Exams are a challenging part of life for many young people and adults. As a private exam centre we have more time and flexibility to help people who suffer from exam anxiety. Feeling nervous about exams is natural but if anxiety is taking over, there are some things you can do to help.
Talking Solutions podcast
We are lucky to have a wealth of exams experience and one of our invigilators Sally Hare is also a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Head of Communications for the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH).
Recently our Exams Officer Paul Turner recorded a podcast with Sally discussing exam anxiety: what it is, how it can get in the way, and how to manage it. You can listen to it using these links.
YouTube: Talking Solutions Episode 16 – Talking exam anxiety with Paul Turner. – YouTube
Spotify: Talking Solutions | Podcast on Spotify
Amazon Music: Talking Solutions Podcast | Listen on Amazon Music
Podbean: Talking exam anxiety with Paul Turner | Talking Solutions
Apple: Talking exam anxiety with Paul–Talking Solutions – Apple Podcasts
What can help students experiencing exam anxiety?
If you or a loved one is dealing with exam anxiety there are some things you can do to help.
Visit our exam centre – Visit us in advance to meet centre staff, see some of our exam rooms, go through the exam day procedure, ask questions and just get a feel for the centre and how it works. This will remove some of the unknowns you may be worrying about. You can read more about how we help anxious students here. https://www.3at.org.uk/exam-anxiety-how-we-help-our-anxious-students/
Sit mock exams – Exam technique is a skill in itself. You may know your subject really well but do you know how to manage your time in the pressure of an exam? Can you think clearly in an exam hall with others around you? Practice really can make a difference. By taking mock exams you can practice your exam technique and also reveal any gaps in your learning that need attention. Practicing may ease your concerns and give you a focus. You can discover more about our mock exams here.
Request additional access arrangements – You may benefit from supervised rest breaks in exam situations. This gives the student, should they be overcome with an anxiety, an opportunity to pause the exam and leave the room (with an invigilator), and re-start when they are ready to continue.
Request to sit at back of the exam room – Sitting in a certain part of the room may make a difference to anxiety levels. Some students prefer to sit at the back whilst others would rather be at the front so as not to see other students as easily.
Wear non-electronic headphones / ear-defenders / ear plugs – There is a growing trend in using these pieces of equipment to ease anxiety and block out unwanted noise.
Attend an exam anxiety workshop – Sally runs Exam Anxiety Workshops: https://www.3at.org.uk/exam-anxiety-workshops-book-now/. These may help you find coping techniques to deal with exam stress.
We are here to help
We want all our students to perform to the best of their abilities in their exams and we will endeavour to help you with any exam anxiety as best we can. Contact us to find out more.