Wellington College Belfast
Learning and Teaching
Revision support bulletin
Exam Stress
This is the sixth in the series of Revision Bulletins with the aim that you can further understand how to support your child in their revision for upcoming exams.
Previous bulletins can be found on the school website: https://wellingtoncollegebelfast.org/parents/revision-support-bulletins/
This bulletin will focus on Exam Stress
With pupils currently completing GCSE and A Level exams and KS3 pupils working towards summer exams in June, parents and carers should be on the look out for signs of exam stress. This bulletin will give you guidance on signs of stress and include strategies to support your child.
Having someone to talk to about their work can help. Support from a parent, tutor or study buddy can help young people share their worries and keep things in perspective. Encourage your child to talk to a member of school staff who they feel is supportive. If you think your child is not coping, it may also be helpful for you to talk to their teachers.
Signs of stress in young people
worry a lot
feel tense
have headaches and stomach pains
not sleep well
be irritable
lose interest in food or eat more than normal
not enjoy activities they previously enjoyed
be negative and have a low mood
feel hopeless about the future
"Helping your child to plan a realistic revision timetable, which breaks the days and subjects down into manageable chunks, will reduce their anxiety by increasing their sense of control and confidence." (Young Minds)
Circle of control
"When things are beyond our control, it is essential to focus on what we can control no matter how small that may be." (Young Minds)
So many of the stresses young people face are caused by external forces. Make a list of things that are out of their control, then a list of things that are in their control.
This exercise can offer support alongside helping your child recognise that a major cause of their anxiety and stress could be completely out of their control. Then put in place strategies to help to manage what they can control
Watch the video link below for guidance on the circle of control:
What can you do?
Plan ahead, you will have previously read the bulletin on Spaced Practice. Help create a study timetable that schedules revision sessions for subjects. Remember cramming is not an effective method for learning.
Help your child get organised the night before an exam. Check timings of exams on their timetable and ensure they have all the equipment they need. If you child is in Year 11 - 14 and have an exam in the afternoon, plan how they will get into school on time.
Make sure your child gets to bed at a reasonable time to allow them to rest. Good sleep helps improve thinking and concentration.
Be flexible and don't add to their exam pressure. Listen to them, be reassuring and positive. After an exam discuss things that went well rather than dwelling on things that cannot be changed.
Reward and give your child time to relax, encourage exercise and relaxation techniques.
Read the Parents guide from Young minds and the NHS website for further guidance and understanding.