How much to live on

Organgrinder

middlewife said:

Organgrinder said:

As a teacher I find A level results day a strange beast. There are the students who have invested in their studies and those who haven't. 

Today, I'm pleased to report that those who invested in their studies nearly all got A and A*. One of them got a C which was disappointing for them but sometimes the pressure of exams can be tough.

I well remember my identical twins A level results, one got straight As with a lot of stress and work, the other scraped 2Cs and a D. When I asked him how he felt about his grades he had the honesty to admit his "CBA" attitude and lack of work was why.
Their older sister got predicted grades but in the wrong subjects and for 2 hours thought her life was over. I persuaded her to ring her first and second choice university and they both offered her a place. Ironically the CBA twin studied accountancy whilst working having been kicked off an apprenticeship and finally grew up around the age of 25. No amount of nagging or lectures would have made any difference, sometimes you have to let them get on with it and be there if they need you to pick up the pieces.

Very true.

I also tutored two students after they contacted me following their mock exams. Both got a U in their mocks. One turned up diligently and did the work. At Easter I told him he was ready and just needed to practice. He got his best result in the paper I had tutored him.

The other did only four sessions with me. Work. Family holidays. Birthdays. Mother's Day. You name it, there was an excuse. He got a U. What a waste of time and money 

My subject, maths, is i believe a skill. To perfect it takes practice. 

When you see people take advice and work towards their goals it really is a pleasure. I'm always immensely proud to see it happen. Equally it's disappointing to see students throw opportunities away. I speak from experience having never made the most of my abilities earlier in life. Fortunately I found a career I love.