Dear Ian, I am not a fully qualified teacher yet, but I will still give you some ideas that you may choose to follow through with or reject. I've been to many courses that stress it is important for students to trick the sub-concious mind into thinking that all work is easy and enjoyable. Before you delve into the work with him, firstly show the importance of taking pride in his work. If needs be, give him some contact so he can cover his maths and science book with footy clippings. Get him to do title pages as you begin a new topic - allow him to convey his personal interests with these title pages.
Quizes really do prompt students to revise and study the work.
Search the internet for other interesting statistics like most watched tv shows etc etc. The Guiness Book of Records may also be useful. Constantly encourage this boy. Don't make learning seem like a chore. Current Events Chatboard Politics Chatboard Gatherings Chatboard Teacher Social Chatboard Golden Apples Chatboard Inspirations Chatboard Teachers.