We appreciate that building up to exams, revising and balancing your commitments is tough for all students. For the student athletes among you we know the time management and juggling everything can be more challenging and potentially overwhelming as you still want to fit in your training.
Number 1 - Share your exam timetable with your coach
This means they will have an idea of what exams you have and when.
Doing this in advance will help the conversations you have with your coach if / when you feel you need to miss a session(s) or reduce your training hours.
It will also help your coach easier or harder sessions depending on where they fit within your exams schedule.
Number 2 - Be prepared
Wake up in good time so you can prepare and get yourself organised.
Start the day with a good breakfast.
Remember to take everything you need, including pencils, pens and a calculator. A bottle of water and some tissues are also useful.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam hall.
Number 3 - Find relaxation / breathing techniques that work for you
Try a breathing exercise if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold it for 2 counts, and breathe out for 7 counts.
There are lots of examples out there so have a look around on you tube to help you.
Relaxation can also mean continuing with your training during exam season to keep you physically active and take your mind off of your exams.
Or it may be other things like, reading, colouring, getting creative, spending time with friends and family to help you focus on something other than exams.
Number 4 - Start each paper calmly
Nerves may be bouncing around and adrenaline has kicked in when you are given the go ahead to start the exam.
Take a few minutes to read the instructions and questions - Be clear on exactly what's expected of you.
Work out if there is a priority order that you prefer e.g:
certain topics first that you are most confident
big mark questions first so you can attack them while fresh
small mark questions first to settle your nerves and ease you in to it
or the tradition front to back
Ask an exam supervisor if anything is unclear – they're there to help you.
Plan how much time you'll need for each question.
Stay calm if you get stuck on a question, just move on and come back to it at the end.
Number 5 - Once it's done it's done
It's natural to want to chat about how it went with your friends but remember you can't change anything at this stage so you may get more stressed doing this.
Once the exam is finished, forget about it.
Take some time out and switch off if you can (see point 3 about relaxation). This may be a short pause or a longer one depending on when your next exam is.
Then shift your focus on to your next exam and revising and doing final preparations for that one. This is more in your control than dwelling on your last exam.
Good luck and remember:
Grades do not define who you are.
Your worth does not decrease if you don't get the grades you want.
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