Exam season is very nearly upon us, which means one thing: stressed out teenagers, and a lot of them! Stress in young people can manifest itself in various ways, from worry and anxiety to loss of sleep and appetite. Whatever you might be struggling with, be it coursework or examinations, there are plenty of things that can be done to reduce this stress at this crucial time in their School career.
Members of staff here at Shiplake College have kindly offered their best advice and tips on how to cope with exam season:
Mrs Julie Brooks, Art Technician
Reward yourself after a successful period of revision or study by taking a break, having a snack or watching a SHORT film. But be realistic and honest with yourself - put in the work first so that you have earned the 'reward'. Don't leave it to the last minute. Sleep and eat well! Make a revision plan (and then tick the days off).
Mr Richard Ebbage, Head of Psychology
Manage your time – how long have you got? And then plan how best to use it. There is a big difference between doing revision and doing effective revision. Much better to spend 45 minutes looking over a topic, testing yourself in timed conditions and reviewing your answer than two hours staring at a textbook.
You can either go through the pain of regret (for not trying your best) which you can do nothing about or the pain of the effort of trying, which you are in control of. I know which I’d rather.
Mrs Hayley Young, Assistant Registrar
If a task looks insurmountable it needs to be broken down into manageable chunks. Plan a reward for finishing each chunk, whether that’s an episode of your favourite comedy or a doughnut or a walk somewhere beautiful. Not only does that reward act as an incentive but the enjoyment of something you’ve earned provides valuable ‘headspace’.
Mrs Esther Pasmore, Registrar
Create a realistic study timetable that builds in breaks and time to totally unwind (exercise being really helpful in this to reduce stress and clear the head).
Keep in mind that this focused study period is really such a short period of time. I read something recently that said something like during the exam period, ‘be kind to your future self’.
Mrs Sally Bayley, Digital Learning Facilitator and Thinking Space Manager
Just keep going!
Mrs Anna Morgan, ICT and Computing
Don't revise in the same room as you sleep. Allow time for stress busting activities, whether it's physical activity/watching the TV/Xbox doesn't matter, but use them as rewards.
Have a timetable so you know you are doing enough and not fooling yourself you are.
Dr Gareth Hughes, Deputy Head, Academic
Before you work, put your phone away; disconnect the games console; turn off the TV; tell your friends you're unavailable. Ensure that you treat yourself to these things, but only once you've put in the work. Those things will seem all the more enjoyable if you feel you earned them.
Mrs Sian Pearson, Drama
Practise timed questions, work out where you have knowledge gaps and concentrate on those rather than what you do well. Avoid looking at any kind of screen for at least an hour before bed, use visualisation exercises to help you sleep or relax.
Mr Richard Curtis; College Housemaster, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mathematics.
Control what you can control, everything else is in the lap of the Gods.
Mr Tom Strudwick, Marketing and Communications Officer
Everything is temporary, so use the time you have while you still have it!
