School life comes with its own difficulties. From settling in with new teachers, to making new friends and keeping up with the heavy amounts of work given, school life clearly isn’t easy to tackle. However, all students have a shared goal, which is to work their way through each year and complete the exams at the end, to test their knowledge and move onto the next step in their learning. If you currently have a child that is preparing revision for their A level exams, you will probably have felt the stress that radiates from them. Exam season, especially when it comes to further education, is an extremely difficult time for students, parents and in some cases teachers, as individuals are working extremely hard to achieve the grades they need to get into their dream schools or jobs. Often, parents can feel helpless when they see their young one struggling, as they aren’t sure what they can do to ease the burden. However, it may seem the only way to truly help them is by understanding and explaining the content, but the truth is, there are many other ways to ensure your child is feeling comfort and ease during this daunting time. Below is a guide advised by one of the best A level schools in London, on supporting your child with their A level exams.
What are A levels?
Before explaining the ways that you can support your child during their exams, it is important that you have a brief understanding of what A levels are, as it will give you a better idea of what to expect. A levels are a subject-based qualification that run over a course of 2 years, with students taking a final set of exams at the end of the time period. Students are expected to take on a heavier work load at this point in their lives, which is why you may notice that their approach to exams is different to when they completed their GCSEs. This is because A levels are studied in a lot of depth, with tutors being on hand for advice and support, rather than to guide them through each step of the journey. This approach is to ensure students are prepared for higher education or the workforce, which means they will be in need of a lot of support at home.
Open communication and study schedules
Whilst your child is studying for their A level exams, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your child. This is because it encourages them to share their feelings, worries, and academic goals. Be sure to actively listen to their concerns and provide plenty of reassurance and understanding. Ensure that the home environment is supportive and a place where they feel comfortable enough to discuss their exam related worries. When this has been established, sit with your child and create a realistic study schedule. The majority of the time, students will put their studies off or avoid them entirely due to the thought of not knowing where to start. By creating an easy-to-follow plan, your child can organise their time, organise study breaks and ensure they are up to date with revision.
Home life
Revision for A level exams will take up a lot of your child’s time, which means they won’t have as much time to prepare healthy meals, and will most likely be doing all nighters. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is eating balanced meals and getting enough sleep at night. If they have other commitments at home such as chores, try and relieve them as it will ensure they have more time to spend on studying. Additionally, exam stress is common amongst students, especially towards the official exam days. Teach your child some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, to ensure they are managing their anxiety well.
A level exams are difficult, and a time where students need a whole lot of support. Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure your child is able to find some ease during this tough time.
