Outcomes day 2023: How dad and mom can assist their youngsters on GCSE and A-level outcomes day

As A-level and GCSE outcomes day looms, dad and mom might be questioning methods to greatest assist their youngsters by means of the method.

This 12 months, examination regulator Ofqual has reintroduced pre-pandemic marking standards, making this 12 months’s college students among the most “anxious cohorts ever seen”, in line with the Affiliation of Faculty and School Leaders (ASCL).

In England, this 12 months’s nationwide A-level outcomes on Thursday might be much like these earlier than the pandemic. It comes after Covid-19 led to a rise in high A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with outcomes based mostly on trainer assessments as a substitute of exams.

Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Schooling and Employment Analysis on the College of Buckingham, has prompt 59,154 fewer A* grades and 35,505 fewer A grades might be awarded to sixth-formers this 12 months in contrast with final 12 months.

Faculty leavers are additionally anticipated to face extra competitors for college locations on account of a development in 18-year-olds within the inhabitants – with A-level entries this 12 months rising by 2.3 per cent to 806,410 pupils – in addition to worldwide demand.

Right here, we check out how one can assist assist youngsters who’re receiving grades:

‘It might probably really feel like a balancing act’

On 17 August, a whole bunch of 1000’s 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 folks to know methods to assist their youngsters by means of such a nerve-wracking time.

Joanna Leite, deputy head of Sidcot Unbiased Faculty in Somerset, mentioned examination season could be “traumatic” and “difficult” for some college students and subsequently discovering one of the simplest ways to assist them can typically “really feel like a balancing act.”

“The important thing factor to think about is discovering methods to assist them cope with their emotions in a optimistic approach and avoiding including to the strain they’re experiencing. Prioritising psychological, emotional and bodily well being, discovering efficient shops for stress and making a plan of motion for any potential consequence can go a protracted strategy to serving to college students really feel supported and ready, it doesn’t matter what their outcomes are,” she mentioned.

Mrs Leite mentioned the very first thing you need to do is have fun your youngster’s efforts and that “whatever the consequence, reassure your youngster in regards to the arduous work and energy they put in throughout exams. Have fun their dedication and perseverance”.

She harassed dad and mom shouldn’t examine their youngsters with others. “It’s vital to do not forget that each scholar’s studying journey is completely different, so evaluating towards others isn’t 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,” Mrs Leite added.

Attempt to be empathetic and affected person together with your youngster as some youngsters could react in another way to their outcomes, she mentioned. This can be emotions of pleasure, stress or some could really feel “imposter syndrome.” If college students don’t get the grades they could have wished they will find yourself being “despondent and be arduous on themselves.”

However regardless of the consequence could also be, Mrs Leite mentioned dad and mom ought to be affected person and permit youngsters 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 to your youngster as the method could be “overwhelming”, Mrs Leite mentioned, including: “Determining a transparent plan of motion, from writing out a procuring checklist to coping with paperwork can assist alleviate anxiousness and assist them really feel extra ready.”

She additionally advisable serving to search for various options. You will need to remind your youngster that there are different routes to go in if they don’t get their desired grades and that “is it not the top of the world,” Ms Leite mentioned.

Different choices can be found equivalent to clearing, resitting exams, apprenticeships, a basis 12 months or perhaps a hole 12 months.

The Ucas web site has all the knowledge your youngster wants to maneuver ahead throughout this course of.

Lastly, Mrs Leite mentioned you need to do is “respect” your youngster’s area. “Whereas your assist is vital, teenagers generally want private area to have the ability to freely expertise how they’re feeling. Whereas it’s vital to ensure they don’t seem to be slicing off contact completely, in search of area is a wonderfully regular response. Respect their wants and supply encouragement the place wanted,” she added.

What are the indicators of stress?

In keeping with Thoughts, stress can have an effect on our feelings, physique and thoughts in many various methods.

Among the bodily indicators of stress embody:

• Problem respiration

• 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 achieve or weight reduction

• Modifications to the menstrual cycle

In case your youngster is experiencing any of those signs, speak 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 ensure there aren’t any underlying points.