As mentioned in the last post, the 3 kids are teaching themselves their Maths and Further Maths A-levels, the UK 18+ exams.
I’ve had a ton of parents, and some students, ask me how this is possible. It’s really easy…
Ok, they’ve teamed up with two friends, age 12 and 15, so it’s a group of 5 kids in total. We’ve set up a WhatsApp group. This makes it all a bit more social and fun. And we’ll soon have regular coffee tutorials where they will help each other with problems.
So, I set the questions in WhatsApp, the kids just do it, somehow. And that’s it!
Here’s a snapshot. You only see Maryam and myself as I’ve selected a bit where the other kids’ numbers (or their parents) are not shown.
In the first 3 weeks they completed three C1 papers. Each paper is one sixth of an A-level (Edexcel board). Just think about that! And that was them taking it easy as I didn’t know what pace was realistic.
They marked their work themselves, as the mark scheme is available, and I trust them enough to let them decide if they understand the question or not. They all appreciate that it’s their exam coming up, not mine.
It’s about making kids realise why they’re studying, it’s about making the exams their problem, not mine.
I gave them a slightly aggressive 8 days to do their first C2 paper, which they seem to be on target for. Remember, no-one has ever taught them the material in C2, and you can see how they’re helping one another by sending useful links. I will probably give them another 10 days to do two more C2 papers.
I am guessing that once they have done 3 papers they kind of have a fair understanding of each topic, and we can move on. We’ll revisit everything towards exam time.
Right now they’re spending around 1 to 1.5 hours a day. My 3 kids are working together, learning to work together as a team, but also learning to work remotely with other kids!
I’ve warned the kids that they need to enjoy the next 5 months, and they are by doing plenty of other stuff. Come 1 January 2018 the work load will start to increase. I am advising them to be mentally ready to sacrifice their lives for these exams from around April 2018…
The Wonder Years 
Sir
have you created any whatsapp group for the same?
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Yes, but it’s a private group with only 6 or so of us.
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Hi Asim, I’ve been following you on Quora for a long time. I appreciate your insight on various topics. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Have you thought about opening this (group studies, what’s app etc) for public? I would be interested in something like this for my daughter. Thank you. Mansi
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Mansi, thanks, but sorry I have no plans to create groups like what you mention.
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Please add my kids to the group or any useful group where we can reach your tips guide and resources .. number is 00923000457144
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Sir,
have you made any WhatsApp group for the equivalent?
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No, we haven’t made any group.
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