school or all move to colleges. People tend to stick with school sixth forms here, but there’s a fair bit of movement between them.

Hello all. Hope you're all hanging on in there.

Anyone else's DC doing an actual GCSE this year? Mine is doing one, first exam on Monday! Eek.

Thankfully all seems fairly calm and revision going well. Although we'll see. Slightly glad one is being done this year as it's good practice for the ones which count more!

How did your DC get on with that first GCSE exam @Littlebluebird123 ? I confess I am stalking the 2023 GCSE boards to find out what topics have been coming up (or, more importantly, not coming up so may do next year) in DD’s subjects. I may be a little overinvested!

@Marisquita

She was doing RE. Not exactly sure what came up but she seemed to think it was what she'd expected so I'm not sure how much variety on questioning there is!

She was fine really. She's very good at essay writing and has an opinion so RE suits her skills. :)

I don't know what school your child is at but I know the ones mine are at are very 'on it' in terms of preparing them for the tests.

How is everyone doing as the end of Y10 approaches? We have a mixed bag of end-of-year results here. Let’s just say the sciences will need some consolidation over the summer holidays!

Exams start next week here. Dd has done a bit of work but I think it will take sitting these exams and possibly getting less than she could, to give her a kick up the bum in time for year 11!

Yep I'm in though I don't use the site that much - must get on here more often. One of mine has just been through year 11 - the other two are Yr9 and Yr10 and don't think it will be as easy a ride with the little one!!

@MyOtherProfile Yes, it’s definitely been kick up the bum time at our school! DD seems to have found it motivating rather than dispiriting though, so all a good learning experience.

So…most GCSEs finished Friday yes? DD’s school prom is 2 weeks after that . I’m thinking as long as I’d be back for the emergency/contingency date next year I could be going away this week?!!! I need a silver lining!

It's all getting a bit real. My year 10 is now being referred to as year 11 at school and all the extra exam technique lessons are in place starting this week.

He had mocks back in the spring so no exams now but two sets of mocks next year Nov and March. Also DT course work (50% of grade) in full swing.
He seems laid back about the whole thing and a little bit too confident... I hope it's not misplaced.

Can I join?

DD is halfway through her mock exams. We’re only just at a stage where she’s anxiety-free in general after some tough years so the fact she’s getting through them and not blanking out etc. is such a relief.I’m really curious to see what results she gets as this more confident version of herself.

Welcome @OriginalUsername2 It's great to hear your DD is managing her exams.

Have other Y10s been doing work experience? DD’s had a fabulous experience this week and has learned so much.

We had quite a hassle securing WE for DS. He got "No don't want anyone", "We would say yes but don't have employer liability insurance" and "I never answer emails or phone calls after the 1st agreement to take a WE student".

By sheer chance I bumped into someone who said yes (turned on what little charm I have to persuade him) and actually had insurance AND even answered phone & emails to fill in the forms.

Actual WE happens 2 weeks from Monday.

I took DS to a Uni Open day today. I know that makes me sound like crazy pushy parent but Actually it was to give him a taste of engineering.  Lboro open day so am outing self.... anyway, DS engaged a lot so both happy he went.  He can study anything he likes where he likes, but it was a good way to help him choose A-levels 14 months from now.

Stuffing my face after long day of driving.

Oh ffs, forgot Mn does that reformatting... better half below !!

I took DS to a Uni Open day today. I know that makes me sound like crazy pushy parent but Actually it was to give him a taste of engineering. Lboro open day so am outing self.... anyway, DS engaged a lot so both happy he went. He can study anything he likes where he likes, but it was a good way to help him choose A-levels 14 months from now.

Stuffing my face after long day of driving.

No work experience at DSs school in y10, they do it in y12 - which feels quite late, but have heard friends’ difficulties at other schools with them being under 16. I did persuade him to sign up for a couple of virtual experiences - one on engineering and one on finance, which were ok but no substitute for in person.

DS has started volunteering at a charity shop with an eye on getting a paid job in the run up to Christmas once he turns 16, he’s already had his National Insurance number sent through. We’re close to a big retail park so should hopefully be some options.

Wow @lljkk that sounds like a good experience. DD has to choose A levels sooner because her school finishes at 16, so applications for 6th forms are imminent (some deadlines in Sep/Oct). Her longlist of 5 subjects is now down to 4, so I think she can apply with those 4 and pick her favourite three later.

No WE here.

6th form open days next week here. DD loves the idea of 6rh form and is sure she wants to go to a particular one but is really unmotivated about doing any subjects to A level! I'm hoping a couple of open days will motivate her.

@MyOtherProfile might she enjoy something new, not taken at GCSE, such as economics, politics, sociology, psychology? We’ve found it helpful to go quite deep into sixth-form websites to see which options they do, from which boards, and what results profiles they get in each A-level subject. Once we know the board for each subject we go to the syllabus spec online which gives a good idea of what is involved. Being a bit forensic about it has also meant we could eliminate some sixth forms which don’t do well with MFL (her passion).

I’ll await the inevitable MNer who will pop up to tell me I shouldn’t be getting involved in helping my 15 year old make choices for her future!

@Marisquita I'm sure you're right. We will have a good look at some new subjects. And I'm all for helping my 15 year old make her choices!

My DS has w/e next week - he is working for a company in the field he wants to do but will basically be answering phones in an office.

My DTs are busy revising for their mocks. Super impressed by their dedication!