Parent Guide to GCSE podcast

Sophie joins Paul to talk about how to help your child focus, improve their handwriting, and develop relationships with peers and parents alike. Many of these issues originate back in early childhood, but Sophie has lots of great advice on how to help your teen now. For more information about how Sophie can help your teen, please visit www.sophiethwaites.co.uk        

Having worked in education in different countries, Elizabeth set up www.myprivatetutoronline.com She joins us to give great advice to parents looking to find a tutor for their teen. 

This was originally broadcast as a Facebook Live event, but due to the huge increase in the number of questions we get about ADHD, we're also releasing the recording to our podcast platforms. https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==  

Katie joins us to talk about how to look after your teen's mindset, while looking after your own. As they say on any aircraft safety briefing…. Fit your oxygen mask first before fitting that on your child.   Dream Big, Think Limitless  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915771315   Website www.thehappywellbeingclub.co.uk   Free ebook https://subscribepage.io/Change-Conflict-to-Connection-in-4-Easy-Steps   Instagram https://www.facebook.com/thehappywellbeingclub  

At last - we've landed a SENCO. Probably the busiest individual in any school, and the subject we get the most questions about. Kate answers all of the questions that have been pitched by members and people who follow our social channels.

Elspeth joins us to talk about how exercise can be so be so beneficial in the run up to exams.   Instagram.com/elspethfit Instagram.com/elspethphoto Instagram.com/elspethillustrates www.elspethvanderhole.com  www.elspethillustrates.com   

Sara Charles from Eduqas/WJEC joins us to talk about the dos and REALLY don'ts of tackling English Literature GCSE revision and exam papers.   Knowledge organiser - https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs?subId=57   https://www.shmoop.com/teachers/best-practices/subject/english.html   https://mrbruff.com/   https://www.sparknotes.com/

We talked to Tom about what we as parents can do to support an 'introvert' child - including how (and if) to help them stretch their comfort zone, along with the importance of 'recharge time'. Link to join a free online community which explores topics around introversion: https://forms.gle/eHEkFb3fRc45YSvG6  Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-cleary-coaching/ (Very happy to answer questions on there) Tom's website: https://tom-cleary.co.uk/  Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/ 

Whether your child is questioning their gender identity, or whether they have a friend they want to support better, this was a fascinating talk about how to navigate that journey. Find more from Esther (Fifty Shades of Gender) here: https://estherlemmens.com/ https://www.fiftyshadesofgender.com/ https://www.instagram.com/50shadesgender/ And find Kit Marie here: Geogramblings

Catherine is a regional representative for WJEC/Eduqas for English Language. Before this job role, she was the head of English in her time as a teacher. The information she gives is relevant to all the English Language exams, no matter the exam board being studied by your teen. Knowledge Organiser: https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceSingle.aspx?rIid=1461

Lewis is the face and brains behind GCSE physics online and the Physics Online YouTube channel. There's nothing Lewis doesn't know about GCSE physics, and the step up required to be successful in the subject at A level or the IB. https://www.gcsephysicsonline.com/ GCSE Physics Exam Revision Notes - Amazon Twitter: @legophysicsguy Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@PhysicsOnline

Matt Buttery from Triple P joins us to talk about the importance of resilience in teens and how to help build it up as GCSE and post-16 exams approach.   https://www.triplep-parenting.uk.net/uk/triple-p/

  Rachel talks to us about the importance of having a positive connection with your teen daughter and where reconnection is required, she's the expert! Mum's retreat: www.positivetouch.net/teen-whisperer-retreat The ‘Disconnection to Connection' Toolkit via my website at www.positivetouch.net Insta handle is teen.whisperer.nature

Amy is the Science Subject Advisor for OCR and joins us to provide some top tips about how students should best prepare for the GCSE science exams.   Useful links: https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/  Student hub with easy access to past papers, preparing for exams and well-being. https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/blog/free-chemistry-gcse-revision-for-ocr-gateway-a/ - A link to resources to revise with that are specific to OCR Gateway chemistry, but Seneca is useful for free quizzing and revision (with a student and parental portal). https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/past-papers/gcse-chemistry/  - For exam questions and answers by topic (for all of the boards) Follow @ocrexaminations on Insta and @ocrexams on Twitter to stay up to date with revision resources and wellbeing support for students.

