11 Plus Exams Forum

We've never rewarded DC in direct proportion to grades achieved, but when they've put in a lot of effort and/or done well, we like to acknowledge that with more than just words.

DS1 is about to do GCSEs and is expected to get a respectable crop, but we're a bit stumped as to what to do or give him after he gets his results.

There's no point giving him money as he rarely spends any - and that is not a complaint!

A party isn't appropriate (he wouldn't want one, quite apart from the fact he or his friends could get disappointing results).

A couple of books, games or DVDs don't seem special enough.

After each DC did 11+ we took a short holiday/weekend break, but we can't do the same after GCSE results because we'll only just have got back from hols.

So what can we do to acknowledge his effort and achievement (nothing sports-related; he's a spectacled scientist)?

same boat ... think I will find the gift after the exams not the results. My spectacled humanties / scientist can't really think of anything so reckon as he has the one room in the house that hasn't seen a lick of paint for a lot time (well before we moved in ), that may be best to get the decorators / carpet fitters in.

I know what you mean - my dd has put in so much work and effort that i would like to give her something no matter what her grades are - to see how determined and focused she has been has made me really proud

How about a day out/ trip to a science/ technology/engineering related attraction? (Science Museum, Space Centre, Thinktank etc with a suitable friend. Let him choose) Or one of the driving lessons for 11-16 year-olds which might be available in your area? Or a laptop which may very well be useful for A levels? Or just a meal out with the family?

Any of the above. Or new phone/gadget. Tank driving/quad bike/paint ball/parachute jump/balloon trip.

Mike

magazine subscription eg. New Scientist ?

New bag for sixth form?

good quality ink pen?

wrist watch?

clothing for Sixth form (we made a big thing of buying the required suit & shirts/blouses)

Thanks for the ideas - keep them coming. I'm sure they'll be helpful to many people, not just me.

I'm now beginning to realise why DS doesn't spend any money: he was already getting a laptop for sixth form (more or less compulsory), has magazine subs (Christmas), has a watch (necessity), visits museums and restaurants reasonably often, and isn't interested in a decent phone. Clearly he is spoiled!

Quad bikes or paintballing etc could be good though.

it's OK zee ... they must be twins, has all the widgets.

Nectar vouchers use to be useable for a 'driving experience' for teenagers - not sure if it made much difference when it came to proper lessons but it was great fun (in a mini doing handbrake turns at one point

cufflinks if they have to wear suit for 6th form

My DD will be getting an extra long holiday following GCSEs, during which she will be expected to work for the family business, as a reward for working hard for her exams.
We have never promised presents based on outcomes - it is just hideous if things go wrong. And promising something for success and giving it even if they fail seems wrong to me, it's not how the real world works.
We will go out for a family meal whatever the results.