What Parents Need to Know

In Today’s Email;

• What is exam anxiety?

• How to spot if your child has exam anxiety

• How to tackle exam anxiety at home and school

• Where can I find additional support?

❓ Key Question

What is exam anxiety?

If your child is preparing for their GCSEs, you're likely familiar with the all-too-common phenomenon of exam anxiety.

But what exactly is exam anxiety?

Simply put, exam anxiety is a feeling of significant fear and distress, going beyond regular 'nerves' that are supposed to occur before an exam. It can hinder a student's ability to perform to their full potential and can take a toll on their wellbeing.

And it's not just limited to the days of the exam. Sometimes, it can start weeks or even months in advance.

🔍 How to spot if your child has exam anxiety

So, how do you know if your child is grappling with exam anxiety?

Some signs are more obvious, like an increase in irritability, sleeplessness or constant worry about upcoming exams. Others can be subtler, including procrastination, a drop in self-esteem, or a decline in social activities.

Being able to identify these signs is the first step towards helping your child manage their exam anxiety.

But why is it important to tackle this issue now?

Without intervention, this anxiety can accumulate, leading to an overwhelming amount of stress as the exam dates draw nearer. Furthermore, unchecked anxiety can also harm your child's overall mental health and wellbeing, and can even impact their performance in the exams.

However, it's important to remember that exam anxiety is manageable, and with the right tools and strategies, your child will be better equipped to face any exam with confidence.

If you have any concerns you can talk to your GP, get advice from teachers or tutors and as a parent, you also able to help manage things at home.

🌈 Winning Over Worry: Everyday Strategies to Combat Exam Anxiety

We all want our children to succeed. And we know, as well as you do, that success doesn't come without its share of stress and worry. Exam anxiety is a common obstacle many GCSE students face. But, as parents, there are ways you can help your child manage it effectively.

At home, create a quiet, well-lit space dedicated to studying. This physical formation of a 'study zone' can work wonders on your child’s mindset. Encourage them to take regular breaks and reward their focused study time with activities they enjoy. A walk in the park, a cup of hot drink, or even a quick dance-off can work miracles in reducing tension!

Next, ensure they’re getting a good night's sleep. A tired mind is more susceptible to anxiety. Help them establish a restful bedtime routine that signals to their mind and body that it's time to relax and sleep.

In school, remind your child to stay organised. Managing their schoolwork and revision schedule effectively can reduce feelings of overwhelm. Teach them to break down larger tasks into manageable chunks and to prioritise their work.

Read our article on the Pomodoro technique which is a great way to help with this.

Comfort them with the fact that everyone learns at their own pace. It's okay if they don't understand a concept straight away. Encourage them to ask their teachers for help when they need it.

Lastly, always remind them their mental health comes first, always.

💡 How National Tutors Helps Lift the Weight of Exam Anxiety

We understand that exam anxiety is more than just a 'nervous feeling'. It's a weight that can affect your child's confidence, focus, and ultimately, their performance.

National Tutors is here to help lighten this burden.

Our online GCSE revision courses are specially designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for their exams. Our courses don't just cover the curriculum, they delve deep into exam strategies, key concepts, and critical thinking skills.

By being prepared and confident in their understanding of the material, your child's anxiety can be significantly reduced. To enrol with National Tutors, just visit our website and follow the straightforward registration process and they can start lesson immediately and study at their own pace.

🔑 Key Points

• Exam anxiety is more than just nerves. It can cause significant fear and hinder a student's ability to perform well.

• Signs of exam anxiety include irritability, sleeplessness, procrastination, and social withdrawal.

• How to help your child: Create a dedicated study space, encourage breaks and rewards, prioritize sleep, use the Pomodoro Technique for focused studying, and remind them their mental health is most important.

• Remember metal health comes first!

🙏 Thanks for taking the time to read this weeks newsletter. In the next few weeks we will be giving you some amazing revision resources you can find online for free to help with that last minute revision.