Teach Secondary Issue 14.3

often while showcasing only the highest achievements of all, creating unrealistic standards in the process. Teachers should know the common signs that indicate when a student may be struggling with exam anxiety. These can include: • Avoidance behaviours – a tendency towards procrastination, skipping classes or finding excuses to avoid exam-related activities • Perfectionism – an obsessive focus on achieving flawless results, often leading to stress and disappointment • Negative self-talk – frequent expressions of self-doubt, pessimism regarding their own abilities or catastrophic thinking around potential outcomes • Physical symptoms – headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances or changes in appetite It’s important to note that anxiety can itself significantly affect students’ performance, however well-prepared they might otherwise be. The stress response can interfere with essential cognitive functions such as recall and problem- solving, thus potentially leading to underperformance that won’t reflect the student’s true abilities or level of preparation. The shift to a more granular, ‘9 to 1’ numerical system of GCSE grading has also created the impression of there being finer distinctions between grades, further fuelling the drive of some to pursue ‘perfect’ exam scores. Howto help There are some practical steps that teachers can take to help students prepare more effectively, and minimise the effects of exam stress. 1. Create a supportive classroom culture As mentors and guides, teachers should focus on normalising the inevitable, yet manageable feelings of stress most students will feel by encouraging open conversations around exam pressure. This will help students realise they’re not alone. 2. Don’t use revision as a punishment Structured revision, active recall and spaced learning are powerful tools that can help students feel more in control of their exam preparation. Regular low-stakes quizzes, for instance, can reinforce learning while also building confidence. Helping students create their own revision timetables can be another way of making the revision process more manageable. 3. Reframe exam fears The key to alleviating exam anxiety is to build up students’ confidence. Focus on progress, rather than perfection, as celebrating improvements can significantly boost students’ self-belief. Another effective strategy is to break down larger (realistic and achievable) goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. That way, students get to experience a sense of accomplishment more often. 4. Help students prepare Teachers can introduce students to mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises they can then use to stay calm and focused before entering the examhall. Establishing pre-exam classroom routines can also help students feel more grounded and prepared. It’s crucial that students be encouraged to focus on the process, rather than just the outcomes. Reminding them of their efforts and preparation can help to alleviate some of the pressure associated with results. Make exams less scary Help students develop resilience, effective study habits and healthy coping mechanisms by implementing small, yet meaningful changes in your school’s exam culture. It’s perhaps time to also consider a wider paradigm shift. Are exams really how we want to assess students’ academic performance in 2025? The debate’s unlikely to be settled any time soon – but in the meantime, we can at least help our students manage their exam anxiety more effectively, for the sake of their future life skills and academic knowledge. If we can transform exam season from a cause of dread into an opportunity for self-discovery, we’ll see more students consistently perform at their best. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ryan Lockett is director of studies at TLC LIVE and headteacher at the TLC LIVE Online School CURB THOSE EXAMBLUES Mindfulness is the act of focusing on the present moment, and is a proven technique for alleviating stress and anxiety. Some mindfulness techniques you could incorporate into your practice include: Running short, guided relaxation sessions before exams, such as deep breathing, visualisation and progressive muscle relaxation Providing a ‘calm corner’ or check-in system for more anxious students Encouraging all pupils to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations concerning their personal strengths and abilities Encouraging pupils to support each other and share effective revision and preparation strategies through peer-to-peer support groups Helping students create personalised exam plans and revision timetables – or at a minimum, showing them some effective examples of what these might look like 33 teachwire.net/secondary G C S E s TEACH SECONDARY SPECIAL GCSEs