EDUCATION
A Parent ’ s Guide to
SURVIVING REVISION
THERE IS NO GETTING AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT UNDERTAKING EXAMS IS STRESSFUL AND DIFFICULT FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS , BUT THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD TO GET THROUGH THEIR EXAMS AS CALMLY AND SUCCESSFULLY AS POSSIBLE .
BY ANTONIA BEARY
Preparation is all
At Mayfield School , we are strong advocates of independent learning alongside classroom teaching . While passing exams is not the be all and end all of education , it is important , so learning how to revise and prepare for exams , and practising ‘ exam technique ’ is essential .
Good foundations
Revision cannot begin without the original ‘ vision ’, so ideally your child has worked consistently throughout the course and has good notes . Confirming all the information is in place is a positive start .
Organising revision time
Supporting your child and encouraging them to plan realistic revision timetables that allow time for relaxation is key . Last minute cramming only serves to increase the pressure and anxiety that your child is already under . The better prepared your child feels , the less nervous they will be on the day .
Study leave and the last push to public exams
Some schools offer study leave , while others continue until the last minute . Study leave can be a good opportunity for students to take responsibility for their own learning and prioritise their revision . At Mayfield , when study leave begins , teachers remain available during lesson times for individual or small group tuition . Supervised study continues in school and most girls attend . Those who find being selfdisciplined difficult are expected to attend .
Healthy mind : healthy body
At Mayfield , we arranged a series of lectures for parents and teachers from the Self-Esteem Team – a trio of women aiming to promote positive mental health . The first lecture covered a range of issues impacting teenage mental health , including exam stress , and one of the key things we took away from the session was the importance of getting enough sleep .
Teenagers need nine hours sleep to function properly and screenbased activity in the hour before bed can negatively impact this . It makes sense to turn all devices off and relax before going to bed . Winding down with a bath , or reading a ( non-school ) book is good : Snapchat and the like less so !
Helpless parent syndrome ?
As a parent , used to protecting and taking responsibility for your child , it is often difficult to accept that you cannot do the work or sit the exam for them . No matter how nervous you may be , don ’ t allow your own experience of school exams to affect your child . Be realistic – not all students are going to achieve A * grades and nor should we expect them to . We must celebrate individual achievements and successes rather than measuring them against those of others .
Antonia Beary is Headmistress at Mayfield School , a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 . She is also currently Chair of CISC and Hon Sec of GSA . www . mayfieldgirls . org
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