How dad and mom can help their kids on GCSE and A-level outcomes day
As A-level and GCSE outcomes day looms, dad and mom might be questioning greatest help their kids by the method.
This yr, examination regulator Ofqual has reintroduced pre-pandemic marking standards, making this yr’s college students a number of the most “anxious cohorts ever seen”, in line with the Affiliation of College and Faculty Leaders (ASCL).
In England, this yr’s nationwide A-level outcomes on Thursday might be just like these earlier than the pandemic. It comes after Covid-19 led to a rise in prime A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with outcomes primarily based on trainer assessments as an alternative of exams.
Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Schooling and Employment Analysis on the College of Buckingham, has advised 59,154 fewer A* grades and 35,505 fewer A grades might be awarded to sixth-formers this yr in contrast with final yr.
College leavers are additionally anticipated to face extra competitors for college locations because of a progress in 18-year-olds within the inhabitants – with A-level entries this yr rising by 2.3 per cent to 806,410 pupils – in addition to worldwide demand.
Right here, we check out how one can assist help kids who’re receiving grades:
‘It will probably really feel like a balancing act’
On 17 August, a whole bunch of hundreds of scholars throughout the nation might be opening their A-level examination outcomes. Only a week later, on 24 August, youthful college students will even be ready to obtain their GCSE outcomes.
With college students nervously awaiting their outcomes, it may be fairly tough for fogeys to know assist their kids by such a nerve-wracking time.
Joanna Leite, deputy head of Sidcot Impartial College in Somerset, stated examination season might be “hectic” and “difficult” for some college students and subsequently discovering the easiest way to help them can usually “really feel like a balancing act.”
“The important thing factor to think about is discovering methods to assist them take care of their emotions in a constructive approach and avoiding including to the stress they’re experiencing. Prioritising psychological, emotional and bodily well being, discovering efficient retailers for stress and making a plan of motion for any potential consequence can go an extended technique to serving to college students really feel supported and ready, it doesn’t matter what their outcomes are,” she stated.
Ms Leite stated the very first thing you must do is rejoice your little one’s efforts and that “whatever the consequence, reassure your little one in regards to the arduous work and energy they put in throughout exams. Have a good time their dedication and perseverance”.
She pressured dad and mom mustn’t examine their kids with others. “It’s essential to keep in mind that each scholar’s studying journey is completely different, so evaluating towards others is rarely going to be a good or productive course of. As an alternative, make investments power find a approach ahead. Get the ball rolling on various plans or discover different choices,” Ms Leite added.
(Getty Photographs/iStockphoto)
Attempt to be empathetic and affected person along with your little one as some kids might react in a different way to their outcomes, she stated. This can be emotions of pleasure, stress or some might really feel “imposter syndrome.” If college students don’t get the grades they might have needed they will find yourself being “despondent and be arduous on themselves.”
However regardless of the consequence could also be, Ms Leite stated dad and mom must be affected person and permit kids to course of issues at their very own tempo. “Be delicate and attempt to keep away from dismissive statements. Validating their emotions could make them really feel understood and supported,” she added.
It’s all the time greatest to plan forward to ease issues in your little one as the method might be “overwhelming”, Ms Leite stated, including: “Determining a transparent plan of motion, from writing out a procuring checklist to coping with paperwork will help alleviate nervousness and assist them really feel extra ready.”
She additionally beneficial serving to search for various options. It is very important remind your little one that there are different routes to go in if they don’t get their desired grades and that “is it not the tip of the world,” Ms Leite stated.
Different choices can be found similar to clearing, resitting exams, apprenticeships, a basis yr or perhaps a hole yr.
The Ucas web site has all the data your little one wants to maneuver ahead throughout this course of.
Lastly, Mr Leite stated you must do is “respect” your little one’s area. “Whereas your help is essential, teenagers generally want private area to have the ability to freely expertise how they’re feeling. Whereas it’s essential to verify they aren’t chopping off contact solely, looking for area is a superbly regular response. Respect their wants and supply encouragement the place wanted,” she added.
What are the indicators of stress?
In accordance with Thoughts, stress can have an effect on our feelings, physique and thoughts in many various methods.
Among the bodily indicators of stress embody:
• Issue respiratory
• Panic assaults
• Blurred eyesight or sore eyes
• Issues with sleep
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Complications
• Chest pains and hypertension
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Feeling sick, dizzy or faint
• Sudden weight acquire or weight reduction
• Adjustments to the menstrual cycle
In case your little one is experiencing any of those signs, discuss to them, be affected person and listen to them out. If the degrees of stress proceed to develop, dad and mom ought to seek the advice of their native GP to verify there aren’t any underlying points.
