Exam anxiety is one of the biggest issues which affects thousands of teenagers every year. You too? With teachers piling on the work at school, it can feel like you’re being catapulted along on a wave of pressure.
Feeling anxious is normal, don’t worry. While the exam season can seem daunting, we have some tried and tested tips which will help you keep your feet on the ground.
Make a Revision Plan
Keep on top of juggling several subjects by creating a revision timetable. Starting now. Ask yourself:
- Which subjects must I pass?
- What grades do I need?
- Which key topics do I struggle with the most?
- Which subject am I most worried about after the mocks?
Break down these ‘must pass’ subjects into papers, then mind-map each paper to detail key topics and skills. With a highlighter pen, single out those tricky areas you KNOW you struggle with. Start with those…
Be Practical From The Off
Once you’ve narrowed down your subject hotspots:
- Get armed with stationery and folders to kickstart your revision plan. You need a folder for each subject, A4 punched pockets, sticky notes – perhaps some index cards.
- For each subject, create an overview page listing key skills and papers. Be honest. List what you struggle with. Include a tick column to help you tick off learning problems you nail as you go along.
- Find your subject exam board online. Sniff out past papers – noting that English and Maths will have sample exam questions. Check out the marking guides too.
Seek Support for any Exam Anxiety
Move on from disappointing mock results by getting proactive instead:
- Ask a teacher to explain a tricky subject area – be it algebra, unseen poetry, or Chemistry
- Find out when revision classes are on at school. And go to them!
- Ask your parents about seeking support from personal tutor to help you tackle the tough stuff in half the time
Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence. Problems won’t go away until you face them head on.
Instead, get one step ahead! Use the time you have to give yourself the very best chance of success. And don’t forget. Build in a life too. Get out of the house, see your mates, aim for balance.
With GCSE and A level tutors covering Weybridge to Guildford in Surrey and the Chichester area in West Sussex, help is just a phone call or email away. Better still: an online tutor means you can access academic support wherever you are.
Get in touch with our head tutor Nikki at Lemon Tree Tutors today.
