It’s no secret that GCSEs are a real challenge for young people.  The extraordinary academic demands made on Year 10 students can make that transition from Key Stage 3 considerable – especially for those of us where school just seemed that much more difficult than it did for others.  You may be one of those despairing youngsters who keep getting assessments back from your teachers, disappointed and frustrated when it seems as if those grades will never improve, worrying that you’ll never find the success you hoped for. 

Some Year 11 students felt the same way in Year 10 but found a way to ‘stick at it’ and succeed.  Obviously, they didn’t achieve the progress they wanted by wishing for it; they kept on pushing themselves.  They kept their attendance level high, paid attention in every lesson, completed all the work in class and at home to the very best of their ability, asked the teacher for support whenever they needed it without worrying what anyone else in the class would think or say.  They demonstrated resilience and determination and the right attitude. 

 This is what some of them had to say after getting excellent mock results recently: 

“I’m a true a believer that hard work pays off. I’m excited for the real exams!” Abbie Duffy 

“Stick at it and persevere. I’ve exceeded my own expectations” Enna Leathwood 

One student, for instance, went from struggling to get a good pass in her core subjects at the end of Year 10, to now working beyond her target grades and is now looking at achieving the impressive results that would allow her to be accepted onto her desired A Level course in College VI. 

Remember that consistent application, disciplined effort and an optimistic outlook can make all the difference.