Taking the stress from exams

It’s the exam that still brings adults out in a cold sweat, years after they sat their final subject – and in less than two weeks, it is the turn of another generation of second-level graduates to sit their Leaving Cert.

It all starts on Wednesday week, June 8 – but already expectations and pressure are at fever pitch. So how do you manage and deal with all of that?

Loughrea-based Marie Barrett is one of the most respective careers guidance advisors in the country – and she knows how to deal with this pressure in a practical way.

Her first tip to students is to ‘make sure to use this last bit of time well – stay in school until it finishes’.

“Some students stay at home thinking they can study better there – but often they get distracted or nerves and anxiety take over. You are better off going to school and being amongst peers who are going through the same experiences,” she says.

At school, there is also the added benefit of having a teacher readily available to answer questions or queries which may help restore confidence and steady nerves.

Next, she recommends students ‘keep the body clock in time of school’ – that means going to bed at an appropriate hour and not staying awake trying to cram work in.

“It’s preferable not to burn the midnight oil; that can work against them and lead to blocking of information due to fatigue,” she explains.

Breaking the day into manageable blocks is a positive and productive step. Marie recommends two-hour blocks of study followed by a half-hour break and a good one and a half hour break during the day.

English is first up for Leaving Cert students on Wednesday week – and Marie Barrett says this ought to be treated “as a court of law”.

“In other words, everything you say, every opinion you give must be backed up with evidence. Find a relevant quote or passage to support your theory,” she expands.

For students taking ordinary level maths she advises, that – if it’s possible – they should still get two or three grinds, because it can still make a difference, particularly in terms of boosting university requirements for that subject.

When it comes to higher level Maths, she simply says: “Grinds have become synonymous with the honours maths” – and the majority of honours students are already receiving extra help.

Another very practical piece of advice is to ‘really look at the subject you’ll be studying’

“It may seem obvious, but many have faltered, even dropping out because they didn’t realise they would have to study X, Y, or Z as part of the course.

“Many students choose to do a business course, for example, without realising they will have to take accountancy as part of that course,” says Marie.

Reading the prospectus carefully and considering your subject choice is of paramount importance.

As for the step up to third-level, students have until July 1 to change their mind, make amendments or add courses to their CAO application.

All of this can be done online and Marie urges students to consider not just plan A, but plan B, C, and beyond.

“For now, it’s all about calmness and confidence,” she says – and as always; preparation is key.

“Know your timetable, have everything ready the night before, take breaks – go for a long walk, swim or gym. Have a massage to slow and calm you down – treat yourself,” she says.

And expect the unexpected.

“Every year, there are nearly certainly one or two papers tougher than anticipated. The upset from that can do damage to deal with the next subject,” she warns.

“When you look at a paper and you’re thrown, stop… count to ten… step back from it and read the question again. Highlight key phrases and avoid rushing in,” she adds.

Parents, for their part, can help by creating a calm environment, conducive to study at home – a healthy environment makes for a healthy mentality.

Marie also suggests parents should consider their words carefully – are they positive or negative?

Or as she puts it: “Do something nice for your stressed out child. An act of kindness can have a positive effect.”

Marie Barrett is founder and a director of MBCS, Marie Barrett Career Services in Loughrea. Email info@mbcs.ie