The hard work is nearly done and now it’s time to relax and read our top tips to finish the final preparations for your child for the exams.
As a parent myself, I know how daunting it can be; not just for the children sitting the exam, but also the parents watching their children head off to seal their destiny for senior school!
I’ve listed a few tips below for you to pass on to your child before the exam and hopefully make the experience feel less overwhelming and, dare I suggest, even a pleasurable achievement:
- We’ll get the obvious ones out of the way first: Ensure your child eats and drinks sensibly. It’s probably best for children to stick to breakfasts they know and love. A bowl of Crunchy Nut might not be the most nutritious breakfast, but it will get them through the tests with a sense of some normality.
- Try to reassure them that they’ve done everything they need to by this point. They have no doubt worked hard building up to the exam.
- At this stage, there’s no need to go over lots of practice papers, but it would be worth covering some common sense approaches: not over thinking their responses, what to do if they get stuck on one question etc.
- Have some fun. The night before the work is complete. Wind down by watching a funny movie or comedy sketch or play a board game; something that has absolutely nothing to do with the exam. Time to relax is important.
- Get a good night’s sleep – nothing helps concentration more.
- On the day – let your child wear what he/she feels most comfortable in.
- Allow plenty of time prior to the exam. There is nothing worse than adding to the last minute stress by not being able to find a parking space and having to park further away than you allowed time for.
- Let them know it’s natural to feel a bit stressed and what that stress might feel like – the butterflies in the tummy and the faster, palpably louder heartbeat. Get them to take a few deep breaths before they dive into the tests.
- Finally, remind them, they are not alone. Everyone else will be in the same boat.
Good luck, and my fingers are crossed for each and every child that they secure a place in their school of choice.
Kate Sharp
Head of Examinations
Categories: Exams Senior School
