Key takeaways for having a successful exam season:
- Clearly communicate the date, time, and location of exams well in advance
- Utilise a range of revision resources
- Provide additional revision sessions and one-to-one support
- Monitor student and staff mental health and provide training
- Offer on-the-day support such as breakfast and guided breathing sessions
- Utilise displays to signpost exam locations and keep areas quiet
Exams can be an incredibly challenging time for students and staff alike, bringing a mixture of emotions. In this article, we will cover some effective strategies to help your school and students to have a successful exam season. From timetable scheduling to offering mental health support, these tips are designed to enhance student success and well-being.
Exam timetables and scheduling
To ensure a smooth and stress-free exam experience, both students and staff need to be fully aware of when and where exams are taking place. Clear communication of exam timetables is essential and it’s beneficial to promote these schedules across a range of offline and online locations. For example, in addition to printing and distributing physical copies, you could upload exam timetables to your website and social media or include them in relevant newsletters. Digital Signage around your school is a great option for displaying timetables and can be easily updated.
Publishing exam timetables well in advance not only provides students with ample time to organise their study schedules but also allows staff to develop tailored revision plans that align with each exam’s requirements. Teachers can use this time to create and share helpful revision resources and address any student concerns. In doing so, students will feel more confident and equipped in the lead-up to their exams.
Revision sessions and resources
There is a vast array of revision resources available online, catering to both students and educators across various subjects and skill levels. These resources, which range from quizzes, video tutorials, and downloadable worksheets, are designed to enhance learning, make concepts easier to understand, and make revision less overwhelming for students. Online resources contribute to a more organised and enjoyable revision process. Below is a list of useful resources staff can utilise and encourage their students to use.
- BBC bitesize – For revision resources for KS1 to GCSE
- MyMaths – For mathematics revision resources for KS1 to A-Level
- Kahoot!, Quizlet, Seneca – For self-testing quizzes
- AQA, Pearson, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas – For past papers
- BBC Bitesize, Canva, and Ivy Education – For helpful resources for creating revision timetables
In addition to these resources, it’s vital that staff offer additional revision sessions after school hours. These sessions should incorporate support such as one-to-ones and interactive games to boost their understanding and confidence. By creating a supportive and interactive environment, these additional sessions can make students feel comfortable, less stressed and motivated to learn.
Mental health support
During exam season, it is essential to monitor student and staff mental health as it can be a particularly stressful time. Studies have discovered that 77% of education staff have experienced symptoms of poor mental health whilst 78% of young people report that school has made their mental health worse.
To address these concerns, schools should educate staff on mental health issues and equip them with the knowledge and tools to provide the best support for students, as well as themselves. This training enables educators to foster a supportive environment which can help students feel more comfortable seeking help. Additionally, providing staff with access to their own mental health resources ensures they receive the necessary support to perform their roles effectively and combat day-to-day struggles.
For students, a range of accessible resources for managing stress or anxiety during exam season should be made available. Below is a list of exam season tips and resources designed to help students manage their mental health during this period.
- Preparing in advance minimises stress
- Take regular revision breaks
- Limit social media and phone use on the day/week of exams
- Take part in sports or regular exercise
- Attend workshops for yoga or mediation
- Learn better time management practices
A Supportive Environment
It’s important not to overlook how you can support students on the day of their exams. Offering revision sessions to review key concepts and clarify any lingering questions, providing a nutritious breakfast or incorporate mindfulness practices, such as a short guided breathing exercise can help to reduce anxiety and boost attention. These practices can help create an environment that encourages academic readiness and supports student well-being.
When it comes to the exam, a comfortable and quiet space is important for success. Banner stands are ideal for informing other students that exams are in progress to keep noise for a minimum. Ergonomic seating and exam desks are also important to keep students comfortable so they can perform their best.
By providing the right resources and support systems, schools can help students feel prepared to tackle their exams confidently. Clear timetabling and tailored revision sessions help reduce the anxiety and overwhelming nature of exams. Offering mental health support and on-the-day preparations can make a significant difference in a student’s well-being and academic success.
