Boy, 9, passes his maths GCSE thanks to home-schooling from his dad

BRAINY Tom Van der Velde has passed his maths GCSE aged nine thanks to home-schooling from his dad — who also took it and passed. Simon, 53, entered his son for the exam seven years early as he showed so much ability. Tom was thrilled to get a Grade 5 — the equivalent to a […]

BRAINY Tom Van der Velde has passed his maths GCSE aged nine thanks to home-schooling from his dad — who also took it and passed.

Simon, 53, entered his son for the exam seven years early as he showed so much ability.

North News and Pictures

Bright Tom Van der Velde has passed his maths GCSE aged nine thanks to home-schooling from his dad — who also took it and passed[/caption]

Tom was thrilled to get a Grade 5 — the equivalent to a B or high C in the old grading system.

Simon passed with a slightly better result.

The author, of Newcastle, said: “I wouldn’t have entered Tom if I didn’t think he’d be able to do the exam.

“We’re both delighted to have passed.”

“Tom, a pupil at Gosforth Middle School, said: “I am really, really happy.

“It’s great to find out I did so well.

“I’ve enjoyed studying with my dad.

ncjMedia

Dad Simon entered his son Tom for the exam seven years early as he showed so much ability[/caption]

North News and Pictures

Tom said: ‘I’ve enjoyed studying with my dad. It’s been fun’[/caption]

“It’s been fun.”

Tom added: “Maths is fun and when I grow up I want to be an engineer to help build things.”

Simon, who lives with wife Nicola, 53, and is also dad to Charlie, 12, said he and Tom will sit Higher Maths next year.

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