‘View this as an opportunity to cover material you may not have had time for’
BOHERBUE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL VERA LEADER AND HER STAFF OFFER ADVICE ON UPCOMING EXAMS AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR THEM
“This is a stressful and uncertain time for all students but particularly exam students. It is important that students look after their well-being and mental health. Away from the routine and motivation of school, students could easily feel isolated and without a sense of purpose.
The following are some of my suggestions to help students to adjust to their new routine of life: -
* Have confidence in yourself and all the work you have already done. The experience of the pre-exam will give you a good sense of your strengths and areas for improvement. This, combined with feedback and guidelines from your teachers, can inform what is needed to be done regarding study.
* Stay positive, try not to listen to or engage with social media about COVID-19 and the exams. Assume that Exams are going ahead and stay focused on your aims and objectives for the exams.
* Ensure that you have a routine for each day as if you were going to school and following a timetable. This will help you to plan and use your time effectively.
* Plan how you are going to study and revise, being careful to cover all subject areas. Make a list of what needs to be done, and cover the basics first. Be confident, a lot of this work has already been completed and just needs revision. It is always easier to work on the subjects you like and are good at! Write down at the start of each day what you are going to study and allocate time to the various subjects. Tick it off what you have done in the evening. That way you will see your progress and that what you’re doing is achievable. * Take regular breaks from study and make a point of engaging in some exercise activity every day.
* Have a picture in your head for what you want to achieve after the Leaving Cert. Don’t forget that the CAO courses, the post leaving cert courses, the apprenticeships, are all still available.
* Focus on what’s best for you Different people work best at different times of the day. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be good to yourself. Self- care is not a luxury. If we feel our best, we can study and perform to our highest potential. As you work through you will get a sense of fulfilment. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed talk to those around you, and keep talking to those with whom you are in contact; friends relatives, family, teachers.
* Remember that decisions on the written exams will be taken when the time is right.
“We must all try and bear in mind that COVID-19 is a global crisis which has disrupted all our lives.
Life will return to normal again. We have to be patient. Students will return to school.
There will be exams and there will be life after the Leaving Cert!
In the meantime stay focused and stay healthy!”