15 year old just won't try at school

[varicoseveined]

Hi, I'm posting on behalf of my friend, my kids are still much younger so my insight is limited. Her 15 y.o. son is very capable academically but a recent parents' evening revealed that he just won't do more than the bare minimum. There are 2 or 3 subjects that he does well in and those are the only ones which he gives proper focus to. His behaviour isn't a problem, he's not disruptive, etc but has no zeal.

She's tried heart to heart conversations, she's read him the riot act. Anyone got any tips or advice please?

Oh.

Similar to the thread I've just started!!

Anyone?

I think you'd have to reveal his reasons for not trying- why is he lacking motivation? What future plans does he have? What incentives does he have to pass his exams with high grades (not monetary but to get into college etc)?

Until we know why he has no motivation it's quite hard to advise.

When my DS was this age he seemed to stop trying in certain lessons. I eventually found out that it wasn't considered cool by some of the bullies popular lads to achieve in certain subjects. When he moved into a different set his attitude changed completely.