Resources for pupils and parents/ carers
Preparing for upcoming exams can be challenging, and you might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, pressure and overwhelm. We have collated some resources below that will help you understand and manage these feelings, alongside some practical tools to help you get started with your revision and to support your exam preparation.
The following information can also be downloaded by clicking on this link Exam Stress and Study Support 2024
Wellbeing
It is important to be aware of your thoughts and feelings and to know how to manage them. Here, you can find some information to support you to navigate and understand what might be happening in your brain, including the importance of sleep and how to relax and be mindful.
Mind – Exam Stress for Young People
Aberdeenshire EPS – Supporting Teenage Wellbeing
Aberdeenshire EPS – Wellbeing Resources
Aberdeenshire EPS – Understanding and Responding to Anxiety
Aberdeenshire EPS – Developing a Positive Outlook
Aberdeenshire EPS – Relaxation and Mindfulness
Studying
If you’re unsure of what study techniques work for you, below you can find links to webpages with lots of ideas of how make the most of your study time; from practical tips and resources to managing your mindset and developing your thinking skills.
Education Scotland Parent Zone – Supporting Study
Pomodoro Technique – Time Management Tool
SkillsYouNeed – Top Tips for Studying
SkillsYouNeed – Learning Skills
BBC Bitesize – Revision: Timetables and Planning
BBC Bitesize – Revision: Top Revision Tips
Aberdeenshire EPS – Thinking Skills
Aberdeenshire EPS – Growth Mindset
Online Community
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety, it’s important to stay connected. You can engage with an online community of peers experiencing similar feelings and access mental health support anonymously via Kooth or Togetherall.
Click here to download Kooth’s Guide to Coping with Exam Stress
Apps
Below you can find a selection of Apps to support your exam preparation, from managing distractions, keeping track of your exam dates, to flashcards and mind maps for your revision. There are similar alternatives to suit different devices, and the list below is not exhaustive so have a look at your app store to see what you can find to make your learning fun and at your fingertips.
Marinara Timer – Pomodoro Technique Time Management Tool
Exam Countdown – Organisation Tool
Simple Mind – Mind Mapping Tool
Offtime – Distraction Management Tool
Quizlet – Flashcard Revision Tool
Assistive Technology
Many people enjoy the benefits of using technology to support their learning. The links below provide an introduction to text to speech software, how to download Scottish voices for the software, and My Study Bar which has many features to aid planning, reading, and writing on your device including colour overlays and reading rulers to help you focus on text.
Call Scotland – Text to Speech Information
Call Scotland – Scottish Voices for Text to Speech Software