Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

This week has seen our Seniors complete a major milestone on their academic journey with the completion of the QCS test. This has been the culmination of a preparation program that started in the first week of Term 1. Exam nerves and anxiety are normal. However, our experience has demonstrated that the best way to mitigate these nerves is to be as prepared as possible. I was heartened to hear from one of our Senior leaders that he was not nervous about the exam as he felt that he was as prepared as he possibly could be. He was looking forward to seeing how the cohort would do. I too am also looking forward to how the Seniors will fare as their effort and commitment in the lead up has been excellent. All students have been issued with copies of the exam schedule. Copies can be obtained from Student Services or downloaded from Moodle. These timetables are a necessary part of a strategic revision plan. This week and next week’s challenge is to ensure that our boys exhibit perseverance in their preparation and commitment until the completion of their final exam. Our aim is for each and every student to finish the term knowing that he has given his best, whatever that outcome may be.

Ultimately, the key to good performance is preparation – It is still not too late to be prepared. Therefore, when your son is feeling the pressure of exams here are some hints to share with them:

  • Be prepared. Work backwards from your exam date to plan when you will prepare. Don’t just leave it for the night before. Complete all of the revision sheets. 
  • Use Moodle and the subject checklist to go back through the content you have covered. 
  •  Test yourself: 
    • use flashcards 
    • do as many practice questions as possible 
    • mind dump – close your notes and recall everything you can in your own words 
  • Continue to exercise and eat well. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 
  • Have a good sleep the night before, be well rested. 
  • Go back over your study notes before the exam. Don’t engage in speculative talk. 
  • It is okay to be nervous, in fact, it is normal. Your mates may not obviously show it, but they are just as nervous as you. Feeling nerves is your body’s way of getting ready. 
  • Walk into the exam with confidence – you have done the work, now is the time to show it!

All the best for the next week.