AS level revision and 17 year old DS

[Tessi]

My 17 year old DS has not been doing much at all this year for his AS levels despite achieving all A* and As at GCSEs last year. He says he will just pass the AS levels, as they're not important and he doesn't want to go to uni and do a professional job, he just likes to read and he writes stories and listens to music and is generally happy. Enjoys going to school, at least he gets up every morning and goes out quite happily, but is not sure he wants to do A2s? Is there any point in his continuing or should we just let him have some time off. He's at an all boys private school and teachers are getting concerned at his lack of motivation and engagement. He says he doesn't enjoy his subjects but doesn't want to do any others. With a few weeks to go I just don't know what to do. Is anyone else experiencing anything similar? Should I "force" him to do revision? Should I bribe him?BTW I don't mind at all if he doesn't want to go to uni but what else is out there that will appeal to him?

I think a kid like this should finish his A Levels, with you encouraging as much as you can, but letting the 'punishment' for lack of effort be the results.

Then, I would encourage getting a job and having a gap year. Taking some time off to decide what you want to do at aged 18 is a golden experience.

Ask him how he intends to support his desired lifestyle on a minimum wage job. Suggest if he passes AS exams you will be happy for him to take a year out working, but if he decides he doesn't like a life like that then he will at least have choices. You might also point out that he might well be lonely when all his mates have gone to uni and when they come back they will have nothing in common.

Thanks for this advice. I will try and support. He got a B, a D and a U in his mocks without doing a scrap of revision, so thinks he can just not do any more revision and scrape through. Any other advice welcome. BTW do AS levels count towards A level grades. I know I should know this but have so much on my mind at the moment with other children in the house.

BTW do AS levels count towards A level grades?

Yes they do. They are 50% of the A Level.

Perhaps you should point out to him that whilst you are willing to support him whilst in education, once he leaves any allowances will stop and he'll need to pay you board and lodging?

It's a shame that he passed his GCSE with flying colours, but didn't want to keep up with the momentum.

Maybe you should have a one-to-one talk with him to find what he is really planning to do after finishing his A-levels. Does he have any goal?
Is he planning to do something which he hasn't told you about? If he hasn't planned anything, can the two of you discuss on what goal he should pursue and work towards achieving it?

Hope he opens up and sees the importance of putting effort in his studies.