Whether your child is doing their SATs, GCSEs or A-Levels, the process can be just as scary no matter how far they are in their academic journey. Exam anxiety is normal and felt by all students but there are certainly ways that you can help. We have teamed up with a boarding school to share a few ways of supporting your child through exam periods.
Create a Dedicated Study Area
A cluttered, dark and noisy area of the house is far from ideal when revising. To help your child concentrate and retain information, you can set up a study area together. This should be a comfortable and relaxing environment that is free from distractions (including devices!). This might be a spare bedroom at the other end of the house or a dedicated office. It’s also important that there aren’t too many comforts in the room. Having a desk where your child is able to stay upright will keep them focused without feeling tired and wanting a break.
Help Them to Create a Study Timetable
We all know that early revision can improve the chances of reaching aspirational grades but when exactly should this begin and how can you help your child to split their workload. An easy way is to get your child to revise as they go along. Doing a bit every night to review class notes is a good place to start. This could be 30 minutes per subject spread across the week to give them 5 hours of study time which can easily be slotted in. This will vary with the level that your child is studying at and will need to be increased as exams approach.
Allow Them to Just Be Kids
While GCSEs and A levels play an important role in determining your child’s future, they are not the be-all and end-all. It’s important for your child to strike a healthy balance between revising and having a social life so that they are not burned out and have plenty of memories to look back on from their youth.
Laura x