Jessica Andrews, head of year five at Marlborough House School, on how to manage exam anxiety
Preparation for formal tests is, at some stage, an essential part of every child?s educational journey. Unfair as it may sometimes seem, we all know that exam success can secure a first choice of school, point to a specialist area of study, define a career path and even save you money on school fees! All parents want the very best for their children, so as a mother and teacher, I understand that test preparation is regarded as a very big deal.
Government figures report that 10 per cent of children aged five to 16 have been diagnosed with a mental health problem, and no doubt the pressure of formal exams has played its part in that statistic. Pre-testing in Year 6 for senior school entry at 13 is becoming more and more common and this can further add to the pressure pupils are already under. Happily for some children, being formally assessed can be a walk in the park, but for others, the fear of failure can prompt tears at bedtime, poor sleep and eating patterns and high levels of anxiety as they carry the weight of their and their family?s aspirations on their shoulders. Parents have a large part to play in helping to alleviate children?s anxieties by firstly having a realistic view of their child?s ability. A strong teacher/parent relationship is central to developing an understanding of how a child learns best, so tailored revision plans can play to their strengths. Teachers als...