Head’s Blog: Coping with Exams

The beginning of the summer term ushers in another exam season for students in Year 11 and 13. All other year groups, except Year 9, will also have assessment weeks or mock exams before the end of term.

We know well the pressure and anxiety many young people feel when confronted with exams. Exams are hard and often overwhelming for students. Here are four top tips for surviving and thriving during exams:

Sleep

Sleep deprivation impairs brain function. In recent years this finding has been supported by a wealth of scientific research. What is less well known is that even one night of poor sleep can affect cognitive performance. Building good sleep habits during exams – getting to bed on time, without distraction, and getting enough hours – is as important as revising well.

Active recall

There are lots of forms of revision that do not involve active recall. Reading notes, copying notes from a revision guide or watching a revision video are all examples of passive revision. They do not work well. Active revision is any type of revision that requires a student to recall information from their memory. It can feel like hard work and that is because it is making a difference.

Have a plan

The key with a good revision plan is to make it achievable. Planning to revise for 12 hours a day only works if you can stick to the plan. Students should plan when they are going to study and for how long. It helps to create a dedicated and motivating study space, use revision resources that are provided, switch up revision methods and reward yourself for sticking to the plan.

Managing anxiety

Building confidence helps to overcome anxiety. To do this, it helps to know exactly what the exam experience will be like – students can always ask if there is more information they would like. Exam questions from previous years help students to practice applying their knowledge. Regular practice makes a big difference. Finally, anyone can learn techniques for calming the mind (e.g. through breathing exercises) and building a confident mindset through positive affirmation. Youtube has lots of videos that can help any student prepare well.

Just because exams cause stress does not mean they have to be unbearable for students (or parents!). The steps outlined here will help students to do their best, and they are also things that we as teachers or parents can also help with. I shall finish by wishing the best of luck to all students taking exams in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing their success on results day.

Mr Tim Spencer, Headteacher