To all our pupils as you approach the starting line for examinations, I want to wish you well for the next few weeks with a few thoughts – some serious and some light-hearted. This is a significant time, and while it can feel daunting, it is also a chance to show yourself just what you can achieve.
There is a great line in the famous old movie Chariots of Fire, as the runner Eric Liddell stands on the starting line and asks: “Then where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within.”
Eric was absolutely right – but the power also comes from those around you. Never underestimate the strength you can draw from your teachers, tutors, HMs, friends, and family. You may be facing these exams as individuals, but you are supported by a great team that wants nothing more than to see you succeed.
First of all, I’m not going to wish you luck. I want to wish you something far more important: self-belief and courage.
When you receive “good luck” messages, remember they aren’t really about luck – these are your friends and family sending you their love and support, and reminding you that you are not alone in this. Luck may play a small part in your examinations – perhaps the way the questions, or even the phrasing of a question falls, but you must not worry about this – only worry about the things you can control, not that which is beyond your control.
1 Start your days right.
When you wake up in the mornings ahead, you may feel nervous. I often lie in bed scrunching my toes, which tingle with nerves, when I have a difficult day ahead, and I hide in bed just a little longer than I should. Don’t follow my example! Get up, move, stretch, hydrate. The day ahead is never as daunting once you are up and moving.
2 Calm your nerves.
When the nerves are jangling in that difficult period shortly before an examination starts, think about your breathing. Try this: breathe in for a count of 7, and out for 11. Repeat. This 7/11 breathing technique can settle the mind and give you a sense of control before an exam.
3 Use the rhythm and routines of school.
They have never been more important and valuable to you as your examinations actually start. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, stick to regular mealtimes, build in time each day to relax, do music practice, sports training, whatever is part of your usual routine.
4 Respect others’ exam rhythms.
Everyone handles nerves differently. Some will chatter and pace. Others may go quiet and seem a bit withdrawn. Neither is right or wrong – just be kind and patient with one another. Care for yourself, and care for each other.
5 Be sensitive post-exam.
You may want to dissect the paper as soon as it’s over, but remember: others may have found it harder, or want to move on. Be considerate – and above all, look ahead, not behind. Focus on what comes next.
6 Pace yourself.
You have worked hard and will need to keep doing so, but don’t forget to find moments of joy. There is a real camaraderie and sense of connection that occurs during exam season. Ride it together. Support one another. Remember the Mars Bar formula: work, rest and play.
7 The basics matter.
Sleep. Good Food. Exercise. Water. These simple things can make a huge difference. Don’t underestimate how much they affect your ability to think clearly and stay focused.
8 You’ve done this before – and excelled.
Remember those times before a concert, a play, or a big match – when you felt nervous, uncertain, even sluggish, but when the curtain went up or the whistle blew, you were fine, in fact you were magnificent! Exams are no different. Trust in your preparation and let the moment bring out your best.
9 A few tips once in the exam room:
- Answer the question (not just read it).
- Beware of ‘full-toss syndrome’ – stay sharp even when it feels easy.
- Avoid ‘last-line-itis’ – concentrate right to the final word of the final exam.
- Make the examiner your friend – be clear, neat, and direct.
- Think then write – don’t let panic fill the page before your brain engages.
10 Remember: these grades do not define you.
They are important, yes – but they are not the most important measurement of who you are. What matters now is how you approach this period – with courage, focus, determination, perseverance and above all courage and self-belief. If you do that, the results will look after themselves and you will feel good about yourselves, regardless of what the final results may be.
It is never too late to make a start, and every little effort counts.
Finally, be kind to your parents and teachers – they may fuss or nag, but it is because they care deeply. Let their support lift you.
So, as the starting gun fires and the race begins, dig deep, trust yourself, and lean on the team round you. You’ve got this.
