Testing times

It’s that time of year again when pupils up and down the country will be agonising over their preparations for exams.  Parents too will be anxious and doing their best to support pupils do their best on the day of the exam.

Here are a few thoughts oh how to do your best.

Before

• ·         Have a revision plan and keep to it.
•       Find a quiet place to work in that is free from distractions.
• ·         Before each exam try and get a good night’s sleep.
• ·         Throughout the exam period eat healthily and take regular exercise.
• ·         Practise past exam papers, either on your own or with friends.
• ·         Don’t waste time on facebook etc when you should be working.
• ·         Don’t try and revise with a television on. Listening to music can be ok and may help you concentrate.
• ·         Where appropriate, make a time plan for each exam. Take account of the marks available for each question.
• ·         If you are concerned about something you don’t understand come into school and get help from a teacher.
• ·         Classmates can be a good source of support and advice.
• ·         Make sure you have the equipment you need for each exam.
• ·         Know exactly the date, time and location for each exam and build this into your revision plan.

During

• ·         If you are feeling nervous or a bit tense, take a few deep breaths.
• ·         Once in the exam hall, make sure you read the questions carefully.
• ·         During very long exams you may need to drink water. (Check in advance that you are allowed)
• ·         Answer the question in the paper in front of you – stay focussed.
• ·         With essay questions, plan out a structured answer in bullet-point.
• ·         If a particular question is very difficult, it may be better to leave it and return to it later. (It is likely that others will also find it difficult).
• ·         When working must be shown, make sure you do this. In numerical exams most of the marks are allocated to working rather than a final answer.

After

• ·         After each exam try to get some exercise and fresh air.
• ·         Don’t spend precious time analysing what you wrote and what you forgot to write.
• ·         Do your best - no one can ask for more than that.
• ·         If you get the exam results you need for your chosen career then celebrate.
• ·         If you don’t get the exam results you need for your chosen career then get advice and make a plan to get back on track. You can celebrate when you’ve done this.

Best wishes and Good luck!