The keys to beating exam stress
THE tips to beating exam stress haven’t changed much in the past 10 years — but do you know what they are? Here’s what you need to know — and for parents too
SLEEP, study, relax and stick to a routine — this is the mantra that will help safely guide Year 12 students who today start entering the maze of exam stress.
The exam for Japanese (beginners) is the first of about 50 scheduled up to November 18. About 13,000 students will sit at least one written exam this year, up from about 12,500 last year.
Exams or other external assessments count for 30 per cent of the final grade in each subject.
South Australian Secondary Principals Association president Peter Mader said that to get the most out of exams, students should have a study timetable, forget cramming and get plenty of sleep.
“The way courses are weighted these days means there’s less emphasis on exams then what there was 15-20 years ago, but they’re still important,” he said.
“If students have used their time wisely and approached their course work diligently, then they are well placed to get good results, but that doesn’t mean the stress disappears.
“The tips to beating exam stress hasn’t changed much in the last 10 years, but I encourage students to create a routine that gives them the best possible chance to do well — have structure, revise early and look at last year’s exam papers.
“Plus sleep is a big one — your brain works best when it’s well rested. You can’t cut corners by reducing sleep to study.”
He said parental support was vital through exam period.
“From sitting down with a cup of coffee and kicking around a few exam questions, to making sure they get out and do something they’ve done all year like sport or exercise,” Mr Mader said.
“Students have got to be balanced and create their own schedule that creates the time they need for exam preparation but also recognises they don’t give up everything.”
Two of last year’s high achievers, Christine Ong, who achieved a score of 99.8, and Mahendra Chitrarasu, who achieved a score of 99.9, have given their tips on how to get the best out of exams.
Christine, 18, said that after all the hard work, she was pleasantly surprised by her results.
“I was definitely trying really hard the entire year, doing all the work and making sure I was on top of things, but I wasn’t expecting such a high mark,” she said.
“I don’t know if that was because I didn’t want to have really high expectations and be disappointed. I knew there was life after exams.”
Mahendra Chitrarasu, 18, who studies a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide, said he was enjoying university.
“It’s a really stimulating environment,” he said.
“You meet lots of different and interesting people who I haven’t really been exposed to so far in my life, so that’s been good.”
The 2015 results will be published on the South Australian Certificate of Education website from 8.30am on Tuesday, December 15.
CHRISTINE ONG, 18
Trinity College
Score: 99.8
Now studying: Bachelor of Psychology, University of Adelaide
TIPS
1. Make a revision timetable for yourself. I remember having weeks for revision, so it’s important to give yourself goals so that you stay productive during that time.
2. Revise according to your strengths.
3. Remember to have some relaxation time and spend a bit of time with friends and family. Also remember to sleep!
4. Just do your best. Don’t put so much pressure on getting that particular grade, but just focus on giving it your best shot.
5. Don’t stress too much! I know it sounds difficult, but remember that there is life after exams.
TIPS FROM CHRISTINE’S MUM MARY ONG
1. Food makes teenagers happy. Have a nice meal ready at the end of the day for dinner, plenty of fruit and nuts around for snacks and food available for a good breakfast.
2. Give your teenager room to organise their own time, but make sure you take an interest
in their work.
3. Encourage your teenager to incorporate times of rest and relaxation into their study schedule.
4. Always speak encouraging words to them.
5. Although Year 12 is important, if your son or daughter doesn’t immediately achieve their goals, reassure them there are always other avenues to pursue.
MAHENDRA CHITRARASU, 18
Rostrevor College
Score: 99.9
Now studying: Bachelor of Arts (Advanced), University of Adelaide
TIPS
1. Give yourself plenty of leeway when you plan for your exam preparation. This way you reduce the amount of pressure you feel.
2. Consider organising your SWOTVAC as a school day.
3. Make sure you refer to the Chief Assessor’s reports for each subject to learn about common exam mistakes people make.
4. Try creating a ‘how to answer questions’ document that hones down how to answer questions
as per marking criteria.
5. Don’t forget to do things that take your mind off study.
TIPS FROM MAHENDRA’S PARENTS MUM, ASHA CHITRARASU, AND DAD, CHITRARASU PANDIAN
1. Keep a watchful eye over them but do not interfere.
2. Make sure they are eating nutritiously and sleeping enough.
3. Teach them good breathing and relaxation techniques.
4. Do not put additional pressures on them: relieve them of their household chores if possible.
5. Tell them they have great potential and keep them encouraged and motivated.