Resource to combat stress
School pupils getting ready to sit exams in Rutherglen and Cambuslang could benefit from a resource to combat stress.
South Lanarkshire Council has introduced the beating exam stress techniques (BEST) resource into schools.
The scheme was originally developed by a group of educational psychologists, Skills Development Scotland and the Construction Industry Training Board to help young people in their apprenticeship entry tests.
Since then, BEST has been reviewed to suit all forms of assessments, including class tests, unit assessments and SQA examinations.
The programme was initially launched in December last year in Hamilton and a further meeting with head teachers was held last month.
Psychological services have also visited children’s homes to promote the use of BEST.
Councillors on an education committee met yesterday, Tuesday, to discuss the development of BEST.
In a report, they were told BEST “includes simple, solutionfocused and cognitive behavioural approaches.”
The report adds: “It is hoped that through the use of BEST, young people will benefit through feeling calmer and more confident about exam situations and that the programme will contribute to improved attainment levels.”
Pupils at the area’s four secondary schools are currently preparing to sit exams.
Earlier this year, a report by the University of St Andrew’s concluded that pupils in Scottish schools were experiencing high levels of stress levels surrounding exams.
The study, which was supported by the World Health Organisation, looked at 42 countries and found Scotland was second only to Malta in teenagers reporting issues with school work.