Examinations

HVS pupils were lucky enough to engage in a Learning Performance workshop called “Strategies for Success!”.

This was delivered by a very knowledgeable, engaging and enigmatic presenter and feedback from pupils themselves about this workshop was very positive. Here is a very informative poster from the workshop!

Tips for Coping with Examination Stress     

Preparing for an exam

While you’re preparing an exam, you could try lowering stress levels by:

• Finding a study group. If there’s nothing at school, try starting one with friends or people in your class.
• Making a revision timetable. This helps organise your revision and your breaks.
• Working in the best way for you. Be creative or active if it helps, like drawing diagrams or making up songs. Try being open to different types of studying and revision.
• Revising in the best place for you. You might prefer the quiet or being around others. If you don’t have a space to study at home, you could try at school, the library, a cafe, or a family member or friend’s house.

On the day of your exam

To help cope with stress on the day of your exam, you could:

• Prepare your items the night before. Get everything you need ready to take with you, like pens and water for your exam.
• Start your day the best you can. Try to eat breakfast and make sure you have enough time to arrive at your exam without rushing.
• Try to ground yourself with a breathing exercise. If you feel overwhelmed in the exam, try to breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold it for 2 counts, and breathe out through your mouth for 7 counts. If you repeat this, it can slow your breath and help keep you calm.
• Take your time. Read the exam carefully and plan what you need to do before answering.
• Remind yourself that it’ll be over soon. You’ve done your best and that’s all you can do.

After your exam

To cope with stress and difficult feelings after an exam, you could:

• Try not to compare your answers to others. If possible, avoid talking to other people about the questions, comparing answers or looking up answers online.
• Reward yourself. Think of something to do afterwards that you enjoy. You could go out with your friends, play video games, or eat your favourite food.
• Focus on next steps. Plan what you’ll do next, like going home, doing something fun, then revising for the next exam. Think ahead in a positive way – if you have another exam, focus on the time and date that it’ll be over.
• Relax before your next exam. The stress from doing an exam can leave you feeling exhausted. You might find it hard to revise again before you take a break.

Remember: you can only try your best. Each new day is a chance to start again.