Education Matters by Satis Education

Supporting Our Young People During Exam Season

Spring has finally sprung (well with the exception of the odd cold day or three!) and with it comes the arrival of the exam season in schools and colleges. Exams have always resulted in a degree of stress for young people. However, sadly this has been further compounded by the Covid pandemic.

For example, young people sitting their A Levels this year, preparing for university or employment, did not sit formal GCSE exams. They haven’t necessarily experienced entering an exam room and readying themselves for the task ahead. Whilst most schools and colleges will have tried as best they can, through mock exams, to prepare their students a mock exam is never quite as daunting as the real thing.

Unfortunately, research tells us that as many as two-thirds of young people experience levels of exam stress. Findings shows high levels of exam stress can interfere with attention and reduce working memory, leading to lower performance. Early experiences of anxiety and stress can also set a precedent for mental-health problems in adulthood. Thankfully help is available. The mental health charity MIND have produced some very useful advice and support for coping with exam stress, details are on their website: www. mind.org.uk

The website helps to identify the symptoms and causes of exam stress. It also provides tips on managing stress and signposts young people to support services, including within school or college and beyond.

This is an excellent resource to share with children and young people. However, it’s also helpful for parents or carers. It allows them to gain a greater understanding about how they can provide practical and emotional support, during what can be one of the most stressful time for their children.

On behalf of everyone in the Archdiocese, I wish all our young people the best of luck with their exams. However, I also urge them to remember that looking after their health and wellbeing is an integral part of exam preparation.

If you are keen to find out about wellbeing services or exam invigilation services available to schools and colleges please contact support@satiseducation.co.uk