17th May 2010 9:00
By Blue Tutors
In a recent article on the BBC’s website, Mr. George Turnbull gives advice for students currently preparing for their GCSE and A-level exams. Mr. Turnbull is the ‘exam doctor’ at Ofqual, the regulatory body for exams in the UK. His role is to help students with any questions that they may have, and can be contacted by anyone at examsdoctor@ofqual.gov.uk.
Part of the advice given is designed to help students during their revision periods. Turnbull suggests mixing up work and play, and ensuring that breaks are short but regular, rather than what he calls a “work, work, play, play” approach, where a student will work a long time without a break, but then also spend a long time away from revision. This is a policy long advocated by Blue Tutors.
The advice give by George Turnbull also concerns what a student can do on the day of their exams; a leisurely breakfast, and relaxed walk to the exam is advised. He suggests not talking to friends too much, to try and stay relaxed, but points out that some anxiety is only to be expected. The point is made that students should speak up if there is anything that bothers them; squeaky shoes, and whispers between invigilators are things that students don’t have to put up with.
It might help you to ask your tutor to recreate exam situations before the big day, so that you can practise and feel comfortable when it really matters.