Exam Season

The recent burst of sunshine together with the reappearance of the hay fever remedies also announces that it's the annual Exam Season for many of our school children.

Whilst most children get excited about the end of year Tours and the forthcoming summer holidays there's a large group who are particularly anxious: Students, Parents and Teachers.

We've all been through school exams and most have only vague recollections of what we experienced. We probably received no advice from our parents to prepare us for our children's exam season since they probably don't have fond memories of it either.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s learning to dance in the rain”

Vivian Greene

Good advice. Exams are stressful and dealing with stress is a practiced art and life skill.

We can't sit the exam nor can we study for them. We have to trust that they're in control of their time but we can remind ourselves of what they should be doing in case there's indications that we can help.

There's plenty of advice on the web that will have us reading for tips but the overall advice for Parents is to stay calm, maintain a routine and provide unconditional support.

Advice for Parents

1. Know the exams dates:

The Leaving Cert Timetable

The Junior Cert Timetable

2. Do not over hype the importance of exams.

3. Help them maintain a balanced routine.

4. Become a family support team.

5. Provide regular healthy meals.

6. A good night’s sleep improves exam performance.

7. Ensure that they attend each exam.

8. Draw up a check list of daily requirements, based on the day’s exams.

9. Listen to the story of the day.

10. Help them to focus on the next challenge.

Advice for Students:

1. Accept support

Ask for and take the emotional support offered by family and friends. Teachers are there for specific help but you’ll need the unconditional encouragement from the people outside of school too. They’d like to help….. let them.

2. ‘Let off steam’.

Reduce stress levels by talking about it to those you trust. Reduce mental stress through brief vigorous physical exercise. Some simple breathing techniques can help your body and mind relax too.

3. The study timetable

Time is precious so use it wisely. Stick to your timetable of study and exams working back from your final paper so that you’re not panicking over what you should be doing and when.

4. Eat, Work, Rest, Play and repeat!

It’s not over ‘till it’s over! To stay alert and focused until the exams are all completed you need to be organised and look after yourself:

a balanced daily study routine,
regular healthy meals and drinks,
relaxing for at least an hour before bed without bright display screens
bed no later than 11pm

5. Before leaving home.

Check that you have what you need for the exam: equipment, a watch, some nourishment, money, revision notes.....before leaving home.

6. A winning start.

Even though there’s a time limit within which to finish the exam ensure you’re heading in the right direction from the start. Read the questions carefully and identify 'optional' questions. Sketch out a plan with very brief answers for how to complete the questions you will answer. Start with the questions you’re most comfortable with.

7. The clock is ticking.

Balance the points awarded for each answer with the time you will allocate it. Decide before you answer how long to spend on it and come back at the end it you’ve time to add more.

Stay to the very end of the exam and re read through the questions and your answers.

8. What if I don’t know the answer to a question?

If it’s not an optional question leave it until the end and writing something is better than nothing. Balance the marks awarded and the time you have to spend on it.

9. Should you discuss and compare answers after the exam?

Do so If you think it will reduce your stress but don’t let it frustrate you or distract you from the next exam.

10. Set an event.

Have something positive lined up for the 'day after' exams finish. A focus not only gives you encouragement but avoids the emptiness left after having been so busy for so long studying.

Good Luck

Uniforms

Why didn't we do this sooner? We take a look at our newest Community Facebook Page that should enable so many parents to get more value for money from the buying and selling of pre loved school uniforms.