Years 7–9 Pre-GCSEs
You might think that Year 7 is very early to start preparing for university, but by setting the right foundations now you can stand them in good stead for the future. This is the time to start working out what they’re interested in and to support and encourage them to explore these passions. By doing this, and by forming good working and studying habits at a young age, you’re giving them the best possible start to their academic journey.
Encourage them
Keep an eye out for things that particularly excite or inspire your young person and help them to explore these outside the classroom. Maybe they have come home from school and want to share everything they learned that day about Shakespeare- consider a theatre trip or watching some performances online with them. Maybe they are showing a keen interest in learning more about Architecture or Construction- take a walk around your local area and look at the different types of buildings there are. Chat to them about what they’re interested in, encourage them to read, watch or listen around the subject and look for opportunities for them to get involved in that area (teachers and Careers Advisors are a great help in finding these). You might surprise yourself and find a new passion of your own!
Set up a homework routine
Agree on a homework routine with your young person and support them to stick to it. You know them best, so you will know if it is best for them to get their homework done as soon as they get home from school or if they will work more efficiently after a couple of hours’ relaxing. Try to keep to the same routine each day and find a quiet space in your home which is free from distractions. If this isn’t possible, you can always encourage them to work in their school or local library.
Discuss possible GCSE options
Most schools will have some compulsory subjects that students have to do at GCSE (English, Maths, Science and Religious Studies in some schools) plus they will have a number of free choices. Helping your learner decide what to choose can be tricky, but think about:
- What do they enjoy?
- What are they good at?
- What have their subject teachers fed back to you at Parents’ Evenings?
- What job(s) are they thinking of doing in the future and therefore, what might
they want to study at university?
Be flexible...
You may have a very firm idea of what you would like them to study, but only they can motivate themselves to work hard and do well. So, try not to insist on a particular subject if they have their heart set on studying something else. Have an open and honest conversation with them where you can both discuss your points in a calm and productive manner - we know it can be hard but try to steer clear of the “I know what’s best for you” mindset!