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GCSE support

NAS65715

Hello

My son is 15 and has just had his mock GCSE grades. They are not as good as he had hoped. His main issue is going off topic in his answers. I would like to get specific coaching on this as I don't know how to help him myself. I have looked for tutors but haven't found anything suitable. His school's response is to tell him to go to extra subject sessions but it's not his knowledge that's the problem it's his interpretation of questions.

If it comes down to it I'd rather he was happy than get good grades but I'm hoping there's a way to have both!!

Has anyone had success with this problem? Should I just let it go?

I don't want to pressure him but I also don't want to let him down if I can help him.

He's very bright and articulate but finds studying hard and doesn't respond well to anyone 'interfering'.

Thanks!

Parents

  • I can sympathise with exam problems, especially in English.  I never passed my English O level.  I failed five times. I was ungraded in my first three attempts. 

    The trick to passing is understanding what the examiner wants and giving them that.  Unfortunately us autistics are very very poor at this.

    Typical issues are: Being able to read between the lines, knowing when and what to assume,  and when to be literal and give specific evidence in written answers. 

    We struggle to understanding people's meanings and intentions in real life, and exams are just as difficult. 

    Depending on the subject, some exams are much easier than others. I, for example,  achieved a grade A in A level maths while still being ungraded at O level English.

  • in reply to Robert124

    You've summed it up really well, those are the main issues he has. Even in maths he sometimes has trouble interpreting the questions. It's frustrating as it's obvious he's a very competent and bright boy, I wish everyone could see it as clearly as I do! Well done on your A in maths, I had to drop out of my a level maths course as I just didn't understand it but I was very good at English!

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  • in reply to Robert124

    You've summed it up really well, those are the main issues he has. Even in maths he sometimes has trouble interpreting the questions. It's frustrating as it's obvious he's a very competent and bright boy, I wish everyone could see it as clearly as I do! Well done on your A in maths, I had to drop out of my a level maths course as I just didn't understand it but I was very good at English!

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