Take a deep inhale; come Wednesday morning the initial written exams from this year’s Leaving Certificate will begin, with English paper one kicking off at 9.30am.
It is a common occurrence for pupils to experience anxiety and stress – nevertheless, there are some straightforward tips to manage these anxieties.
What is the most crucial method to prepare for exams?
Arranging your revision notes for each subject is key. Consider adopting a reverse methodology, starting from your final paper and determining the gaps of time you have before each test to thoroughly go over your notes and mock responses.
When this process has been concluded, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how you’ll distribute your time. This method will ensure no sections from any paper are missed out during final revisions.
What needs to be done before the daily trip to the test centre?
Peruse the day’s subject requirements before departing for the test centre. Bear in mind that different papers necessitate different tools and materials. Also remember to evaluate your daily needs such as hydration, nourishment, arranging transportation where needed and the like.
Arriving on time is a must. This year, pupils will be required to be present at their assigned location within the testing centre 30 minutes before the commencement of the first day’s exam, and a minimum of 15 minutes ahead of the subsequent day’s exams.
How to best use the initial 15 minutes of each paper?
Upon occupying your seat every day, arrange your writing tools and any other items needed throughout the exam’s duration.
The invigilator, when they reach your desk, will offer a choice of levels in the exam’s subject for that session. Be sure to opt for the paper you have studied for. Last minute changes in levels are not encouraged as this often stems from exam nerves and mostly has a negative impact.
As soon as your examination paper is handed to you, ensure to peruse it thoroughly before proceeding with any other activity. Initiate the process of formulating responses to all the questions you have the intention of answering; jot these down at the rear of your response booklet. This initial exercise might not be entirely executable within the few commencement minutes of the exam, but your brain will keep pondering over your selected questions throughout the examination duration – this will happen even as you commence your write-up.
After you have satisfactorily concluded the primary preparatory thinking stage, start tackling the first question – choose the one with which you are most at ease.
How can you optimally utilise the paper before its submission?
Should you find yourself with spare minutes till the submission deadline after addressing your final question, try squeezing in extra marks by reviewing your work. According to accomplished authors, redrafting and revisiting one’s work typically enhances the initial draft.
Ensure that you spare at least half a page after every response to allow for addition of extra information, should you so desire, at the conclusion of the exam. As you review your responses, fresh insights will come to mind. There is no need to concern yourself with the erasure of erroneous content; instead, strike through any inaccurate content and pen down the fresh content at the closure of the said page.
How might parents assist their children during the ensuing weeks?
Stay updated on the examination timetable. Prominently display the schedule at home, marking each examination to be attended. Throughout the intense exam period, it is crucial to be persistently mindful of when the child needs to be at the examination centre.
Try organising a list of day-to-day necessities based on the day’s examinations – validate the availability of writing tools and other essentials like rulers, erasers, and calculators. Once the exams for the day are over, allow your child to explain their day’s experiences. Avoid the temptation of in-depth scrutiny of their mistakes or oversights. Instead, afford them space and time to narrate their experience before transitioning to the impending task and paper.
Help them shift their focus onto the upcoming challenge. Prompt review of upcoming examination papers can prove advantageous for your child. Asking simple questions about the nature of the following examinations can facilitate your child’s shift of focus onto the next hurdle.
Ultimately, it’s essential that students don’t inflate the significance of any test. Parents should communicate to their sons or daughters studying for their A-levels, that their performance in the exam doesn’t impact their worth in their parent’s eyes.
Emphasise to your child that their worth in your eyes is entirely independent of their academic performance. Reassuring them of your unconditional love and respect is the greatest support you can offer them as they embark on the nerve-wracking period of their A-levels studies.
Tension levels naturally increase during important examinations. Rather than trying to eradicate this stress, students should focus on managing it and realizing that a certain amount of stress can actually be beneficial in high-stress scenarios like the A-levels exams.
1. Have confidence in your preparations: Anxiety often stems from the fear of the unknown, such as unpredictable scenarios like job interviews or exams. This unknown can consume students, causing them to feel helpless about the potential outcomes, resulting in a state of panic. However, by focussing on the “known” – the effort they’ve put into their exam preparation, students can reassure themselves and control the spiked stress levels that typically accompany exams.
2. Concentrate on your own preparation: Avoid comparing your study regimen with that of others, as this often leads to feelings of inadequacy or a sense that you’re not doing enough.
3. Learn to manage your stress: Rather than letting it distract you with imagined worst-case scenarios, use your anxiety as motivation to solidify what you’ve already learned.
4. Keep things in perspective: When negative, anxious thoughts begin to dominate your mind, invite two additional influences into the conversation- “context” and “perspective”. This can help you challenge your anxiety-induced thoughts and better manage the unwelcome visitor that is anxiety.
5. Remember, it’s temporary: The stress and tension you’re experiencing will pass after the exams.
It’s essential to bear in mind that feelings of anxiety are merely temporary and will soon dissipate. Once you’ve overcome this last hurdle, the summer awaits, providing a perfect time for relaxation. Moving forward, you can expect to pursue further face-to-face learning at university or embark on your chosen career or apprenticeship come autumn.