TEENS SET TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF EXAMS
STUDENTS WHO HAVE DONE GCSEs ARE SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS ABOUT TO SIT EXAMS. LISA SALMON FINDS OUT HOW THE MIND SET SUPPORT INITIATIVE WILL HELP THEM COPE
AS THE dreaded exam period appears on the horizon, many of the nation’s young people are beginning to get nervous about their expected performance.
And no matter how much their parents and teachers tell them it’ll all be OK, it can be really tough not to get stressed.
But a new campaign has been launched to help teenagers face their exam fears with the help of other teens who’ve just been through the exam experience themselves.
PEER-TO-PEER
THE Mind Set is the UK’s first national peer-topeer coaching network for GCSE and National students, and it aims to explore the vagaries of exam stress through 12 student coaches who’ve been there and done it, and tell it as it is in individual films about their own exam experiences.
The BBC Learning initiative is working in partnership with Childline, Young Minds and the National Citizen Service to provide the student coaching together with expert support and advice.
Sinead Rocks, head of BBC Learning, says: “We want this campaign to change perceptions of how students approach and deal with the stress of exam periods by highlighting the tips, advice and support networks available.”
The young coaches are from varied backgrounds throughout the country, and aren’t all A* students. Some did resits, and others battled against illness or family difficulties during exams.
But collectively they say: “The one thing we all have in common is that we found a way to reach our individual potential and we want to help you do the same.”
POWERFUL ADVICE
GP Dr Radha Modgil, a Mind Set expert, explains that The Mind Set features information about all aspects of dealing with exam pressure, plus advice about revision techniques and staying well during the exam period.
“We all know that the most powerful advice comes from those who’ve been through a similar experience to us and who’ve got through it,” she stresses.
And the fact that some of the student coaches have faced personal challenges during exams, from grade pressure to fasting, means they can reassure other students who may be going through similar challenges, she says.
Typical worries for students include not living up to their own or other’s expectations; what will happen if they don’t get the grades they want; not being able to cope with revision; not knowing how to revise; and not doing as well as their friends.
Dr Radha says The Mind Set covers all these concerns: “It really provides a ‘go to’ place for students in the lead-up to the exam period, and is a true friend who can give advice, support and tips in a reassuring way from student coaches who know.”
THREE AREAS OF SUPPORT
THE doctor says she believes students facing exams need support in three main areas:
Practical revision tips and
structuring learning: Help with timetables, syllabus content, and how to split time between subjects and methods of learning.
Tips on dealing with difficult emotions and worries: Support could include information about mindfulness, being aware of worries and problem solving, as well as being kind to yourself and talking to others for support at an early stage.
Tips to encourage and maintain physical and mental wellbeing: Encouraging young people to take regular exercise, and stressing the importance of a healthy diet, regular and good quality sleep and socialising.