Harry is an author and consultant for publishers such as Pearson's. In a 25 year career, he has written and edited countless text books across as range of subject, and for the last 15 years has focussed mainly on revision books. He's also the series editor for BBC Bitesize and Pearson's revision resources. In a nutshell, there's probably nothing he doesn't know about the ubiquitous revision guides, but more importantly, he has brilliant advice on how to use them! https://tinyurl.com/pearsonrevise https://www.pearson.com/uk/web/pearson-revise.html      

Nicole talks to us about how she helps anxious children and teens to communicate their feelings using her fabulous idea of a ‘box full of joy'. https://aboxfullofjoyuk.co.uk/ https://facebook.com/a.box.full.of.joy.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/a.box.full.of.joy.uk/        

James shares his remarkable story of overcoming considerable health challenges. His journey from headteacher designate to motivational speaker is awe-inspiring. www.icanandiam.com https://youtu.be/Hr5a0HMM6TU  

Juliet talks about the benefits of meditation and how these can help teens who are worrying about teen issues, but particularly the stresses caused by impending exams. Insta: @wild_flower_meditations www.Innatebeing.com.au www.lorinroche.com

Francesca talks to us about her journey from ‘normal' job to turning her journalling passion product into such a hit that it is now to be found in Waterstones. She talks about the science of happiness and how journalling can help your teen (and you!). https://happyselfjournal.com    

Hayley Perkins is a counsellor and mentor to both children and adults. She talks to us about teenage depression and give parents strategies to help their children cope. hayleyperkinstherapist@gmail.com  

Miss Tinks talks to us about how to help teenagers better deal with stressful situations particularly with an eye on GCSE mock and real exams. www.misstinks.co.uk Attitude is Everything - Jeff Keller The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy What to say when you talk to yourself - Shad Helmstetter

Mel talks to us about how to move from surviving to thriving as a family unit with strategies to overcome teenage mental health issues. www.meljriley.co.uk

Satveer focuses her efforts around talking to students, school staff and parents about the ever increasing prevalence of self-harm. This episode is aimed at parents to help with their awareness of the issue. Www.satveernijar.com  

James Hawes has been a school councellor and psychotherapist for over 25 years and joins the ParentGuidetoGCSE podcast to talk about how to break bad news to teenagers. www.JamesHawes.org www.synergycouncelling.com    

Caroline is a teenage boys mental health expert and an adolescent wellbeing coach. She helps teenage boys and young men to worry less, talk more, and become happier and more successful.    Founder of ‘Mums of Growing Up Sons’ Facebook Group. Email: hello@carolinejacobs.co.uk Website: www.carolinejacobs.co.uk Get your ‘How to Feel More Connected to your Growing Up Son’ Film Package https://mailchi.mp/caro.../howtofeelmoreconnectedfilmpackage Book a FREE Coaching Chat with Caroline https://10to8.com/book/carolinejacobs/ Visit Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/carolinejacobslifecoach/ Check out Mums of Growing Up Sons community https://www.facebook.com/groups/mumsofgrowingupsons See Instagram videos and resources @carolinejacobslifecoach https://www.instagram.com/carolinejacobslifecoach/ See links and interviews at https://linktr.ee/carolinejacobslifecoach Visit LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejacobslifecoach/

Jenny Eastwood works for The Parent Team and her expertise in neuroscience and brain development enables her to provide great advice on positive parenting, especially for parents of teens approaching assessments ..... and all the stresses they bring. She also has brilliant advice around building motivation and confidence in teenagers. https://www.theparent.team/ What’s My Teenager Thinking - Tanith Carey The Incredible Teenage Brain - Bettina Hohnen 

Dr. Mark King is the admissions director for Lucy College at Cambridge University. In the second instalment of the 2-part podcast, he talks through the final stages of the admissions process and covers a lot of the FAQ’s about applying to these two universities. In these two episodes, he leaves no stone unturned in explaining the process.

Dr. Mark King is the admissions director for Lucy College at Cambridge University. In this 2-part podcast, he talks through the admissions process from start to finish. How important are GCSE grades? What post-16 subjects should be studied? What are the stages to an Oxbridge application? In these two episodes, he leaves no stone unturned in explaining the process.

Rob Moore is a best selling author of several books including ‘Money' and ‘Life Leverage' as well as being the host of the Disruptive Entrepreneur podcast. In this episode, Rob talks about (amongst other things) how to bring up financially literate teenagers.

