HIGH SCHOOL
It’s Exam Season 2020
Protecting & Developing Learners Emotional Well-being
Ms. LaTosha Parker-Jackson - IGCSE Coordinator
But, how can we (school administrators, teachers, parents, and friends) develop and look after the mental well-being of these students? Appropriately and efficiently preparing for examinations in all subject areas is important. But in what ways are students taking care of their emotional health during this time of high anxiety?
Here are some tips and suggestions for those asking the same questions.
*If using a study schedule to plan out daily/weekly revision, be sure to schedule in mindfulness activities. And, do not study for long extended periods of time wherein the mind with become too exhausted to be productive.
*If a student is feeling overwhelmed, encourage him/her to speak openly and honestly with someone they trust. A member of staff at school, a parent or adult confidant, or a fellow friend.
*Get active and outside. Take advantage of the changing of seasons in Malta by meeting up with friends to take a hike or hang out at the beach.
*Refer to a 2018 article from UK based newspaper, The Independent, on this very topic, for more advice and things to think about.
These upcoming external examinations will serve as, what we in the field of education call, a “teachable moment”. An extremely daunting and challenging task is set before them. No matter how much they may dread this task, it will take place, and soon. One can either accept this task and prepare to achieve their personal goals; OR one can get so consumed in thinking about how daunting and challenging the task is, that they become overwhelmed with fear, preventing proper preparation.
What is important is that students are provided with the necessary tools, ways of coping with anxiety, and efficient study techniques needed to appropriately prepare for exam season, all while protecting their emotional well-being.
As we enter into the month of March, all of our Grade 10 learners are anxiously inching closer and closer to the start of their “official 2020 exam season”. Starting with a Drama component taking place on March 31, until the practical Computer Science exam on June 5; this group of thirty-eight students will sit for a combined total of sixty-eight exam papers in nineteen different subjects.
What a monumental task ahead of them!
We are here to help, guide, or just listen.
Good luck to all students (and parents) as we embark on exam season 2020.