1. Managing Exam Stress Not all stress is negative
If you are stressed, it means you care
Too much stress affects exam performance

2. How to spot exam stress Tired Achy Cry, feel sad Panic attacks
Poor sleep
Stomach upsets
Skin rashes
Colds and ‘flu

3. Develop a positive mindset
Imagine passing – transform stress into positive energy ‘I can do it’
Think about what you will do after
It’s only an exam!
Chance to show off what you know
Can be helpful
You will be the same person after
You have already passed some exams!

4. Stopping negative thoughts
Thought stopping technique
Use a mantra
Focus
Bridging objects
Self talk

5. How to prepare 1
Divide study into chunks of mins with a break in between
Divide each day into 3 units. Divide topics to be covered into units
Make a revision timetable
Switch between different methods of revision
Start with an easy topic

6. How to prepare 2 Take exercise Relaxation therapies
Get a good night’s sleep
Feed your brain
Drink plenty of fluids
Keep up iron levels

7. Stating the obvious You have to revise!!
Leave in plenty of time to get there
Make sure you have all your equipment ready the night before
Avoid too many caffeine containing drinks
Don’t wind each other up with what might or might not come up in the exam

8. Parent/carers have a role too
Encourage don’t push
Use love and affection not criticism and humiliation
Failure is not the end of the world – for them or you!
Let them know that pass or fail, you still love them

9. On the day Make yourself comfortable Take a few deep breaths
Turn paper over and take 5 min to read each question twice
Work out how long to spend on each section
Allow time to check answers over at end
Tackle questions you are certain of first, then go back

10. If you feel panicky … Put down your pen and relax.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply
Shake your arms
Positive self talk
Sniff some essential oil from a handkerchief

11. The ‘F’ word FAILURE is a verb not a noun
If you fail, it does not make you a failure
If at first you don’t succeed, try doing something differently and do it again!
If things do not go as expected, use the opportunity to go in a new direction
If you never fail, you are clearly not trying hard enough …