As the summer exams approach we may expect to see, as in previous years, stories about students experiencing test anxiety. Nobody likes to hear of students being anxious and, like others, we want to play our part in helping young people through the exam period which some will, inevitably, find worrying.
We are launching today a short series of blogs for teachers and guidance for students. The information provides practical advice for:
- teachers, on how they can support their students manage test anxiety in the lead up to, and during, the exam period; and
- students, on managing any anxiety they feel and on supporting their friends.
The blogs have been written by researchers and practitioners who work together through the University of Manchester’s Institute of Education. Over the coming weeks, these specialists will share their knowledge on issues such as ‘Understanding test anxiety,’ ‘What is it like to experience test anxiety? A student’s perspective,’ ‘What schools can do about test anxiety’ and ‘Talking to your students about test anxiety’. You can read their first blog, here. Our student guide, ‘Coping with exam pressure,’ has been produced in conjunction with a researcher (and former school and college teacher) at Liverpool John Moores University.
If you would like to talk to Ofqual about any of the issues raised in this blog, please contact us at public.enquiries@ofqual.gov.uk.
By Julie Swan, Executive Director General Qualifications, Ofqual