Kim Ward is the CEO of Katies Mission, a non profit organisation that focuses on suicide prevention. In this episode she shares her powerful story about her sister Katie and the work she does with mental health and suicide awareness.

As part of our ‘difficult (but important) conversations series, Viv Quick talks to us about the common issues that teenagers have when it comes to sex and pornography. Viv has worked for the NHS since 1960 and more recently has been a school nurse and a young persons sexual health worker. She was awarded an MBE for her work in young people's sexual health.

Tash Walker has been helping and supporting people to understand their gender identity through her work with the Switchboard LGBT organisation. Here she offers advice to parents with teens who have identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Tammy has over 20 years of experience working across the criminal justice and social care sectors. This experience includes operational and management roles in statutory and charitable homelessness services, and as CEO of a charity working to prevent sexual abuse. 

Clare Josa is considered the UK's leading authority on Imposter Syndrome, having spent nearly 20 years specialising in the field, including publishing the landmark 2019 Imposter Syndrome Research Study and her new book: Ditching Imposter Syndrome, which already has readers in over 30 countries. She is the author of eight books and has been interviewed by the likes of The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and Radio 4, amongst others.  Her background as an expert in the neuroscience and psychology of performance makes her perfectly placed to talk about tips and ‘hacks’ to help your teen deal with the inevitable exam stress. 

Uju Asika is a multiple award-nominated blogger, screenwriter and creative consultant. On her popular blog, Babes About Town, she shares witty, informative and beautifully written stories about London, culture and family life. She is also the founder of digital consultancy, Mothers and Shakers. A former journalist, she’s written for publications such as The Guardian, Time Out and Salon.com and her poetry appears in select literary anthologies. She has now turned her hand to writing books, and ‘Bringing Up Race is released on 24th September 2020. Born in Nigeria, Uju grew up in the UK and has worked in London, New York and Lagos. She lives in north London with her husband and two football-mad boys (who may have slightly interrupted the interview as it was recorded mid Covid lockdown!) Useful links: Bringing Up Race: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Uju+Asika&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Black Lives Matter Clip (warning - some of the language is quite forthright!) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q5ctljPg20      

Liz Loly is a qualified teacher and parent to a delightfully dyslexic son. With a background in communications, which began when working on the London 2012 Olympic bid, Liz now works as a Communications and Education Consultant. Liz is personally and professionally dedicated to sharing knowledge, empowering people and enabling everyone the opportunity and strategies to reach their own full potential. Useful links: Touch-type Read & Spell Oaka revision guides

Tune in to find out all the answers (that we actually have) about what happens when schools return fully in September, as well as what's going on behind the scenes to get everything ready. Jonathan Lewis is the Director of Education for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.    

Joseph has come a long way since being expelled from school at 15 years old. Now 30, he’s created (and sold) a nationwide gas installation business, won the BBC Apprentice series of 2015 which made him Lord Sugar’s business partner, and has now set up the Power to Succeed and the Trade Mastermind coaching academies.    In this episode, he talks about reluctant learners and how parents can support the less ‘academic’ students to be successful. He discusses the issues he faced with not enjoying lessons, but how his love of learning is now stronger than ever. His main message is that whatever stage your teen is at, they need to know their WHY. Why do they need to study? Why will it help them move to the next stage of their life?

Deborah is the author of 'How to keep your daughter from slamming the door'. As an ex-teacher and a mother, Deborah has a wealth of experience dealing with teenagers.  Join us for some great advice on how to build a great relationship with your teenager (yes, this works for sons too). Our favourite bit was when she talked about giving your teenagers 'get-out' tips for when they're in an awkward situation - if they know what to say to get out of things with grace, they're less likely to give in to the peer pressure... http://awesomemomtribe.com/ Download her free e-book 'How to get your happy on' at https://deborahanndavis.com/

WARNING:  This episode contains discussions about suicide and self harm. Since November 2012, Dick has been visiting schools, universities and organisations to help raise awareness of mental health issues.  Did you know that 10% of young people are suffering from a diagnosable mental health disorder today? Not only does this mean that a vast number of young people are unhappy, but also that they are underperforming at school, college and in the early stages of their careers. The consequences for families, schools and employers are dire. And yet mental health remains a largely hidden epidemic. There is SO much more that could be done - that SHOULD be done. https://www.dickmoore.org/

