Year 11
Student Exam Support
Parent Exam Support
The impact of exam stress
Exam season can be a really daunting time for some young people, whereas others seem to just take in in their stride. You may also be feeling under pressure as you want them to be able to do their best and put the effort in. You may find that helping them get organised for revision is a uphill struggle but it is important to note that each young person has their own way of revision that often works for them. If they are struggling, have a chat to their school/college in the first instance for support and advice.
If you’re worried about your child’s exams and the marks they might get, imagine how overwhelming it might be for them. Preparing for and sitting exams can be a very pressured time, and then, once the exams are finished, it's a countdown to the results which can be equally stressful for everyone.
As a parent you can really help your children through this time, just by being there for them and encouraging them to talk about their feelings and fears. Arrange some downtime for them in between the exams so they can fully recharge before the next exam. Having some balance is very important and can help them manage their stress and anxiety levels.
Preparing for an exam
Get them ready for an exam with plenty of planning and support. Encourage them to get all their pens, pencils and equipment ready the evening before. Try to get them to go to bed early so they are able to have a restful sleep. In the morning, arrange for them to have a healthy and nutritious breakfast to help them focus and concentrate. Go through a checklist to make sure they have everything they need. Give your child lots of encouragement so they feel more positive before they leave. Let them know how proud you are of them regardless of how they think they do.
Revision tips
It is important to remember that every teenager will approach their exam season in their particular way and whether it is listening to music whilst revising or studying with friends together in a group. There are some things you can do to help such as ensuring they have a comfortable place to work and study which is quiet. If you do not have a suitable spot, make it easy for them to study elsewhere, like the library or at someone's home. It may be better to go out and let them have the house to themselves at crucial times for an hour or so. It may help to talk to the school or attend the parent information evenings so you can get the best tips on supporting them. Other tips that can help:
1.Accept that some people can revise better with music or the TV on in the background
2.Establish a revision routine by re-arranging the family’s schedules and priorities that works for them
3. Be lenient about chores and untidiness as much as you are able to
4. Give them a break and understand lost tempers and moodiness
5. Try to avoid nagging them as it can help them lose focus
6. It is never too late to study, revise or ask for help
7. Don't go in for bribes; encourage them to work for their own satisfaction
8. Research good study sites such as BBC Bitesize for tips and ideas
Help your teen by keeping calm, positive and reassuring and put the whole thing into perspective. Schedule small and frequent rewards for the effort they are putting in. Arrange some downtime so they can have a break from revision and exams and enjoy some much needed family time.
Intervention Dates
Exam anxiety/Revision drop in session – Thursday, Break 1 – C9
• Art – Tuesday and Wednesday 3-4.30 pm and every 1st break.
• Computer Science – Wednesday after school.
• Design Technology - Wednesday 3-4 pm.
• French – Wednesday 3-4 pm and Monday Break 2 (in L13).
• Geography – after school every Tuesday and Tuesday break 2.
• Graphics – Tuesday and Wednesday 3-4.30 pm and every 1st break.
• Maths – drop-in after school every Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Media – Tuesday and Wednesday after school and Break 1 Week 1 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and Break 1 Week 2 Monday.
• Music – Wednesday 3-4 pm.
• Sociology – Monday 3-4 pm in F4.
• Spanish – Wednesday 3-4 pm, Break 1 Tuesday Week 1 and Break 2 Tuesday Week 2 (in L14)