Moving sets | Mumsnet

mackerelsandwich · 2023-07-22T06:03:25+00:00

My year 7 child has been moved down a set. He's upset about it but I'm not surprised as he didn't revise for his end of year assessments, despite my efforts to encourage him. I restricted electronics and he had the space to do it but he just faffed about instead. My issue is really thinks he did his best and gets quite upset if anything else is suggested. I find this frustrating because he won't acknowledge that he can do better (this is a common theme over a number of topics). He has it in his head that its all down to natural ability and he shouldn't have to put in the work! Any tips for getting him out of this mindset? He's a bright kid and even a little bit of effort would make a difference. I'm not sure how much I should just leave him to it or how much to push? I'm left feeling guilty that I could or should have done more.

CurlewKate · 22/07/2023 07:05

What practical difference will being in a lower set make?

Original poster

mackerelsandwich · 22/07/2023 07:08

I'm hoping it will be good for him, as they've said he will be top rather than at the bottom. So this might boost his confidence.

OP posts:

TeenDivided · 22/07/2023 09:14

Personally I'd push, but by that I mean helping him revise for tests so he can see it works.

For any tests get him to revise by making revision cards ./ mindmaps (or just practice questions for maths). End of topic tests start week or 2 out and keep coming back. You test him, and if he doesn't know stuff go over it until he knows it then and there. Then come back next day, 2 days later, after a week. Praise the effort, then after the test ask if anything he revised came up.

There are too many kids who don't learn how to revise in y7-9 and then parents are in despair end y10 asking for guidance on MN on how to help their child revise.

Praise effort not results.

Original poster

mackerelsandwich · 22/07/2023 10:13

TeenDivided · 22/07/2023 09:14

Personally I'd push, but by that I mean helping him revise for tests so he can see it works.

For any tests get him to revise by making revision cards ./ mindmaps (or just practice questions for maths). End of topic tests start week or 2 out and keep coming back. You test him, and if he doesn't know stuff go over it until he knows it then and there. Then come back next day, 2 days later, after a week. Praise the effort, then after the test ask if anything he revised came up.

There are too many kids who don't learn how to revise in y7-9 and then parents are in despair end y10 asking for guidance on MN on how to help their child revise.

Praise effort not results.

Thank you so much for this, it's really helpful.

OP posts:

TeenDivided · 22/07/2023 10:18

Additionally some subjects may need 'answering questions' revision just as much as content revision.
So for History they my need to know how to compare sources - contemporary or later, with wide perspective or personal, likelihood of being biased etc. So sometimes you need to have cards for this as well. (Definitely needed for Engl Lang GCSE for example).

PhotoDad · 22/07/2023 10:23

My DS uses the app "Quizlet" which lets him make revision flashcards on his phone (or use pre-made packs). He then looks at them when on the bus etc or whenever he has downtime. He thinks it works well enough to have transferred pretty much all his paper notes and use the paid version. We'll let you know whether it was successful when we get his GCSE results in August!

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 22/07/2023 15:55

Does he know how to revise? I think it's a big issue that often schools set "revision" as homework, without specific guidance on what to do.

You could suggest different revision methods to him (e.g. flash cards, mind maps, posters, practice questions)- anything that's active and isn't just re-reading notes. If he tries one method for each set of tests, and actually tries with you watching him, you can both look at scores and see which methods work well in each subject.

With actual evidence revision is working, that will hopefully motivate him to do a bit more!

Original poster

mackerelsandwich · 22/07/2023 16:55

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 22/07/2023 15:55

Does he know how to revise? I think it's a big issue that often schools set "revision" as homework, without specific guidance on what to do.

You could suggest different revision methods to him (e.g. flash cards, mind maps, posters, practice questions)- anything that's active and isn't just re-reading notes. If he tries one method for each set of tests, and actually tries with you watching him, you can both look at scores and see which methods work well in each subject.

With actual evidence revision is working, that will hopefully motivate him to do a bit more!

I think this is the issue, he doesn't know

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TizerorFizz · 22/07/2023 17:01

Y7 is such a change and Dc become responsible for their own revision methods. Usually with no help or guidance. It’s a big reason why Dc of less well educated parents flounder. Many DC do need guidance to see what works best. Although doing little rarely gets you anywhere. Unless you are brilliant of course.

Original poster

mackerelsandwich · 22/07/2023 17:15

TizerorFizz · 22/07/2023 17:01

Y7 is such a change and Dc become responsible for their own revision methods. Usually with no help or guidance. It’s a big reason why Dc of less well educated parents flounder. Many DC do need guidance to see what works best. Although doing little rarely gets you anywhere. Unless you are brilliant of course.

Yes, I feel this is what happened. He was told about tests and as first time in year 7, he didn't know how to revise. Trying to encourage him was really hard as he just didn't see value in it. I'm feel at a loss as to how to help him

OP posts:

TizerorFizz · 22/07/2023 22:31

I think the main thing is that if he feels form if he’s not done as well as he could, talk about positive methods of revision so at least he would feel his marks were ok. Not reaching for the stars, but good enough to make him feel a little bit pleased. Then look at how to revise.