Students and teachers get ready for exam season
Getty ImagesGCSE and A-level students are gearing up ahead of exam season starting this month.
Nathan Richardson, assistant principal at John Cabot Academy in Kingswood, Bristol, said there was an "element of nervousness" among Year 11 students, but a "positive" mood overall.
The school's teaching staff and pastoral team have been helping to prepare the pupils for their exams since Year 10 by organising mocks, extra revision sessions and offering additional support for those who are particularly anxious.
"Even though we want them to thrive academically, we want them to thrive as human beings, so we balance our expectations with kindness and recognition for their well-being," Mr Richardson said.
He added the students performed well in their mocks.
'It's up to me'
Keshawn, a Year 11 student at the school, said he is "walking into exams with a good mindset" after doing mocks.
To prepare for his GCSEs, he has been revising more at home and with friends.
He has also practiced past papers and has sought help and feedback from teachers to improve his marks.
"It's up to me to do well.
"If I decide to muck about and not take it seriously, I won't do well," Keshawn said.
After he finishes his GCSEs, Keshawn hopes to study sport before potentially embarking on a career as a physiotherapist.
'Plenty of opportunities'
Zofie Lloyd-Kucia, a psychotherapist from Stoke Bishop, said parents can help support their children's feelings about exams by staying calm themselves.
"Most of the kids that get anxious are really sensitive to other people's emotions," she said.
"Worry is a form of fear and it's not supportive, whereas if you come from a place of imagining your child doing well, you're going to be more calm and more tapped into the right things to say.
"The crazy thing is, we worry about their anxiety, but worry is what creates anxiety," she added.
She also advised students to ensure that they get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to help their mental health.
Mr Richardson added: "For students, doing their best is good enough.
"However they do, its not the end of the world - they'll be plenty of opportunities beyond GCSEs, so they'll always be okay."
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