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Mrs Hearne
Acting Head of Teaching and Learning

Dealing with extra pressure during assessment periods

In the last newsletter, I outlined my tips for preparing well for examinations. Now that the examination period has started for Year 10 and is imminent for Years 7, 8 and 9, it is helpful to think about dealing with extra pressure.

A certain level of stress is helpful during assessment periods. It is a good motivator for studying and assists with concentration during the test. However, there can be times when students feel overwhelmed and therefore are unable to perform at their best. They can be so stressed that they find it difficult to focus, recall information and apply knowledge.

Developing techniques that assist with routine and remaining calm throughout this period are important not only for this assessment period but for those in the future. At Meriden, the tests are shorter for Years 7, 8 and 9 and primarily done in classrooms during their normal class period. This eases students into the test environment. In Year 10, we intentionally move the examinations into a larger environment, such as the Wallis Auditorium, so that students can gain practice with tests in this environment before they are in Years 11 and 12.

Students will often have multiple tests on one day and throughout the week. The preparation and planning for this is an essential process in their development. Students can have two tests on one day in the HSC examination period, so learning how to cope with this early is extremely beneficial.

If your daughter is worried about this, please reassure her that it is a normal component of schooling. She should focus on the preparation she has done throughout the year, in class and at home, and use this experience to showcase her knowledge and understanding.