Not So Typical Exams Advice for Stress

By now, secondary pupils will have completed many mock exams and will be preparing for their GCSEs and A-Levels. Stress and anxiety about exams can be difficult to navigate, so here is some advice to ease the nerves, written by a young person currently completing assessments at university!

1.    Have a plan – just in case!

If you find yourself overthinking and imagining the worst case scenarios, it can help to prepare for what your options could be if things don’t go as hoped. There are always alternatives and ways to support you whether they’re resits, apprenticeships, different courses or careers; knowing these options can ease some of the fear of the unknown and remind you that exams don’t have to define what comes next.

2.    Give yourself something to look forward to.

Having something planned after taking an exam – no matter how big or small – can help shift the focus and repurpose some of the adrenaline released during an exam. Meet up with a friend, go on a walk, watch something you enjoy – treat yourself! Let your body and mind relax, giving yourself some time to reset before the next exam.

3.    Remember that you’re not alone during the exam.

As normal as it is to worry about things going wrong during an exam, remember that there are people prepared to support you and take care of things. If you forget something, or there’s something in the room bothering you, or you feel uncomfortable or ill, or if you need any other kind of help, invigilators are there to make things as smooth as possible: you don’t have to manage everything by yourself.

4.    Be aware of the support available to you.

If you have additional needs – such as extra time, rest breaks, using a laptop or something else – schools are obligated to support those needs for you. If you’re unsure of what you’re entitled to, or feel something could help you during an exam, talk to a trusted adult at school, such as a teacher, head of year or SEN support worker. You deserve the optimum environment for doing your best – during the real thing as well as mock exams.

5.    Remember you will still be supported on results day and afterwards.

Results day can be a lot, emotionally – whatever the outcome. There will be staff available at school to support you, to celebrate you and to suggest next steps. You won’t be left on your own to sort out whatever’s next and, after school, there will be further support at other institutions like universities, job centres, etc. to provide options in life and further accommodations.

I hope this atypical advice has helped some people this exam period and I wish them all the best in their upcoming exams! Evangeline x