Go easy on BGCSE candidates
When an important national examination gets postponed less than 24 hours to the sitting, one can only imagine the anxiety it brings to students who have been preparing. Exam time is by nature an uncomfortable period for any student, and after thorough preparation many just want to get it over and done with, and to be told to wait for another two weeks can be unsettling.
This might be time for parents, guardians and teachers to go a little easy on students as they go through a roller coaster of emotions. But on the flip side, this might be a perfect opportunity for those who have been lagging behind to catch up and finally ready themselves for the coming exam, because it will eventually come. It is important to understand that when an exam is unexpectedly postponed, it contributes a greater burden for students and they can easily become demotivated and despondent. They may also lose their calm and become overly stressed. Some believe that because the exam has been postponed as a result of leaking, the coming exam papers may be a little tougher than the ones scheduled before the alleged leaks.
Some had plans already in their minds of what they would be up to after completing their exams, and now that the set schedule has been thrown out the window, they have their routine completely disturbed and it will take a while for them to refocus.While social media has been instrumental in spreading important messages about postponements, and what students should do next, it can also become a pain the in the neck for candidates.
Rumors and unsolicited comments about the exam can further heighten the anxiety, which can build up into full-blown panic attacks. Parents, guardians and teachers need to rise to the occasion to help students cope with the current pressure. This is the time to employ effective relaxation techniques, which will reduce stress levels in schools among candidates.
There is no right way to deal with stress. Everyone deals with stress in their own way. Some mechanisms may work for some people and not for others. But what seems reasonable is for students affected by the postponement to stay organised. This will help de-stress you. Do not compare yourself with your peers. Your friend might know and understand all Maths concepts after a day or two of studying, while you need more time to absorb the material. Stay put and get to work.
Ensure that you get enough sleep as possible, as lack of sleep is a massive contributor to stress. When taking breaks, engage in a favourite activity, like listening to music or watching a good movie and finally find time to talk it out. Talking is a great way to cope because most people know what you are going through. Talk to peers, parents and teachers about your insecurities, they will certainly offer the support that will help you move forward.