As teachers and educational professionals, we have a responsibility to support our students not only academically but also emotionally. The lead-up to exams can be an incredibly stressful time for students, but it's essential to recognise that stress can manifest in various ways beyond just exam preparation. In this article, we'll explore warning signs and strategies to help ease student stress, both during exam season and throughout the school year.
Noticing changes in your students’ mental health
Before you can support a student, you need to know that they are suffering from stress, and unfortunately we can’t always rely on children to tell us how they are feeling, or why. Here are some notable changes that can be spotted in a students morale when they are feeling stressed or under pressure:
Changes in personality and behaviour Behavioural personality changes can be a strong indicator that something is wrong. From a lack of interest to mood swings, unusual lateness or work that is below their usual standards; all of these are indicators that something is troubling your student.
Isolation If you notice your student is socially isolating themselves or withdrawing from friendship groups this could represent a change in their mental health (or friendship trouble being a contributing factor to struggles).
Changes in appearance From unusual covering of skin to notable changes in weight, changes in appearance can indicate a bigger problem, from self-harm to eating disorders, and more.
Be aware of circumstances and influences We all know that in the lead up to exams many students may appear more stressed than usual, or in Primary Schools, Year 6’s and 11s, students can feel particularly stressed at the idea of moving to a new school at the end of the year (head to our blog on helping the move to secondary school for more advice on this). Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on students are particular times of the year and when you are aware that there are circumstances that may cause more stress than usual.
Managing school stress for primary pupils
Primary school pupils may experience stress related to academic pressure, social dynamics and transitions between school and home. To support them there are a variety of techniques you can use inside and outside of the classroom:
Foster a positive classroom environment Create a safe and supportive classroom where students feel valued and respected. Encourage open communication and empathy among classmates.
Teach stress management techniques Introduce mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques and relaxation activities to help young students cope with stress. Incorporate these practices into daily routines to promote emotional well-being. This can including teaching yoga and meditation techniques as part of your PE lesson plans.
Encourage play and physical activity Allow time for unstructured play and outdoor activities, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Incorporate movement breaks into lessons to keep students engaged and energised.
Be aware of language and it’s impact When discussing SATs and other testing methods throughout primary school, be sure to be careful of the language you use and references to what the tests will mean. Using gentle language and methods can ease test-related stress in primary school children.
You can find out more about supporting children’s mental health in primary schools via our blog here.
Managing school stress for secondary school students:
Secondary school students face additional stressors such as academic expectations, peer relationships and future planning. As an educational professional you can support them by:
Provide academic support Offer study skills workshops, revision tips and time management strategies to help students prepare for exams effectively. Break down complex tasks into manageable steps and provide ongoing feedback and support.
Promote work-life balance Encourage students to maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities and personal interests. Emphasise the importance of self-care and taking breaks to prevent burnout. Head to our article on how to strike the right home-school balance for secondary school students for more hints, tips and guidance on this.
Create a supportive peer network Facilitate peer support groups or mentoring programs where students can share experiences, offer encouragement, and seek advice from their peers. Building strong connections with classmates can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
Exam preparation as a form of stress and beyond
While exam preparation is a significant source of stress for students, it's essential to recognise that stress can stem from various other factors, including family issues, social pressures and mental health challenges. To address these concerns:
Encourage open dialogue Create opportunities for students to discuss their feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Be approachable and non-judgmental, and offer guidance and resources as needed.
Provide access to support services Ensure students have access to school counsellors, mental health professionals and other support services. Promote awareness of available resources and destigmatise seeking help for mental health issues.
Foster resilience and coping skills Teach students resilience-building strategies such as problem-solving, positive self-talk and seeking social support. Encourage them to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively.
By implementing these strategies, teachers and educational professionals can play a vital role in supporting students' mental health and well-being. By creating a positive and supportive learning environment, promoting stress management techniques and addressing the root causes of stress, we can help our students thrive academically and emotionally, both during exam season and beyond.
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