Coping with Exams

Feeling Stressed About Exams?

Whether it’s end of topic tests, end of year exams, GCSE or A levels, assessment can be a stressful time for students. It is important to try your best in your exams as your grades can influence your future opportunities so they should be taken seriously, but shouldn’t cause you any distress or upset.

It is normal to feel a bit worried about exams, but too much stress can make us anxious and tense. This tends to lead to us panicking and struggling to focus and might affect your sleeping or eating habits. If you recognise any of these feelings, or are worried that exam pressure is taking over your life, then you are not alone and there are many things you can do.

It can seem scary or embarrassing to talk about stress or anxiety related to exams. You might feel like nobody else is feeling this way, but it is a common feeling that everyone goes through. You might feel pressure to get certain grades for a course or job. It might feel that your parents, carers or teachers are putting pressure on you. You might be putting lots of pressure on yourself as well. No matter where the pressure is coming from, there are ways to help you cope:

• Starting your revision early and making a revision plan can really help you manage the build up to exams. Start by making a list of the topic in your upcoming exam and then build a revision timetable, remembering to schedule time to relax too.

• Be kind to yourself. Practice positive self talk. Focus on things you do know and have done rather than on the gaps. During exam periods it is more important than every to practice positive self care.

• Learn about different revision strategies and think about the techniques you have been taught in school. If you are unsure then talk to your subject teachers to get advice of what they think works well for their subject.

• It can be tough to stay healthy during the exam period, but it is important to eat healthy, exercise and ensure you get enough sleep. Try not to skip meals or stay up late trying to cram. Make sure you always build in time to relax and exercise into your revision plan.

• Let a trusted friend, family member or teacher know you are struggling. You do not have to struggle alone and remember there is always someone there who can support you, listen to and help keep things in perspective.

Year 11 GCSE Preparing for Success presentation

How to Learn and Revise powerpoint