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With exams fast approaching it is normal for students to feel a little worried and nervous about them. The pressure of exams can cause some children to feel anxious which can affect sleeping and eating habits.

Support is always available at school. Please ensure students speak to their class teacher, form tutor or any member of staff they trust and feel comfortable with.

To support your child at home with exam worries, it can be helpful to look out for some signs of stress, these can include:

• worrying a lot

• feeling tense

• headaches and stomach pains

• not sleeping well

• being irritable

• loss of interest in food or eating more than normal

• not enjoying activities they previously enjoyed

• being negative and having a low mood

• feeling hopeless about the future

Encourage your child to talk to a member of school staff who they feel is supportive. If you think your child is not coping, it may also be helpful for you to talk to their teachers.

A balanced diet is vital for your child’s health and can help them feel well during exam periods.

Good sleep improves thinking and concentration. Most teenagers need about 8 hours sleep a night. Cramming all night before an exam is usually a bad idea.

Sleep will benefit your child far more than a few hours of panicky last-minute study.

How you can help your child study

Make sure your child has somewhere comfortable to study. Ask them how you can support them with their revision.

Help them come up with practical ideas that will help them revise, such as drawing up a revision schedule or getting hold of past papers for practice.

To motivate your child, encourage them to think about their goals in life and see how their revision and exams are related to them. Remind your child that it’s normal to feel anxious. Nervousness is a natural reaction to exams. The key is to put these nerves to positive use.

Encourage them to think about what they know and the time they’ve already put into studying to help them feel more confident.

Exercise can help boost energy levels, clear the mind and relieve stress. It does not matter what it is – walking, cycling, swimming, football and dancing are all effective.

If you have any questions or feel that you or your child require further support, reach out the Head of Year via office@groveacademy.co.uk.