When I first started writing this blog back in 2009, my intention for it was to create an online diary of my families life. In 2009 my eldest son was 8 years old, he has now turned 16 and today is the first day of his GCSE exams!
His last official day at school was last Friday and although he’s pretty much in school full time until the end of June with exams and revision sessions, it was still the end of “official” school. It was a day of mixed emotions for me. I thought about his first ever day at school, the day when I took him looking very smart in his brand new uniform, new shoes and clutching his brand new, but empty book bag. I think I was as nervous as he was, although I needn’t have worried as he went straight to the computer, turned off whatever was already on there and put a game that he liked on (he was pretty adept at computers – even at four!).
So continued another 12 years of school, the change to high school went well and he’s just taken every stage of his life in his stride. A couple of blips along the way, but that’s to be expected – kids are not robots, despite the way some schools process kids through the system.
My son’s”last” day at school was in complete contrast to his first. Scruffy (but cool) hair, muddy shoes, shirt hanging out and a rucksack stuffed with revision notes, empty drinks bottles and dare I say it – a manky banana skin! He’s also about a foot taller than me now. He hung out with his mates after school and came home with a shirt covered in signatures, messages and interesting (to say the least …) drawings!
I suppose he’s now reached the stage in his life where as a parent you can only advise and give them the equipment and tools to tackle what’s ahead. I haven’t been able to help with his maths homework for years! We’ve designed an exam timetable, bought all the revision guides and designed a workspace for him. I encourage him to have early nights and this morning he’s gone off to school after porridge for breakfast! He’s got loads of water and snacks and a clear plastic bag full of stationary – about 15 pens and pencils, just in case they all break! The plastic bag thing, was the same when I was at school.
I wish him all the luck in the world for his exams and as long as he does his best, I really don’t mind about the results (ask me again in August). I think he knows that the whole of the last 12 years at school were all geared towards the next few weeks and however well he does I am very proud. The main thing though, is that he has grown into a well rounded, happy young man with lots of friends. The next step will be sixth form, followed by whichever path he chooses. Exciting times!
What’s truly fantastic (if a little daunting) is that I’ll be doing it all again for the other three children!
Good luck to him! I had to read this, because my son starts his GCSEs tomorrow. Eek! He won't officially finish school until 26th May, so we haven't had the signed shirt yet. He's never been great at studying, but I'm really pleased with how his revision has gone so far, so I'm hoping the exams are kind to him. It's a scary time, isn't it?
I am sure he will do great in his exams. A stressful time for you all I can imagine.
#TriumphantTales
Popping over from #TriumphantTales to say hi.
my 18 year old is nearing the end of his school life now and the reality is kicking in, i've been parenting now for 25 years and it's a tough adjustment, watching your kids become more independent.
ahh how exciting but nerve wracking at the same time! I had tonsilitus during my exams and still managed to do amazingly! Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I look forward to reading about his results in August!
Ah you must be a very proud Mum. As your boy is leaving, mine will be starting in September! Both scary, exciting and unnerving times for us both. I wish him all the luck in the world for his exams. Thank you for linking up to #TriumphantTales, hope to see you again on Tuesday 🙂