Supporting STUDENT STUDY

Exams season is almost upon us and your pupils might be nervous to get started, you can help them by offering support at every step along the way

In The Lead Up

As a teacher, your pupils see you as someone who is reliable and helpful, there to support them during their school years. This can often mean pupils come to you for advice, support and reassurance as they study for their exams. Alongside offering academic support, try to answer other questions pupils have about what they can expect and where to go if they are feeling extremely stressed. This responsibility doesn’t just fall on you: there should be a wholeschool approach to support. If it hasn’t been highlighted yet, ask your department head or guidance counsellors if there is a plan in place to offer extra emotional support to pupils in the lead up to their exams. Guidance counsellors might already have this covered and will advise you when to refer a pupil to them, or what to do if a young person comes to you with concerns.

During Exams

On April 24, the SQA exams diet begins, and for some pupils, this will be the toughest thing they’ve experienced since starting school. Regardless of how much you and the wider school have prepared them, pupils will be nervous and stressed during this time. Offering encouragement and being available to answer last minute questions or to do topic recaps can make a big difference to their exams experience. Sometimes, being told they’re capable and ready is enough to help a pupil’s nerves.

Supporting Yourself

The exams diet isn’t just a stressful time for the young people in your school, it’s normal if you or your colleagues also feel anxious. There’s a lot of pressure on teachers during this time from pupils, school management and outside sources like parents.

Remember to look after yourself during this time, or you won’t be able to support pupils to the best of your ability. If you are feeling nervous, chat to other teachers in your school – it’s likely that they feel the same way. Sometimes it’s easier to speak to someone anonymously than those close to you. The Education Support Partnership hotline is a great place to go for advice. Call 08000 562 561 to access support.

Looking for resources to support pupils as they prepare for their exams? Mental health charities like See Me (www.seemescotland.org) and Young Minds (www.youngminds. org.uk) have information and advice for young people.

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