Exam support suggestions for Barak parents
Here are some parent tips and suggestions in providing support for your child as they prepare themselves to undertake their Year 10, 11 and 12 exams:
BEFORE THE EXAM
- Exam schedule
Know your child’s entire Exam Schedule (click here). List the dates and times for their exams on a calendar, and stick on the fridge in the kitchen. Shade the previous 2-3 days with a red colour to emphasise this time as a ‘hotspot’. Establish a transport plan for how your child is getting to and from the College for each exam (and yes, ensuring that they wake up on time) - Reviewing upcoming Exams together
Many students insist that ‘everything’s sorted!’ when asked by parents, ‘Do you need help?’ Insist on sitting with your child 2-3 days before each exam to go over the exam’s structure, their revision notes/materials. Having these conversations aren’t necessarily about ‘finding answers’ — what’s important is that your child will be going over exam material in their mind as they explain it to you. Ask them questions such as:
* ‘Are there compulsory questions?’
* ‘Are there predictable questions or topic areas?’
* 'Which topic areas do you think will be asked for this exam-section?’
DURING EACH EXAM
- Importance of sleep over the three-week period
Seven to eight hours of sleep each night is essential. Late-night study sessions should be avoided. Encourage your child to do ‘screen-time’ study activities up until 9.00-9.30pm, and then notetaking/reading study activities after that, until around 10.00pm. This will help your child ‘turn their brain off’ and power down into relax mode, better readying them for a good night’s sleep.
- Diet, exercise and a ‘balanced’ routine
A good breakfast is critical. Are they eating regularly and nutritiously? Help them avoid ‘grazing’ on junk food (especially if it’s sugar-loaded — causing energy spikes, etc). Have fresh fruit, vegies and dips, ‘trail mix’, nuts, etc for snacks. Encourage them to have ‘down time’ after each exam. Go for a walk or to the gym with them. They need to rest and recharge before they do any preparation for their next paper.
- Social interaction
Don’t let your child isolate themselves in their room studying. Encourage them to have breaks. Insist on sharing meal times together as a family or coming out to spend time with visitors in short breaks. Emphasise face-to-face interaction with friends over online-interaction.
- Preparing for the ‘X-factor’
Many families have situations going on that can directly or indirectly impact students undertaking their exams. Sometimes these situations can include family distress or a family member having serious health issues. Have a conversation together over expectations and how to best manage these situations if they occur around the days during the exam period.
AFTER EACH EXAM
- Post-exam debrief
Sit with your child after each exam over a cup of tea or coffee and let them ‘debrief’. Let them recount (and unload) their day’s experience — guiding them to not focus on their errors/omissions, but how to take that day’s experience and see how it can inform/better prepare for the next exam day.
If you have any questions, please contact any of the Barak Campus team during school hours.
