EXAMS
Help your child beat exam stress
Students in both Year 11 and Year 10 have important exams in the near future and it is well known that tests and exams can be a challenging part of school life for young people and their parents / carers . But there are ways to ease the stress …
Having someone to talk to about their work can help . Support from a parent , tutor or friend can help young people share their worries and keep things in perspective . Encourage your child to talk to a member of staff who they feel is supportive . If you feel your child isn ' t coping , it may also be helpful for you to talk to their teachers at school . At The Avon Valley School this may be their tutor , Student Welfare Leader or Achievement Leader .
Some top tips ….
� Make sure your child eats well - a balanced diet is vital for your child ' s health , and can help them to feel well during exam periods . Too many high-fat , highsugar and high-caffeine foods and drinks can make children hyperactive , irritable and moody .
� Help your child get enough sleep - good sleep will improve thinking and concentration . Most teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours ' sleep a night .
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Cramming all night before an exam is usually a bad idea . Sleep will benefit your child far more than a few hours of panicky last-minute study .
� Help them to study - make sure your child has somewhere comfortable to study . Ask them how you can best support them with their revision . Help them to come up with practical ideas that will help them revise , such as drawing up a revision schedule or getting hold of past papers for practice .
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To help with motivation , encourage your child to think about their goals in life and see how their revision and exams are related to them .
� Talk about exam nerves - remind your child that feeling anxious is normal . Nervousness is a natural reaction to exams . The key is to put these nerves to positive use .
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Encourage them to think through what they do know and the time they have already put into studying to help them feel more confident .
Encourage exercise during exams - exercise can help boost energy levels , clear the mind and relieve stress . It doesn ' t matter what it is - walking , cycling , swimming , football and dancing are all effective .