It’s March: spring, lambs, chocolate and if you’re Year 11, a feeling of trying to slow time down as the realisation of your GCSEs is just weeks away 🫤
Ok, the first thing is not to panic. Two months at any other time of life would be a looooong time. Like waiting two months before your holiday or how amazing a two month holiday would be. So let’s take a breather. It’s still quite a long time!
Easter is a game-changer. It is a chance for a breather from school and an opportunity to really get things right for the exam period. It’s quite late this year though (2025), so try not to leave everything until then. But this couple of weeks can be make or break, so having a plan to use it wisely is a great idea. It’s also important to think of it as anything rather than a ‘holiday’, so that your brain has a chance of reframing the time. Anything will do – ‘study break’, ‘revision opportunity’ – anything but ‘holiday’. Reframing this will help your brain get in the study mood.
On the flip side, the Easter break is time to take a breather before the last exam push. The exam weeks can be physically and mentally gruelling and it’s important that you turn up as your best self, so keep an eye on your food, sleep, rest and exercise. Get yourself ready in as many ways as possible – try some mindful breathing exercises or listening to your favourite music, like athletes before a race.
What’s really important is to get a revision timetable embedded as soon as possible to give you the best chance of achieving the grades that you need. If your head has been in the sand about this, then getting going with this will really make a difference. If you aren’t here yet, then have a look at this way of getting to grips with revision.
If this is still bamboozling, I have written a short video course to help with this. Just get in touch to find out how to access it.
I think the main thing overall is to DO SOMETHING! Mostly, because in my many years of experience, putting your head in the sand just makes you anxious and it’s best to give your GCSEs your best shot, because they are just a door to the next chapter in your life. Right now, they feel very important, but you need them to unlock the next thing which is going to be much more tailored to your interests. GCSE are a general base for what is next. So get yourself ready to give them your best, then you can leave them behind and get on with your next exciting chapter!
SUE
Owner of Red Bird Tutoring
Sue launched Red Bird Tutoring in 2018, combining her 20+ years experience as a teacher and school leader with her interest in coaching.
Since its launch, Red Bird has helped hundreds of learners achieve success!