A GCSE is a General Certificate of Secondary Education, an exam a child takes at the end of Key Stage 4. At most UK schools, English, Maths and Science are mandatory GCSE subjects and students are allowed to choose from various other options as to what they study alongside these three subjects. Usually, they are studied over a two-year period, but some schools offer a one year GCSE programme. Children typically have to start thinking about which subjects they would like to study at GCSE level as they approach the end of Key Stage 3. It’s an exciting time for students, but they will need plenty of support from their families when they start choosing their subjects and onwards.
It would be worth attending open evenings at your child’s school so that you can learn more about what’s involved with GCSEs. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to advise your child. Talk to them about which subjects they currently enjoy the most and which ones they are best at. You should also try and figure out together what your child might like to do after their GCSEs, in terms of higher education and beyond. If they have a dream job in mind, this should help guide their decisions in terms of what qualifications they might need.
Homework will become more challenging for your child when they start their GCSEs. With that said, it might be worth setting up a dedicated study area in your home if you haven’t already. Your child will need an environment where they can do their coursework and revise for exams, without distractions. The space should have comfortable furniture, as they will be spending prolonged periods of time at their desk and should also be well-lit so that they don’t get eye strain.
The best thing you can do for your child during this time is be there for them as much as possible. There will be times when they’re feeling overwhelmed and it’s your job to help calm them down and remind them that as long as they’re trying their best, that’s the best they can do. Make sure that your child continues to get enough exercise and eats healthily, particularly during exam period when they’re feeling stressed.
How did you prepare your child for their GCSEs?
*This is a collaborative guest post.
Can you believe Ellie is picking her GCSE subjects sometime before the summer and starts her GCSE work in September. Eek! The way things are going with the virus she might be the first year to take them properly when things are back to normal. It seems such a long time ago Becky did hers. I think the best thing you can do to help is just be there to offer advice, support and plenty of snacks. x
Can be a minefield – things have changed so much thanks
We are a little way off GCSEs yet haha, but this is such a useful post – I’m sure it will help loads of parents 🙂