As Abhijit Naskar aptly said, ‘The real battle is within yourself.’ When it comes to facing GCSE English exams, the greatest challenge often lies in managing our own fears and anxieties.

Exams are anxiety-inducing because they are ‘high stakes’: there’s a lot riding on them. There are also a lot of unknowns. Will the question on the literature paper be one that I have studied? Will I remember all the quotations I need in the exam? What if I don’t understand the reading paper?

Even though it was a very long time ago that I took my GCSEs, I still remember what an anxious mess I was. Looking back, I recognise that anxiety was not helpful. It manifests itself in all sorts of counterproductive ways, such as revision avoidance, or overwork, lack of sleep and panic attacks. 

Even as a tutor, I am combatting anxiety at the moment. Having spent months getting to know my lovely year 11 tutees and doing my utmost to enable them to do well in their exams, it is incredibly hard to ‘let go’. If I could sit on their desks and give them prompts in the exam hall, I would. I am having to resist the temptation to email them after every exam for a debrief!

For everyone who is about to face their GCSE English exams, here is some last minute advice to tackle the inevitable anxious moments  head on:

 

1. 1. Practise Past Papers: It’s not too late to get in as much targeted practice as you can. By challenging yourself to complete a range of literature and language questions, you are decreasing the likelihood of ‘unknown’’ essay questions coming up. This will help build your confidence and reduce anxiety on exam day.

I’ve written a complete GCSE English language practice paper with expert guidance to give you some last-minute practice. Just download it here. 

1. 1. Take Regular Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks during your revision sessions to avoid burnout. Taking short breaks can help improve concentration and retention of information.

1. 1. Practise Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness into your daily routine to help manage stress and anxiety. 

1. 1. Get Plenty of Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough restful sleep in the days leading up to the exam. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function and increase feelings of anxiety.

1. 1. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: Fuel your body and brain with nutritious foods and plenty of water. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, as they can contribute to feelings of jitteriness and anxiety. If in doubt, reach for a protein bar. 

1. 1. Visualize success: Spend some time visualizing yourself performing well in the exam. Imagine yourself feeling calm, confident, and in control as you tackle each question.

1. 1. Focus on the Present Moment: When it comes to exam day, focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about the outcome. Remind yourself that you’ve prepared as best you can and trust in your abilities. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the moment, follow the 3-3-3 rule: Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm. Whenever you feel your brain going 100 miles per hour, this mental trick can help center your mind, bringing you back to the present moment.

1. 1. Stay positive “In the words of L.M. Montgomery from ‘Anne of Green Gables,’ ‘Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.’ Each exam day presents a new opportunity to showcase your knowledge and abilities. If the last English exam didn’t go as well as you’d hoped, try to put this behind you.

1. 1. Sit, or stand up straight. When we are anxious, we protect our upper body — where our heart and lungs are located — by hunching over.  For an immediate physical antidote to this natural reaction, pull your shoulders back, stand or sit with your feet apart, and open your chest. This helps your body start to sense that it’s back in control.

After your exams are over, please take a moment to celebrate the fact that you have got through them, and have done your best. That is a huge ‘win’ in itself. The summer holidays are a great opportunity for you to unwind, but as the anticipation builds towards exam results day, it’s natural to feel a surge of anxiety. Here are some strategies you can employ to ease  your mind during this time of waiting:

 

• • Distract Yourself: Engage in activities that divert your attention away from worrying about the results. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s playing sports, hanging out with friends in a park, or doing something creative, prioritizing fun can lighten your mood and reduce stress.

• • Master a Skill: Use this waiting period as an opportunity to focus on personal growth. Consider mastering a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, whether it’s learning to cook, or honing your artistic talents. 

• • Revisit Your Passions: Reconnect with activities or interests you may have had to put to one side while you were revising. Return to horse riding, or playing in your music band, or athletics. The world is your oyster now; take advantage of the extra time you have. 

Dealing with Disappointing Results:

If exam results day doesn’t bring you all of the grades that you were hoping for, it’s important to have coping mechanisms in placet.

 

• • Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to process the range of emotions that come with disappointment, whether it’s frustration, sadness, or anger. Suppressing these feelings can prolong their impact, so give yourself permission to take some time out. 

• • Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or your tutor. They can help you to cope emotionally, provide perspective and give you some practical advice. 

• • Maintain Perspective: Remember that exam results are just one aspect of your academic journey and don’t define your worth or potential. Keep in mind that setbacks are temporary.

‘You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.’ 

Maya Angelou

This resilience is key in navigating the ups and downs of exam season.