Mr Richard’s 10 tips for dealing with exam stress

Mr Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Here’s some advice to help manage the stress of exams which is especially important next term for Year 12s as they start to prepare for external exams:

  • Eat well. A balanced diet is vital for your child’s health and can help them feel well during exam periods.
  • Good sleep improves thinking and concentration. Most teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night.
  • Stay calm. Remember, exams do not last forever.
  • Study regularly. Have somewhere comfortable to study and get the whole family involved.  Small chunks of regular revision are better than cramming at the last minute.
  • Set Goals. Think about your goals in life and how revision and exams are related to them.
  • Be positive. It is normal to feel anxious, nervousness is a natural reaction to exams. The key is to put these nerves to positive use.  Failing is not the end of the world.
  • Exercise can help boost energy levels, clear the mind, and relieve stress. It does not matter what it is – walking, cycling, swimming, football and dancing are all effective.
  • Reflect. After each exam, discuss the parts that went well rather than focusing on the difficult questions. Then move on and focus on the next test, rather than dwelling on things that cannot be changed.
  • Reward yourself. Think about rewards for doing revision and getting through each exam.  Rewards do not need to be big or expensive. They can include simple things like having your favourite meal or watching your favourite TV program.
  • Celebrate. When the exams are over, organise an end-of-exams treat.

Some young people feel much better when exams are over, but that is not the case for all young people.  If your child needs any additional support, please do not hesitate to contact the College and we will be able to advise the best way forward.

Together we can enable our boys and girls to reach their potential, whatever pathway that they may take.  To inspire them to be the best human they can be and always aim higher.  It is, as ever, a privilege to be a part of the SCOTS PGC community and to have a small part in enabling a brighter future for all our students.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you will go!” – Dr Seuss