How to support students during exam season
Whether sitting end-of-year exams or end-of-school external exams, students are often convinced that their grades will determine their future. How can we give them some perspective?
Rachel Doell
Exam season is approaching. At our school, Grade 10 and 11 (Year 11 and 12) students have end-of-year exams in May. And, of course, Grade 12 (Year 13) students will be starting their final IB exams at the end of April.
This exam season brings with it many emotions – not only from the students but from their parents and teachers.
So how can we, as future pathways advisers, support our community during this emotional roller coaster of a time?
Exam season: make or break?
It is important to acknowledge that, even though we know it’s not true, many students (and some parents) think these exams are make or break for their future dreams.
I find that a simple statement, such as “I know for you, right now, these exams feel like the most important thing in the world”, can be really effective in validating students’ feelings – which helps them feel safe in their emotions. However, I will then follow up with clear communication on how the results of these exams are not the make-or-break scenario they envisage. For example:
For a Grade 10 student: “The exam grade is only a small part of your final semester 2 middle years programme (MYP) grade. And, also, the final IB exam grades will override your MYP grades in your university applications. Really, these exams are just to start getting you used to sitting formal exams, which will help you be prepared for your final IB exams in two years’ time.”
For a Grade 11 student: “The exam grade will only be a small part of your final semester grade and of your anticipated grades for university applications. So, if you are getting a grade of 5 all year and then get a 3 in the end-of-year exam, your anticipated grade will not be a 3.”
For a Grade 12 student: “If the IB final exams don’t go as planned, there are so many options – remark, retake or take a gap year and apply to more academically aligned universities.”
This knowledge can often help the student (or parent) stop catastrophising about what will happen if the exams don’t go as well as hoped. And it helps them balance the stress they might be feeling.
Stay calm, be kind and listen
As always, whenever you’re supporting students or parents during stressful times, the most important thing is to stay calm, be kind and listen. I always keep my jars of sweet treats stocked high in my office during exam season so that any student, parent or teacher can help themselves to a little something during the day if they feel the need.
I am also head of Grade 10 at our school, and am therefore lucky to be able to support the Grade 10 students during exam season by arranging certain lessons in their weekly personal development lessons. This semester we have had:
- Study skills sessions, including tips on how to plan and action revision
- Time in the week for revision
- Lessons on coping strategies during exam time
- Clear communication on exam schedule and timings, so the students (and parents) feel informed.
The goal is not to eradicate the stress but to ensure that it is good stress – the kind that leads to better exam performance – rather than bad stress, which can affect mood and mental state. If students and parents feel informed, understood and supported, it won’t necessarily take away exam season stress but it will help keep it at a healthy level.