It’s that time of the year where we are so close to the summer break, and the summer exams, including life-defining GCSE’s and A-levels.
A little bit of stress can be a good thing as it motivates us to knuckle down and work hard. However too much can stop us from performing our best. If you are worried, stressed or constantly panicking, don’t worry. It’s normal and you can get through it. Here are some experiences of exams and revision tips from young people across Ealing.
Moez Rahim-Bux 16, preparing for his a-levels said ‘Set yourself realistic daily goals, I revise for thirty minutes with five minute in between’ he continued ‘there is no point cramming whole load of information in one go, it only wastes time.’
Another revision tip from Winifred Michael is to “read something and explain that in your own words to somebody who had no clue about the topic. That way you are forced to understand it yourself because you are forced to simplify for the other person.”
Aran Gill recommends that “Waking up early then planning out a quick timetable for the day will guide you to focus properly and use your time efficiently” He added “I will read the passage, summarise it in my own words and highlight the key words which I use to remember when testing myself.”
Many students like Sarrah Kimti have said ‘revision should be about understanding, not memorising. Once you understand the work, it will naturally come to you.’ Many agree that exams are just a memory test ‘it doesn’t define your intelligence, just shows how good you are at memorising’
Camilia Basu, 17, stated that “Exam pressures are nothing compared to the pressure of balancing student activities. The expectation from students to get top grades, attend lectures and seminars and go to summer schools and taster courses. Also have a “life outside of school” is difficult.” She continued “it’s increasingly hard for students from low income families to balance it all due to the lack of resources.’
Munraj Singh Chawla summed up his experience of exams “It sucks.”
Talking to young people of Ealing it is evident that exams are clearly pressurising and stressful, but how do we cope with stress? Butrint Bajraktari from Greenford High School told me “Music is definitely one way of getting rid of stress, especially playing drums because it gets you in a better mood.” His revision tips are “Condensed notes, read them before you sleep. It sticks in your head. And once you have all the knowledge, do lots of questions and past papers.”
Another advice is to “go on long walks alone, read a book, do Yoga.”
Everyone is in the same boat so escaping from your desk for a while helps a lot, “you feel a lot fresher and more willing to work afterwards.”
Someone once said “the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” So regardless how far behind you are, starting today is always the best.
Best of luck!
