This week, students across England and Wales are on half-term, yet many are likely dedicating their time off to additional revision rather than using the break to rest and recover.
In light of this, ex-teacher and Head of STEM at Save My Exams, Lucy Kirkham, discusses how prioritising a balance between revising and taking time out to relax can help avoid exam anxiety and other issues that could affect a student’s performance during their GCSEs.
Lucy Kirkham, Head of STEM at Save My Exams, comments:
Focus on balance
“It’s often hard for students to know whether they should be working during the school holidays, especially if exams are coming up.
“My advice is that students need to prioritise a healthy balance between revision and relaxation. Teens shouldn’t be studying intensely all day, every day, because that could burn them out, which is ultimately counterproductive.
“Instead, half-term should include proper downtime. Without it, students risk becoming overwhelmed and mentally exhausted, neither of which supports effective revision or assessment preparation.
“Nearly 85% of UK students have exam anxiety, so taking time to reset is essential, especially as there won’t be another break before the upcoming remaining exams. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s vital and too often overlooked.”
Be organised to stop the chances of overworking
“When revising during half-term, make sure to do it in a structured way. Being as organised as possible will take away the burden of being consumed by revision. Creating a holiday-specific revision timetable can help students to have adequate downtime, which allows them to switch off and rest. This can positively impact productivity, as well as their mental health and overall mood.”
Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and normal routine
“It is also really important to try and maintain a routine during the holidays. Going to bed and getting a good night’s sleep helps with information retention, alongside boosting concentration and keeping teens fit and healthy.
“Additionally, it’s important to ensure that teens continue to properly fuel their bodies during the May half-term. This includes eating nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water. It’s best to avoid high-fat, sugary foods and caffeinated drinks, as these can lead to hyperactivity and cause energy and concentration levels to fluctuate.
“Once students have finished their exams, they should simply focus on getting rest. After periods of hard work, commitment, and concentration, it’s important that children and their parents also know the value of taking a break. For students, this can be something they look forward to, and even view as rewarding and uplifting”
