The days leading up to the 11+ exams can be a nerve-wracking time for both children and their parents. It's natural to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety as the big day approaches. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate this period effectively, ensuring your child is ready to perform their best. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do (and not do) in the days leading up to the exams and on the day itself, along with some tips on the best foods to boost exam performance.
1. The Days Leading Up to the Exam
Do:
Review Strategically: Focus on revising key topics and areas that your child feels less confident about. Use summary notes and flashcards for quick reviews. Encourage practice with mock exams to simulate the real test environment.
Maintain a Routine: Keep a consistent daily routine to ensure your child gets adequate rest, balanced meals, and time for relaxation. A well-structured routine helps in managing stress and keeps the mind focused.
Positive Reinforcement: Offer words of encouragement and remind your child of their hard work and preparation. A positive mindset can significantly impact their performance.
Relaxation Techniques: Introduce relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise to help manage pre-exam jitters. These can be particularly helpful in keeping anxiety at bay.
Maintain a Register: Keep a detailed register or calendar of all the exams your child will be taking. Note down the dates, times, exam formats (e.g., GL, CSSE, FSCE, written v multiple-choice etc), and venues. Include important details like what to bring, reporting times, and any specific instructions for each exam. This helps in staying organized and ensures that nothing is overlooked.
Plan the Journey: In the days leading up to the exam, plan your journey to the exam location. If possible, do a trial run at the same time of day as the actual exam to gauge travel time, identify potential traffic issues, and find parking spots if needed. This will help reduce any last-minute stress on the exam day.
Don’t:
Avoid Cramming: Last-minute cramming can lead to unnecessary stress and mental exhaustion. Encourage your child to stop intense studying at least a day before the exam to rest and refresh their mind.
Don’t Overwhelm: Avoid bombarding your child with too much information or too many practice tests in the final days. Focus on quality over quantity.
Neglect Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, especially in the final days. Lack of sleep can impair concentration and memory, both of which are crucial during the exam.
2. The Day Before the Exam
The day before the exam is crucial for setting the stage for a successful performance. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Do:
Final Review: Use the day before the exam for a light review of key concepts. Focus on areas that your child is confident in to reinforce their knowledge without adding stress.
Pack the Essentials: Prepare everything your child will need for the exam, including pens, pencils, erasers, a calculator (if allowed), their exam registration slip, and a bottle of water. Pack a small, healthy snack like a banana or a granola bar for breaks.
Get a Good Night's Sleep: Ensure your child goes to bed early and gets a full night’s sleep. Rest is critical for cognitive function and focus.
Relaxation: Encourage your child to relax in the evening. Watch a favourite TV show, read a book, or engage in a calm activity that takes their mind off the exam.
Double-Check the Exam Details: Review your exam register one last time to confirm the exam venue, start time, and any specific instructions. Set an alarm to ensure plenty of time in the morning.
Don’t:
Avoid New Material: Don’t introduce any new topics or difficult concepts the day before the exam. This can lead to confusion and unnecessary stress.
Don’t Skip Meals: Ensure your child eats regular meals and drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated. Balanced nutrition supports cognitive function.
3. On the Day of the Exam
Do:
Start with a Healthy Breakfast: Provide a balanced breakfast that includes slow-releasing carbohydrates (like oatmeal or whole-grain toast) and protein (like eggs or yogurt) to sustain energy levels throughout the exam.
Use the Restroom: Encourage your child to use the restroom before the exam starts, even if they don’t feel the need. This helps avoid unnecessary interruptions during the test. Remind them to also use the restroom during any breaks between papers to stay comfortable and focused.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the exam location early to avoid any last-minute rushes. A calm start to the day can set a positive tone for the exam.
Pack Essentials: Ensure your child has all necessary items, such as pens, pencils, eraser, sharpeners and a bottle of water. Double-check the exam guidelines for any specific requirements. We strongly advise your child to carry two or three sharpened HB pencils, in a transparent pencil case.
Bring a Small Snack: Pack a light, healthy snack for your child to have during breaks between test papers. Suitable options include a banana, a small handful of nuts, or a granola bar. These snacks provide a quick energy boost without causing a sugar crash.
Don’t:
Avoid Sugary Foods: While it might be tempting to offer a quick sugar boost, sugary foods can lead to energy crashes. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates and protein.
Don’t Discuss the Exam Too Much: On the day of the exam, try to keep discussions light and avoid going over exam content. This helps to reduce stress and keeps your child’s mind calm.
Don’t Compare with Others: Reassure your child that their preparation is what matters most. Comparing with peers can create unnecessary pressure.
4. During the Exam
Once your child is in the exam room, it’s important that they stay calm and focused. Here are some tips to help them manage their time and stress effectively:
Do:
Read Instructions Carefully: Encourage your child to take a moment to carefully read all instructions before starting. This ensures they understand what is required for each section.
Pace Themselves: Teach your child to manage their time by dividing it between the different sections of the exam. They should aim to spend an appropriate amount of time on each question and move on if they get stuck.
Stay Calm: If your child encounters a difficult question, remind them to stay calm. It’s okay to skip it and come back later if there’s time. Panic can waste valuable minutes.
Use Breaks Wisely: If there’s a break between papers, encourage your child to use this time to relax, have a light snack, and use the restroom. This will help them to stay focused and comfortable for the next part of the exam.
Double-Check Answers: If time allows, remind your child to go back and double-check their answers. This can help catch any mistakes or questions they might have skipped.
Don’t:
Don’t Rush: Encourage your child not to rush through the exam. It’s better to be thorough and accurate than to finish quickly and make mistakes.
Don’t Get Distracted: Remind your child to stay focused on their own work and not to worry about how fast other students are working. Everyone works at their own pace.
Don’t Leave Questions Blank: If they are unsure of an answer, it’s better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank, especially in multiple-choice sections.
5. Good Food for Exam Performance
Foods to Include:
Oats and Whole Grains: These provide a steady release of energy, keeping your child fuelled throughout the exam.
Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, bananas, and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support brain function.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of essential fatty acids and can improve cognitive function.
Lean Protein: Eggs, chicken, or tofu can help sustain energy levels and keep your child feeling full for longer.
Foods to Avoid:
Sugary Snacks: Sweets, pastries, and sugary drinks can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes, affecting concentration and stamina.
Processed Foods: Avoid foods high in trans fats and sodium, as they can make your child feel sluggish and unfocused.
Caffeine: While not commonly consumed by children, avoid giving them caffeinated drinks, which can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep. Parents are welcome to have a moderate amount of caffeine; trust me, you would need it!
In the days leading up to the 11+ exams and on the day itself, it’s crucial to focus on maintaining a balanced routine, providing positive reinforcement, and ensuring that your child is well-prepared without being overwhelmed. By following these guidelines, planning the journey in advance, and taking care of small details like restroom breaks and suitable snacks, you can help your child approach the exam with confidence and calmness. Remember, the goal is not just to succeed in the exam, but to ensure a positive and supportive experience throughout the process.
All the best!
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