Examinations have commenced today for Years 10 and 11 students. Year 9 students start examinations on Tuesday 11 June. These summative assessments sometimes create a level of stress as students desire to perform well and manage their study and revision. 

At St Catherine’s we are acutely aware of developing in every student the resilience to manage themselves, their learning, and their study. At St Catherine’s we know learning and wellbeing are closely linked.  

We know students with positive wellbeing are more engaged, successful learners. Our teachers spend time modelling, scaffolding and coaching students on how to effectively revise and prepare for their summative assessments and examinations. This term our weekly Academic Advisory Program has focused on a healthy mindset and study strategies for examinations.  

Examinations can bring a level of anxiety and stress. It is important to acknowledge that certain levels of stress are a normal part of life. Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller comments that “stress might feel unpleasant. But realising that it is your body’s way of revving you up and helping you to perform at your best, will help you to keep these feelings in perspective.”   

Students need to get stressed and get used to experiencing stress as a normal and natural feeling. Getting stressed allows students to learn how to effectively manage this emotion and step into strategies to assist with managing their stress around examinations. 

Strategies for a Healthier Study Mindset: Managing Emotions (Academic Advisory) 

Performing well in an examination means students need to focus on the question or topic area in front of them. A key reminder for all students is “what do I need to do now?” Keeping the revision and study in perspective is key to mitigating any feelings of stress. 

Fuller asks us all to remember the 5Ps that are captured in an old saying: ‘Perfect Preparation Predicts Powerful Performance.’ Therefore, what are some key preparation strategies for examinations? The Academic Advisory Program teaches students how to prepare for their examinations. I encourage all parents to access this program on our mystcatherines portal to support their daughters.  

Strategies for Revision: Retrieval Practice (Academic Advisory)  

Balance and structure are so important during examinations. We welcome students to work at School in the Nicholas Library throughout the examination period. This creates a structure for their day and access to their teachers for support and consultation.  

Supporting students to perform at their best requires a multifaceted approach, integrating effective study techniques, mental wellbeing strategies, and supportive environments. Parents play a pivotal role in this process by providing structure and emotional support at home.  

As always, we aim to work in partnership to support every student in their examination preparation and revision.