Aimhigher urges Strabane parents to 'Keep Calm During Exams!'
PARENTS in Strabane are being urged to take the stress out of study as students make last minute preparations for exams.
For many students the prospect of exams are daunting, however the Department for Employment and Learning, the Department of Education and Ulster Bank's Aimhigher campaign, offers a helping hand for concerned parents of students who are facing GCSE, A Level or Further Education assessment.
Aimhigher NI's Clare McDonald travels throughout NI offering guidance to students and has put together some 'top tips' on how parents can help their sons and daughters keep calm before exams.
Reflecting on her own exam experience, Clare says:
"It's normal to feel anxious before exams. All the added pressure can, at times, drive you insane! Even the most calm and confident of students can feel stressed by exams so support from family and friends, is vital in easing anxiety levels for students at this trying time."
Top Tips
* Think positive - Make the atmosphere at home as supportive and positive as possible. If your son or daughter's friends are stressed it may rub off on them, so try to ensure they spend time around people who help them feel more confident and motivated. Encourage a positive attitude about what they can realistically achieve and discourage talk about possible failure.
* Relax - Make sure students have time to relax every day. Breaking up periods of study with periods of relaxation will help them focus more and ease the stress of exams
* Get Organised – Organisation is key at exam time. Many students will have put together a revision timetable with the help of their teachers to help them stay on top of their workload. But it's important they also plan ahead for the simple things such as where exactly the exam is being held and what time it's at? Also encourage them to take five minutes to check they have everything they need before leaving for the exam, like extra pens and pencils, calculators and maths equipment.
* Sleep well – Tiredness can promote anxiety so it is essential you encourage your son or daughter to get a good night's rest before exams. Don't study right upto the time you go to bed, you need time to switch off. Late-night cramming can be counter-productive and teachers often find lack of sleep can affect a student's performance.
* Food for thought – Eating a variety of healthy foods doesn't just give your son or daughters body a boost it also benefits their brain cells. Skipping meals can leave them hungry and unable to concentrate so its essential you ensure they eat well. Encourage them to avoid drinking too much tea or coffee, as this can add to exam nerves.
Over 2000 young people in the Strabane area have benefited from the Aimhigher Roadshow, a joint initiative between the Department for Employment and Learning, Department of Education and Ulster Bank, since its launch four years ago.
