Dear Friends,
The end of May and most of June means only one thing for many of our young people and that is exams. Whether they are the end of Year 6 SAT tests in our Primary Schools at Powick, Madresfield and Callow End, GCSEs in our High Schools or A-Levels in School at the Sixth Form College, there can be few things in life that bring as much anxiety and worry as being tested.
The Bible tells us not to worry about our lives and points out that worrying cannot add a single hour to your span of life (Luke 12:25), however as many of us will know, this is easier said than done. Particularly when you feel that your whole future depends on the results of upcoming exams.
It can also be a difficult and challenging time for parents and carers who are trying to support their young person through these demanding periods. It is worth looking out for the symptoms of stress, which can include physical symptoms like changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feeling sick, sweaty palms or fast heart rate as well irritable behaviour.
While it is important that parents and carers give support at this important time, it can be difficult to know how to approach it. The website youngminds.org.uk has some great ideas on how to support your young person. They suggest that parents don’t police their child but enable them. Encourage your young person to let go of the competitive peer pressure. Let them take things at their own pace, in their preferred learning style and help them to set realistic goals. Also help them to keep a sense of perspective; remind them that it is simply a test of memory, not a test of their intelligence. Self-care is really important. Make sure your young person eats regularly, takes regular breaks and sleeps well. And don’t forget to have some fun time as well. Focus on activities they enjoy and plan a reward with them for after the final exam.
Ultimately, your young person wants to live up to your expectations, which provides its own level of pressure. To counter this keep telling them how much you love them and are proud of them. And reassure them that whatever happens on results day you will be there to support them.
In church we will be praying for all our young people across the two parishes throughout this exam season. As Julian of Norwich said – All will be well.
With every blessing,
Rev Gary