Supporting your child through their exams

Today is the last day of the Easter break and as everyone gets ready to return to school tomorrow, many pupils will be preparing for their exams, which start on Thursday (25 April 2019).

​Some will have used their holidays to revise and go through some past papers, while others may only now be getting ready for their exams and fitting in some last minute study.  Whatever approach is taken, everyone is likely to be suffering some stress and anxiety about the impending exams and not just pupils, but their parents and teachers too.

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If you are a parent or carer, you will likely be worried about how much revision your child has done, if they’re prepared and if they are coping with their own stress.  If this is the case, there is help on hand for you.

The SQA have some great advice and information to support young people as they prepare and sit their exams.  On their website (www.sqa.org.uk) the Your Exams booklet tells pupils all they need to know.  It includes details about preparing for exams, what to expect on exam day itself, information about receiving results and where to get additional support, if needed.

There is also a Learner section which has tips for creating a study plan, taking notes, access to past papers and more.

Parents and carers can also find a section dedicated to them (here) which directs them to resources to support their child, or explain some of the changes being introduced to national courses.

No matter how prepared your child is, exams can be a very stressful time and may impact on their appetite, mood, sleep pattern or result in physical symptoms such as headache or stomach pains.  As a parent or carer, you can support them through this time and help them keep calm.

You can find advice and tips on how to help your child beat exam stress on the NHS website, here.  Some tips include:
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• Encourage them to talk to someone about their anxiety.  This can be you or another family member, tutor or school staff member they feel comfortable talking to;
• Let them know that nerves are a natural part of the process and they can be put to positive use.  Helping them to face their fears will help them build resilience and, in turn, cope with their anxiety;
• Be flexible when they are revising and sitting their exams – does it really matter if they do their chores or keep their bedroom tidy during this time?
• Don’t put too much pressure on your child.  Be positive and reassuring beforehand and afterwards, encourage them to focus on what went well then move on and focus on the next exam – don’t dwell on something that can’t be changed;
• Help them eat and sleep well and encourage exercise.  All of these will help improve concentration, boost energy levels, clear the mind and relieve stress.

The most important thing to remember is that failing an exam, or not doing as well as hoped, is not the end of the world, there are always other options available.  Once the exam is over, don’t dwell on the possible outcome, enjoy your summer and make use of the advice and support that will be available when the exam results are issued.

You can view the 2019 Exam Timetable here.  You can also download the SQA MyExams and MyStudyPlan apps from the App Store on Apple or Google Play for Android phones.​

Rachel Scarth

I am the Project Manager for Developing the Young Workforce Orkney.