GCSE study by DD

[Nula12]

Hi all
New to Mumsnet. My DD is 16 and studying for her GCSE exams that are due to start in just over 2 weeks.
She is studying hard but her moods are all over the show. I don't want her to get too stressed and I wondered if you all can give me a bit of advise of support that we can give. I'm just doing the usual, nice treats, not pushing her to do chores, trying to not bite back when she is being cheeky. Just tying to keep things nice and calm to be honest.
Any advise?
Thanks

[TeenAndTween]

Hi,
You may want to join the www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2850907-Year-11-support-thread

Sounds like you are doing fine.
Fresh air / exercise every day.
Suggest she doesn't discuss papers with others after the event - no good can come of it.

[UppityHumpty]

Essential oils

[MaisyPops]

Teacher here.
I've told my y11 students to take each hour of revision and do 45 mins of focused revision (e.g. plan the specific topic and task in advance so there's no wasted time fussing) and then have 15 mins break.

Other things I've suggested:

• eating proper breakfasts
  
• not using their smartphones and tablets late at night in bed
  
• make the most of study spaces in school
  
• block off evenings and parts of the weekend to have a break, do their hobbies, see friends etc
  
• when revising work on the things they're least confident with first as that's how they can improve their grade most whilst having balance
  
• exercise or fresh air most days
  
• avoid any negative chatter / bravado "how little revision I've done" (every student who's said that in class has privately told me they're scared and are definitely revising!)
  
• remind them that if they've worked hard and listened to their teachers for the last 2 years they will be just fine.

[Nula12]

Thanks for the replies x

[BigSandyBalls2015]

You sound lovely Maisy, that's a very balanced view of it all.

I have two DDs in year 11 and their school have consistently given the kids the message that the world will end if they don't achieve a string of A* ...... give up your hobbies ...... stop socialising ......revise very minute.

This isn't a grammar or independent school - it's a south London academy.

[Nula12]

I have to be honest there is a lot of pressure from the school to do well.
DD is off school with a really heavy cold and a terrible cough and she still set her alarm for 9 and started studying.
We have just told her that as long as she does her best we will be pleased whatever the results. But we know she has worked hard so that's ok.
I just don't want her to be stressed. She is generally a very happy wee thing and maybe the moods are more an age thing.
We will continue with what we are doing and I think getting her to take more breaks will help too x