Anyone up for a GCSE handholding thread?

[BaconAndAvocado]

DS2 has his GCSEs in June. He had mocks in November and more (why??) next month.
He needs to get 5 6s to stay at his current school (IB, not overly keen) or to transfer to another local 6th form.
He said he’s going to start revising this week......
Think his school will be helping him devise a revision timetable this week. I’ve bought him flashcards, he just needs to knuckle down now.......

@Rowgtfc72 your daughter sounds so cool!

Absolutely gorgeous dress@Rowgtfc72 and amazing news on her being so proactive with regards to the apprenticeship. Fingers crossed for that English grade.

In terms of grades and getting accepted onto courses, pariculalry A levels, is anybody's DC in a position where they might not actually get the grades they need and do they have a backup plan?
My DC assumes they'll get the grades to get onto their A Levels course, as do I, but I was wondering what happens if it's not a given, and do they have a 'backup plan'?

I have concerns that my DD could get a G4-5 in a key subject when they have asked for a G6 to access the Alevel course at college. She could stay at her current “needs improvement” school 6th form and we would have to supplement with tutors I expect as the standards are poor or I’ve looked at online options like inter-high. She’s working hard, self motivated and very capable of Alevel studies but the standard of teaching this year has been at times poor. There are also other L3 courses at the college she could access. There’s always options & having another child who may struggle to get 5\6 GCSEs, due to autism /school anxiety issues I can see there are always options they just take time to get there..

overthehillswegoo
DS2 needs 7s in Maths, Physics and Chemistry to get into his chosen 6th form.
There isn’t really a back-up plan apart from stay at his current school and do the IB which is really suited to him IMO.

His first exam is in less than 2 weeks and he has upped his game a bit but I haven’t yet seen any sense of urgency!

On results to get onto courses, my DC ought to be ok for college generally. However, she wants to do further maths, and will need an 8 in maths for this, which does feel like a lot of pressure. And maths/further maths are required for the degree subject she's looking at, so she'd be really disappointed. If she misses the grade for Spanish, I think she'd quite happily sub in English Lit, or Religion/Philosophy/Ethics/whatever it's called. She has met the entry requirement for Music already (G5 practical and theory) so that's a relief!

For DD's chosen 6th form they have two tests that need to be met. Grade 7's in her chosen A level subject but an average grade over all her GCSE's. DD is taking 10 so all her grade scores will be added up and divided by 10. She needs an average of 6.1 or more so she can't afford to completely flunk or bin off any subject as they all affect her average.FIngers crossed she should be fine - she is predicted 7.9 overall currently so we will see.

Just found.you all. Dd year 11 currently trying to stop her studying 24/7. Her chemistry teacher bought them cakes today as it was their last lesson. She couldn't eat hers as she's coeliac but i think it brought it all home. Prom dress bought £100 and £30,alterations. Huge high heals but she's short.and dances so wanted / needed them. She's quite and not outgoing but wants.hair and make up too. Inwas a bit surprised. As.for 6th form plan a &b in place . Super competitive top choice for maths further maths biology and chemistry buy we will see. F Maths maybe dropped for psychology and she need 7 7's or above to get in!

Beautiful dress @Rowgtfc72

DD is at risk for one or two of her A level choices but I think on balance if she does not have the level required to take that subject then it is for the best. I have seen too many of DC1 friends squeeze onto A level subjects with just enough by and then really struggle.

Where I live it's 4s and 5s to get into college. 5s and 6s to get into the local 6th form/ college and 6s and 7s for the decent 6th form.
Thanks for the lovely comments about dd and her frock. Thankfully shes looking forward to prom. She also has a list of hair, make up, nails and a tan.
She has her apprenticeship interview next Saturday. Excited for her!

So, DS has his French Speaking exam today at 1.10pm. He's chilled as beans about it, I'm crazy nervous! But like I said...he got an 8 last time for speaking so he should smash this with no problems; his last speaking mock was only a couple of weeks ago so fingers crossed!

DS' prom is at a local posh hotel and on the letter is says "disco, with buffet afterwards". Not a particularly posh looking buffet but as it's in a fancy hotel I suppose the dress code is fancy dresses and suits? They haven't mentioned a dress code, do you think I should ask school?

@Howamisupposeedtopickausername good luck to your DS.
Have his friends discussed what they are planning to wear?

@Howamisupposeedtopickausername our dress code was on our letter telling us when, where how much and in big letters long dresses and tuxs ( no morning suits) !

Dd1 had Spanish speaking yesterday. She didn't want to talk much about it, and didn't seem thrilled with how it went. The only thing she mentioned was the bit where she had to describe a photo was the hardest one she'd seen, and she was missing a core bit of vocab needed.

She now seems rather daunted by the big tranche of exams to come. Does anyone have any tips to share about looking after them? I am turning a blind eye to undone chores, and bringing a steady stream of brews to her room, but other ideas welcome.

@TheTurn0fTheScrew tell her not to worry; one piece of vocab in the picture will only = one question probably? That’s only a few marks; if she did ok on the general convo that’s worth a lot more (30 out of 60)

@TheTurn0fTheScrew try to tell her to put it behind her worrying won't change anything and she probably did better than she thought. When DS did GCSES 4 years ago tea, chocolate and zero expectation of any jobs being done or helping out along with a listening ear and hugs as required. Fav meals also helps . Donig the same withDD tonthe extent I put her clothes away last night. Not done that for years!

I did the same @jamimmi put her clean washing away as she’s had extra training this week and is juggling alot at the moment I even bought down the dirty crockery 😂this service will not continue post end June…

@WinterMermaid234 I missed the dinning room clear up off my list. 6 plates 8 mugs and some unidentifiable food substance, while not touching any of the piles.of paper that are apparently organised in a specific way 🤔 I want my room back and agree it stops the 22nd of June

My DD still has a decided lack of urgency about her. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. She is doing maybe 1.5hr-2hrs revision per day which doesn't sound like a lot to me. I so hope she hasn't misjudged what's needed. I keep being on hand with snacks which I think she's grateful for. She's always been v good at tests and exams (very unlike me at that age) so I really hope this will be no different.

@LighthouseCat I reckon that sounds ok. They need rest, and (eg) 3x focused 30-45 minute sessions may be more valuable than poring over stuff for hours without a focus. If she normally does well at exams she's probably found the right balance for her, even if different tactics might work for other kids.

Thanks @TheTurn0fTheScrew. She's always been quite efficient with her learning I think. I hope! It's slightly disconcerting that there no flash cards or copious notes lying about the place but that's just not how she revises. And I have to remember she does do a lot of past papers during her lessons at school now. Oof, I'll be so glad when we're out the other side!

DS1 had an awful study day yesterday but has done better today

Well DD has got a new boy on the scene which is terrible timing! She’s Off out bowling tomorrow but assures me she’ll revise when she’s back!

I am concerned by the number of posts describing studious children! Please can someone come along & reassure me that their DC is also doing approximately nothing every day?! DD is managing about 1 hour every other. Unless she's working through the night which I doubt.

Ds is doing ok but seemed to give up yesterday. I think he now needs to get going with them, first one is Friday. I did see he has cancelled a sports competition later this month due to exams which is good. He has a summer full of fun to come so I hope that spurs him on. We have still not had an offer from our preferred 6th form and I am not sure when to chase it.

Mine definitely isn't being super studious but is chipping away. I think because mine did ok in her mocks she thinks doesn't need to revise too much. And they do do a lot of revision at school. How did yours do in their mocks? Is the plan 6th form and A-levels?