As the exam season approaches, GCSE, BTec, and A-level students, along with those taking National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers in Scotland, find themselves in a period often marked by stress and anxiety. This time of year can be particularly intense, leaving students and their families feeling the weight of academic expectations. In light of this, how can families navigate through the pressure? Meet the Jolley family from Essex, a household of five where educational discussions are part of daily life.

Steve Jolley, 48, serves as the head of sixth form at The FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh, where he once guided me through my own A-levels back in 2010. His eldest daughter, Emma, now 19, is pursuing a degree in criminology at Bristol University. Reflecting on her own A-level revision experience, she admits it was overwhelming at times. Meanwhile, her younger brother, Ben, aged 18, has a passion for math and physics. He found preparing for his GCSEs a bit easier than Emma, but is facing the challenge of A-levels with determination. The youngest sibling, Jess, aged 15, is an enthusiastic athlete keen on basketball and the arts; she plans to attend a basketball college following her GCSEs. With such diverse interests among the children, how does the Jolley family cope with the stress of exams, especially with Steve's background in education?

1. Open Up the Conversation

Emma recalls her own struggles during her A-level year, stating, "I was very overwhelmed and I didn't want to do it." Recently diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), she has gained insight into her difficulties with focus and the pressure she experiences as deadlines approach. "I need the pressure, but I also hate it because I get so stressed and burnt out easily," she confesses. For Emma, the initiation of study sessions often posed a challenge, stemming from her ADHD affecting her ability to break tasks into manageable parts. "I think there's a lot of shame and guilt because I thought I was being lazy," she explains. "When I feel overwhelmed, I even get headaches." Thankfully, her father was instrumental in helping her create a structured study plan to keep her on track.

Steve reflects on the tough moments he witnessed, saying, "I have very strong memories of Emma sitting at this kitchen table, crying her eyes out, getting really, really stressed about revision." He emphasized the importance of resilience, recounting how they would encourage her to take breaks but return to work the next day. As a parent, Steve acknowledges the instinct to shield your children from discomfort, but he also recognizes the importance of facing challenges head-on. Parenting expert Stevie Goulding from Young Minds advises that keeping communication channels open is crucial during exams. Parents should be observant and sensitive to signs of distress, such as changes in sleep or eating habits, and offer plenty of reassurance to their children.

2. Be Creative in Revision

Ben, unlike Emma, prefers a more dynamic approach to studying. "I absolutely hate just sitting down with a laptop or book and just working," he admits, though he recognizes that this method helps him retain information. He has consistently achieved high marks in his GCSEsmostly 7s, 8s, and 9sand approaches his upcoming A-levels with confidence. Both Ben and Emma found that practicing past papers and applying their revision to real questions is integral to their learning. Ben explains, "If I'm not doing questions to apply it, it just doesn't go in." However, different methods work for different personalities. Stevie encourages parents to think creatively about revision techniquesconsider using flashcards, mind maps, or educational YouTube videos. Jess shares, "I love flashcardsthey're so easy and quick," adding that they allow her parents to be involved, helping them test her knowledge.

3. Stay Connected to What You Love

While it may seem tempting to eliminate leisure activities during stressful times, expert Stevie emphasizes the necessity of balancing study with relaxation. Such breaks are vital for mental well-being and can ultimately enhance exam performance. For Emma, taking walks with her family and their dog Maisie, alongside reading, provided a much-needed respite during her A-level preparations. Jess, passionate about basketball, expressed concern over a knee injury that might hinder her ability to unwind before her GCSE exams. "Now I just come home and nap," she confessed, highlighting her anxiety over the grades she needs for basketball college. Ben finds solace in gaming with friends but recognizes when it's time to return to his studies. Maintaining a healthy lifestyleeating well, staying hydrated, and engaging in enjoyable activitiesare key elements in supporting cognitive function during exam periods, according to Stevie.

4. Limit Distractions

Though smartphones can help students stay connected, they also pose significant distractions. Emma shares her struggle with this, stating, "I have to hide my phone underneath books or behind my laptop. If I see it, I'll just go on it." Jess admits she hasn't yet figured out how to manage her phone use while studying for her GCSEs. Steve offers to take Jess's phone away to help her focus, although he recognizes that forcing someone into a situation where they feel monitored isn't effective. He reflects, "I don't think anyone is going to learn if they're being forced to sit in a room with someone standing over them."

5. Acknowledge and Validate Worries

It's easy for parents to reassure their children with phrases like, "Don't worry, it'll be fine," but such remarks can sometimes diminish their concerns. Stevie explains that acknowledging a child's worries can be far more beneficial: "I can absolutely hear that you are worried, and it's completely natural in exams, but you've put so much time and energy into revision. You've worked so hard, and whatever happens, we'll be here to support you." This approach fosters a more open dialogue where children feel heard and understood.

As for Steve, he reiterates the importance of stepping away when stress levels escalate. "Staying healthymentally and physicallyhas to be the most important thing," he states. He emphasizes that when tensions flare during revision, it's essential to take time apart to cool off. According to Stevie, having a cooling-off period allows everyone to reflect and understand the frustration, providing a platform for supportive dialogue once calm is restored.

In conclusion, the exam period can bring its unique set of challenges, but with open communication, creative revision strategies, and a healthy balance of work and leisure, families can navigate this stressful time together.