If exam season is already casting its shadow, then Jackie Deakin, director of studies at St Catherine’s, Bramley, has some top tips for pupils and parents on how to get through the coming weeks.
“There is a fine balance between being the completely hands-off parent who lets their teenager ‘get on with it’, and, at the other end of the spectrum, the ‘Tiger parent’ who can create more stress through well-meant but perceived intrusive offers of help,” advises Jackie. “Bringing in a surprise cup of tea or making a favourite meal and, occasionally, insisting on a ‘night off’ can make a difference.
Being the dispenser of hugs and tissues too is all part of making the next few weeks easier.
“Remember not all stress is negative! Eustress (stress which can be motivating) is “beneficial” stress. Finally, Jackie urges all to remember, “Examinations don’t define us. In the world of work, it is our experience and personal skills that are far more important.”
St Catherine's top revision tips
- Keep a tidy workspace
- Start with the subjects you like least
- Interleave – e.g. 30 minutes of Geography followed by 30 minutes of French
- Practise past questions
- Take short breaks, moderate exercise and eat healthily
- Ask for help
