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By: Bob Foster

Bob Foster — Sat, 05 May 2012 11:17:44 +0000

Hi Hazar,

That’s a big question! I’ll just focus on one thing – keeping up with class. It can be very de-motivating to feel that you’re not keeping up. The best way to keep up is to get into the habit (yes, habits are difficult to get into!) of writing up school notes every day. So, when he gets home, sometime during the evening, have a regular session where you go over what he’s covered that day. So you have his class notes (if he has any), textbook and website (bbc bitesize) as resources. Then he can write down the key facts that he’s learnt during the day. If he’s not sure of something, he can look it up.
I know that’s very brief, but I think you get the idea. It’s the most important habit or routine that a pupil can get into. It may sound painful for him, but it will make a big difference.
Do contact me if you have any questions about how to make this routine work – it’s an important issue that is common to lots of people.

By: Hazar

Hazar — Sat, 05 May 2012 10:42:36 +0000

My son in year nine and he is really struggling.
His spring term report was not good and he is underachieving in all subjects (Maths 5c, English 4a, Sciences 6b.
for one year he has been having 1 to 1 tuition in Maths, English and science (1 hour/week in each subject)
I think he lost his self confidence and that is reflecting on his class behavior as he became disruptive in the class and teachers are calling home repeatedly because of that.
He is always in trouble in school and I think it is related to him not catching up with his class
His tuition teachers told me that he is capable to do more but lack attitude.
I tried several methods with him to encourage him and put him back on track but didn’t get anywhere with him.
He has a twin sister who is doing reasonably well in school and we try our best not to compare between them.
Please advice me how should deal with my son and what can I do to help him achieving his potential
Regards
Hazar

By: Bob Foster

Bob Foster — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:11:11 +0000

Hi Saahil,

Good luck in your exams. Let me know if you have a question.

Bob

By: Saahil

Saahil — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:26:22 +0000

Hi im Saahil and Im Trying to practice my science , for my science exam in yr9 . apparently people cant retake the science again also its going to me more harder they last years Thank you

By: Bob Foster

Bob Foster — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:41:26 +0000

If you’re predicted an A*, then i assume you know most of the stuff, so the focus must be on testing yourself. Specimen or past papers with marking schemes are best – get hold of any examiners reports from the exam board website if you can – they’re really useful to point out common mistakes. CGPbooks.co.uk workbooks and exam papers are good. BBC bitezise tests are good. Any collection of questions is good as long as you have answers. Looking through the glossary in your textbook is also a good idea – you need to know all the definitions.
I wouldn’t worry too much about setting up timetables at this stage – your life is on hold right now – it revolves around getting ready for the exams – so the key is to be able to pace yourself. Test yourself for a short period, then break and relax. Find your best routine.
Let me know if I’ve missed the point entirely!

By: Megan

Megan — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:20:05 +0000

Hi Bob,
I’m a GCSE student currently working towards that dreadful exam week. I’ve taken the easter holidays as an incentive to begin revising for my science modules (seperate sciences, higher tier) I’m predicted an A* but I find it hard to fit everything in within the space of two weeks. Memorising/timetable help?

By: Bob Foster

Bob Foster — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:18:31 +0000

Sorry Nita, SEN is something that I don’t know enough about to advise you. I do online tutoring for GCSE maths and science. Give me a call on 07989412319 if you’d like to talk.

By: nita

nita — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:44:37 +0000

Hi Bob
We read your wbsite today and was wondering if you had any experience or advice for somone who has special needs and attends mainstream school, and what course they should be offered in year 9 as pre-prep year into gcse.

Do you only do online tutoring?

By: Bob Foster

Bob Foster — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:53:02 +0000

Hi Colin – good to hear from you! Do get in touch if you like – bobfostertuition@gmail.com, mobile: 07989412319; skype bobfostercoach.

Say hello to Callum for me,

By: Colin Sayer

Colin Sayer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:38:56 +0000

Hi Bod
Hope all is well. I am now based in the UAE. It is a bit of a long story but in between me coming here and leaving Bristol the children are now schooling in Hertfordshire. Callum had a tutor until recently who is now moving to India on some sort of pilgrimage. When callum was with me in the UAE over christmas he mentioned you and we wonder whether we could take up tuition over the web. Then today, I saw your profile on LinkedIn after updating mine.
Callum will be returning to bristol from time to time as we still have a house in bradley stoke.
Happy New Year and best regards
Colin