With Year 12 exams now under way, the HSC not too far down the track, and Year 11 Preliminary exams towards the end of the term, I thought that our parents and carers may appreciate a few tips to get through the weeks to come and most importantly to support the student in your household. Obviously maintaining good routines and habits around eating well, sleeping and exercise is the best place to start. However, if you feel your son or daughter is struggling a little the following may be useful. One of the best things parents or carers can do if their child is experiencing exam stress is to try to be as supportive and tolerant as possible.

EFFECTIVE STUDY AND LEARNING HABITS

Parents and carers can help reduce the exam stress of their child by helping them establish effective study and learning habits:

• Help your child find a quiet place to study without distractions. Make sure their table is uncluttered so they can focus better.
• Encourage your child to find out exactly what the test involves - are there past test papers they can look at to help them understand what to expect?
• Encourage your child to ask for help or ask their teacher for clarity if they are unsure of something or if they feel confused.
• Help them to make 'mind maps' to collect ideas and summarise thoughts - use bright colours to help remember important links.
• Help them to plan their study schedule early on so they have sufficient time to study. It can be helpful to develop a clear, realistic plan of what they want to cover in each study session. Can they break it down into small chunks?
• Remind your child to take a short rest and move around in between each part of their study.
• Offer help sometimes. It can be useful having someone to listen or practice with.
• These ideas for exam day are good to keep in mind and it is probably best to talk about these ideas before exam day so as not to add to stress levels. Suggest to your child that they:
• Eat a good and light breakfast - something that will sustain them and help them concentrate.
• Try to arrive at school or the exam venue early.
• Go to the toilet before the exam starts.
• Keep away from people who may agitate them before the test or may say unhelpful, anxiety-provoking comments.
• Try writing about their thoughts and feelings at least 10 minutes before the exam to free up brainpower from focusing on emotions, so they can focus on the test material instead.
• Take time to slow their breathing and relax when they first sit down in the exam room.
• Skim over the exam paper, underlining key words and instructions.
• Work out how long they have for each question or section.
• Watch out for the wording of the questions - they need to understand and address what the question is really asking.
• Answer the questions they find easiest first to build their confidence, then as they relax more move on to more difficult ones.
• Don't worry about how long others are taking but keep an eye on the clock to ensure they have enough time to answer the more difficult questions.
• Re-read answers if possible and make any changes that are necessary - correct spelling, check workings.

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If you are at all concerned during this examination time, please do not hesitate to contact the Year Coordinator, the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Mr James Eirth, or myself.

Have a good week.

Mrs. Leonie Pearce