With exam week approaching, two Lower Sixth Formers popped down to give assemblies to boys from Y5 to Y8, sharing their experiences and offering top tips on managing anxiety.
Pui Lam Ng and Kona Dlomu, both Mental Health Ambassadors in the Upper School, gave not one but two brilliant assemblies discussing anxiety, why it is not all bad and, importantly, how to manage it.
The Sixth Formers shared top revision tips with our Prep boys, including:
- Have a clear plan.
- Take breaks.
- Use a traffic light system.
- Reach out for help if you need it.
Before, during and after exams, their recommendations were:
- Get organised the night before.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Have breakfast.
- Do not cram at the last minute – you know this!
- Do not compare answers with your friends – you cannot change them.
Above all, they urged the boys to be kind to themselves and to “remember these exams are just a small part of your life and are good practice for later exams.”
Their talks are a small part of the extensive pastoral support available to boys, which this term also included small group workshops (open to all) on exam anxiety and workshops on building friendships.
Last term saw the introduction of a new breakfast club in the Prep School: ‘Kickstart’ on Monday mornings. The club, for boys who find the start of the new week a challenge, allows them to come into school before registration to chat and play games, beginning their week in a calm, relaxed environment.
A ‘Young Carers’ group launched this term, run by the school’s Lead Counsellor, Amanda Horlick-Coutts. This group is open to boys who help to look after someone at home – whether with emotional or physical support or both.
Boys also benefit from mentoring from Upper School pupils and our Forest School Club. These pastoral activities, and more, reassure and support boys and, with encouragement and inspiration, help them become confident in their abilities and who they are.
