Easter Revision Courses - useful?

Bennifred

Hope I'm posting this in the right place - maybe it should be the students' board - but then I wouldn't get the parents' perspective as well;) ...

Was wondering if any MSErs have any experience of intensive Easter Revision Courses for students doing their GCSEs - either yourself or your children? Was it worth it in terms of increased confidence/grades obtained? They are very expensive..........


I'm wondering if it might be a better investment than using the money to bribe him:D - what do you all think?

cha97michelle

try asking if your school does anything.

I know the school i work at runs activities for y9 and y11 for a whole week of the Easter hols for free, and the pupils just sign up to the activities they want to do.

I would be reluctant to pay unless there was no other option - although it depends if the kid needs more help on a one to one basis.
Perhaps try to organise a study group. I used to do this myself as a pupil, and found that between me and my friends, we could usually get through a lot and help each other out.

Bennifred

Thanks for the reply!

Unfortunately our school doesn't put anything on over Easter. They do provide supervised study classes for the Yr11s once study leave starts (don't get me started on study leave!:mad: ) but they are purely voluntary and not targeted at specific subjects in any way - just somewhere the students can go to revise if they want to.
DS's revision techniques (what revision techniques?!) leave a lot to desire, and of course parents know nothing....

Lemoncurd

I went on an A Level revision course in Oxford when I was taking mine 10 years ago.
I could barely understand the Further Maths tutor as English wasn't her first language. The computing tutor appeared to have been dragged off the street (he smelt terrible and was very scruffy) didn't have a clue about the materials and didn't turn up after the first two sessions.
I didn't feel that the course helped at all and it was a horrible experience for me. My parents were successful in getting most of the fees back!

Several other people from my college also went to similar courses at the same place and found them unhelpful, I know one of the others also disputed his fees.

rarele

Hi - my daughter went on one last year. It was a lot of money but I think it was worth it. She got 1-1 tuition for some of the subjects (because no-one else was doing the same English syllabus as her). It also gave her essay writing practice which she needed. I think it depends on the student but looking back I think it was probably money well spent. :hello:

Rebecca

Yorkielass

Does he need help with general revising tips, doing revision in all subjects or just some?

If it's just some subjects, 1 or 2 it might be better to try and find someone to give tution in the evenings for an hour a week or so starting fairly soon they should be able to help and if your son doesn't find it helpful then you've got time to change/haven't invested so much money in it etc.

Bennifred

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I think I may well try and find tuition for the specific subjects he's having trouble with - good points Yorkielass! - as overall he's not doing too badly and I expect school will be stepping up a gear on the revision of all subjects from here on in. It is mainly two subjects that we (and he!) were rather taken aback about how poor his understanding was - from his mocks. One of those is being addressed by the relevent department in school, as he was not alone - extra classes put on - and he says they are helpful, so I guess if I can find a good (inspirational) tutor for the other subject it will certainly help.

Thanks again for taking the time to give advice - much appreciated.

lushkat

We sent our son on an Easter Revision Course when he did his GCSEs a couple of years ago. It really helped him with his attitude towards his exams which had been relaxed to say the least previously. He came back saying "thank you for sending me, it was the best thing I ever did" although he would deny that now I am sure ! He said it was good to mix with other kids who were committed to studying - which often isnt the case in school. The tutors were really good and clued up and he learnt lots of handy hints and tips that helped him pass - especially in French and Maths.

He got 9 GCSEs in the end - all good grades and has gone on to study A levels - and on target for Uni in September.

All in all, I would recommend it but I must add that it isnt right for everyone - it has to suit the child - my daughter is doing her GCSEs next year and although I am not entirely sure I dont think we'll be sending her.

Bennifred

Hi lushkat!

Oooooh, you've got me wavering now - I know exactly what you mean about the relaxed attitude:rolleyes: !! If only it belonged to me not him, lol! I think it can be very true about the kids not necessarily being committed to study - in fact although DS is planning on staying on for sixth form and talks about going to University, the fact that his best mate is leaving school at the end of this year to join the forces and so is showing very little interest in working for good grades - socialising is much more appealing for both of them - doesn't help!

Was the course you sent your son on local to you, or was it residential? There's nothing like personal recommendation!