Ronit is an expert in personal development, specializing in accelerated learning, communication, relationships, parenting, work-life balance, self esteem, confidence and stress management. She has guided parents and kids on their search for passion, purpose and happiness for over 33 years. Check her out at: https://www.behappyinlife.com/ https://www.ronitbaras.com/

Alicia Drummond runs www.teentips.co.uk. She is a BACP accredited therapist, parent coach, speaker, author and, most importantly, a mother. She works with over a hundred schools delivering talks and workshops to help parents, staff and pupils deepen their understanding of adolescence and promote emotional health and wellbeing. She is the in-house mental health expert for School Notices and the in-house parenting specialist for the CQC clinic Esher Groves. "At Teen Tips, we believe that when teachers and coaches, and parents and carers work together to promote strong self-esteem and emotional resilience, teenagers are better able to resist peer pressure, make healthy choices for themselves and overcome the inevitable challenges of life in the 21st Century." We talk helping parents create a healthy environment for teenagers, why the teenage brain is not naturally 'wired' for revision, and the importance of an end goal to help with motivation.

Kim Ades is the President and Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching™ and JournalEngine™ Software. Author, speaker, entrepreneur, coach and mother of 5, Kim is recognized as one of North America’s leading experts on performance through thought mastery. Kim talked to us about emotional resilience, and how the ability to not just bounce back but to grow from setbacks, is the key to success. We discussed how the stories we tell ourselves define our experience, and why it's so important to take control of those stories and keep them positive.  We delve into how (and why) to have difficult conversations with your teen. Most importantly, we talked about how 'parenting' is all about you - the parent.  The most important thing you can do is to self-manage.  Controlling those instincts to nag them about revision might be one of the toughest things you can do, but it's also one of the best things you can do... Kim has offered a 15 minute complimentary coaching call - grab yours here: https://www.frameofmindcoaching.com/complimentary-coaching-call/ If you've ever wanted to know more about us (Paul & Em) as parents, and how wonderfully imperfect we are at it, this is the episode for you!

Paul Wilson is a remedial Hypnotherapist, who helps people 'get out of their own way'.  In this episode, we talk about motivation, ideas for reward systems, and procrastination. Along the way, we also cover nagging, and why it's important to remind your teenager that social media is forever... Most importantly though, it's all about how to help your child get out of their own way!

Who better to advise your teen on their GCSEs than students who successfully made it through, and are in the next stage of their journey!? We chatted with 6 Y13 students who are about to take their A-levels, and asked them all about... - Their favourite revision techniques - What things their parents did that really helped support them - Anything they regret / would change from GCSEs - Best piece of advice from a teacher - The biggest difference between Y11 and Post-16 This is a perfect episode to listen to with your teen - there is some great advice in here!

From vocabulary to exam technique, we talk about all the things you need to know to get the best grade you can in your Languages exams. Oh, and the website / app we couldn't remember at the time was quizlet.com!

In this episode, we talk to Kamal Ellis-Hyman of 'Aim a Little Higher' about how he works with students in schools to inspire them to up their game. We talk about how aspirations come from first knowing yourself, and then loving who you are.   Kamal has some absolutely invaluable insight into how teens can first figure out what they enjoy doing, so that they can use that to think bigger about their future. There's also practical advice for parents about the ways they can approach these subjects with their teens.  

The second episode of the Parent Guide to GCSE podcast, with Tom Reynolds, an ex-HoD, ex-AST, and current SLE in English.  (And yes, he does have a lot of letters, which is handy for an English teacher!) In this episode, we cover how exactly to revise for English Language, the core skills of English, and how to structure exam answers, among other things... You can also find out why you shouldn't let poor spelling* scare you off the English Literature exam (spoiler alert, spelling in Lit counts for much less than you'd think!). *Please note, it's still pretty important in Language!!

The first ever episode of the Parent Guide to GCSE podcast, with our first victim / guest, John Lamerton. In this episode, the twice best-selling author of 'Routine Machine', John Lamerton, joins us to talk about the power of great routines, and how they can help your teenager succeed at GCSE. We talk revision habits, mindset, and how to not get distracted by phones! Check out a free chapter of his book 'Routine Machine' at http://www.bigidea.co.uk/routine-machine/