Stepping Up to GCSE
Expectations
• Independent thinking
• Organisation
• Time management
• Effort
• Attention to detail
Changes to GCSE
• GCSEs available as linear qualifications only.
• External assessments for English literature,
geography, history and religious studies will include
additional marks for spelling, punctuation and the
accurate use of grammar.
• Art A, Maths 7, Geography B
Parental Influence
• Parental support is 8 times more important in determining a
child’s academic success than social class. The Campaign for
Learning found that parental involvement in a child’s
education can mean the difference between an A* and an
‘also-ran’ at GCSE.
• The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert in any
of the subjects your child chooses to make a real difference.
You also don’t need to give up your life and other
responsibilities – you just need to know how best to spend
the time you do have.
• Agree the balance between work and social life and stick to
the agreement. Again, flexibility is the key – if a special night
comes up, agree that they can make up the work at a
specified time
• All students fall behind, feel demotivated or overwhelmed,
or struggle with the balance of social, work and school
demands at times. When your child feels like this, berating
and threatening them will have a negative effect. Talk to
them about the issues, acknowledge their feelings and
adopt a sensible attitude in wanting to find a solution
• Be flexible – use the 80/20 rule. If your child is sticking to
what they are supposed to be doing 80% of the time, they
will be doing alright
• If your child asks for your support, encourage them by
helping them to see the difficulties in perspective.
Teenagers often take an all or nothing ‘catastrophic’
approach to difficulties – “I’ve messed up this essay, I might
as well give up.”
Surviving Your
Teenager
Motivation and the
language that
helps support it
• How adult behaviour enhances or diminishes pupil
engagement
• To think about how we use language to
improve the influence we have over young people
and to create positive relationships.
• To consider how we can get even better
• INFLUENCE IS?
• Creating a state where people want to do what you
want them to
INFLUENCE IS ENHANCED WHEN…
We feel a sense of autonomy
We have appropriate attention
We are emotionally connected (belong)
We have a sense of achievement
We feel safe and secure
We find meaning in what we do and are
stretched
“Where every pupil is known and valued”
Give people choice and control
Small choices mean they don’t feel patronised
e.g.
“Is it Homework before or after
Eastenders/skype/MIC?”
“Shall I bring you a cup of tea once you’ve started”
PRESUPPOSITIONS
What have you done this time?
I want the truth now
How many times do you need telling?
You haven’t done your homework today!
See you can behave when you try . . .
Believe it or not I’m one of the few people on your side
PRESUPPOSITIONS
What have you done this time?
It’s always you!
I want the truth now
LIAR
How many times do you need telling?
THICKO!
You haven’t done your HW today
See you can behave when you try
LOSER!
You’re not as disturbed as I first thought
Believe it or not I’m one of the few people on your side Wait till I tell your Father!
Self Esteem
Self esteem is, effectively, feeling two things
1. Lovable
2. Capable
Focus on the behaviour you would like to see rather
than the behaviour you wouldn’t.
Blame is the past and can’t be changed,
responsibility for change is the future
Don’t tell them you love them . . .
Tell them why you love them
“Praise bounces off people with low self esteem.
Feedback penetrates their shell”
“Yet…”
I can’t do this ”
“You mean you can’t do this yet”
“You’ve done X, and Y, and Z so I
know that you can now learn this”
REPAIR & REBUILD
• Invite feedback
• Ask them for better alternatives
• Ask them what support they need
• Emphasise personal responsibility
• State confidence and expectation
“Your skill as a parent is more dependent on positive,
caring and trustworthy relationships than on any
hint, tip or tool.”
Professor Eric Jensen