As examinations approach KS4 and KS5 pupils face the prospect of preparation for exams and pupils need to manage their own workload, timetable and revision.
For some this is a very stressful and daunting process even before thinking of the stress of sitting in the examination hall. At Kings Monkton we advise our young people to treat the preparation for the exam cycle as a marathon not a sprint.
To facilitate this much of the school year is structured to ensure pupils have had appropriate sessions on study skills, being exposed to a wide range of revision techniques and strategies. This ‘long haul’ approach allows pupils to experiment with a range of revision activities and fine tune what works best for them. Coupled with support from tutors and academic mentors who work with them 1:1 on writing revision timetables and organising their class notes they are then well equipped to study and work with independence.
Stress is a normal reaction to the commencement of the examination season. Assemblies led by our middle and senior leadership provide pupils with a tool kit for managing stress and anxiety including the importance of avoiding procrastination, planning and preparing well in advance and having an adaptable revision timetable. Visualising goals and the steps needed to realise them and the importance of learning from mistakes.
Pupils can minimise their stress by being proactive in a number of ways
Seeking Support
Speak to friends and family about their stress as verbalising the trigger is important. At Kings Monkton School we have a Wellbeing team with trained
counsellors to support all aspects of pupil wellbeing including stress management. Pupils can have 1:1 or small group interventions on stress management and can notify us discreetly using our ClassCharts Wellbeing app when feeling anxious or worried. We have found that on site support of this nature is instrumental in the support of young people’s well being at times of high stress.
Organising Time
The creation of a revision timetable to structure time is key. Attending revision sessions, discussing workload and revision with friends can be beneficial
and so joining or establishing your own study group is a fantastic way to organise workload and reduce stress in the weeks before the exam.
Planning down time is just as important as planning revision activities. Guilt free fun is vital in the approach to exam season and so identifying time for exercise, walks and socialising is important. During which you should switch off and enjoy the moment.
Self Care
Sleep, exercise and diet are all essential in helping to minimise stress, This is an area that loved ones can support with. Having a regular and agreed sleep pattern is key to avoiding burn out.
A healthy balanced diet, plenty of water and fresh air are all also important in maximising exam performance and reducing stress.
What to do when things go wrong
Sometimes things go wrong. This could be missing out a question or a page in the exam entirely. It could be misinterpreting the question or misunderstanding the instructions. These things do happen. It is important to share these concerns with someone you trust but also to be able to learn from such examples and not to dwell too much on any errors you feel you may have made. Concentrating on what is still to come is more effective than dwelling on what may have gone wrong.
Finally when your exam timetable is issued make sure you check you are entered for the correct paper and tier as well as checking if you have the correct exam access arrangements. This will minimise stress on the morning of the exam
Remember – to fail to plan is to plan to fail!
