GIS Newsletter March 2018

From Mr Share: Head of Secondary
Dear Parents and Carers,
Health and Wellbeing during examinations – a few tips for the whole family,
We are in the last full week of school for our IGCSE and IB2 students and when we return to school at the end of April it will only
be 1 month until the whole school takes the end of year examinations. The next few weeks will be crucial in terms of preparation,
reflection and support for all our students but especially for our external examinations students who may increasingly feel
the pressure. I issue the following advice for the whole family at this time every year.
Recent sessions for students and families on preparing properly for examinations should certainly be helpful but the following is
a summary for all families with students taking examinations in any year group. Research has shown that parental support is
eight times more important in determining a child's academic success than social class. The Campaign for Learning found that
parental involvement in a child's education can mean the difference between an A* and an ‘also-ran’ grade at GCSE and IB.
The report, called ‘Give Your Child a Better Chance’, by Dr Leon Feinstein of the London School of Economics, said: "Interested
parents made a huge difference, regardless of class or income.”
The first thing to do that helps a child is to talk to them (not interrogate them or push them), encourage them to talk about how
they are doing or feeling. Reassurance is vital and therefore letting your child know that you love them and support them is extremely
re-assuring. It also is vital that both partners (where possible) are seen to be involved in the support process.
Examinations can be a stressful time for everyone in the family and therefore below is a list of tips to help the whole family take
part in to help avoid (as much as realistically possible) exam stress in the next few weeks and months. This is taken from a
mental health organisation in the UK that is dedicated to working with parents and young people.
Accept this is potentially going to be a stressful time for the whole family – expect outbursts and try to remain calm.
Try and find out as early as possible what is expected of your child and when their exams will be. These are normally posted on
the school website. Try and work with your child and support them rather than policing them.
Be clear that avoiding subjects they find difficult will not be helpful in the long run.
Find out what revision techniques are recommended by the school, and check out online revision sites.
If you have any concerns or questions, contact the school rather than relying on your child to do it.
Encourage your child to have a separate revision area to help put them in a frame of mind of knowing when to work (without
distractions) and knowing when to relax, sleep etc.
Encourage your child to have regular breaks, to do something they enjoy, even if it’s just half an hour off for their favourite TV
programme or DVD.
Make sure they eat healthy snacks regularly, and drink enough so they don’t get dehydrated – you can always pop your head in
to see how they are doing and bring them a drink.
Exercise is also a good way to relax, even just a walk round the block.
Respect their body clocks – many teenagers are more alert during the night and this may be the best time for them to revise
even though it makes parents anxious!
Try and plan something nice for your child when it’s all over – reward them for trying their best, however they feel it went.
Good luck and remember to ask us if we can help at all.
Regards
Mr Share
Head of Secondary
headsec@gardenrayong.com