How you can help

YOU may well be completely confused by the updated GCSE grading system, which now gives numbers as well as letters, and how the subject matter has changed since your own exams. But you are still in a good position to help your child.

Many children start the Easter holidays simply not knowing where to begin.

Ex-headteacher Dr Helen Wright, a former president of the Girls’ Schools Association, says while exams are your child’s responsibility, there’s nothing wrong with offering your services as coach and supporter.

She said: ‘At the start of the holiday, ask your teen how they’re feeling and how they are planning for the weeks ahead.

‘Don’t stress, though — you may know better than your teen, but they have to own their revision process.’

Next, explain how a revision timetable will give them a routine and help them feel in control of their learning.

One shortcut is to use their school timetable and replicate it during the weekdays of the holidays, because it already covers all their subjects.

Studies have found that we concentrate best in periods of 20 to 45 minutes — about the length of an average lesson. So suggest they revise each subject for about that time, too.

Make it appealing by building in rewards and exercise — and when your child moans it feels like school, remind them it will soon be over and that every session will help boost their mark.