Minimising Nerves and Boosting Performance on Exam Day.

A bit of nerves is normal, but planning ahead can help you stay calm and focused:

• Plan Your Morning: Pack your bag the night before with all the equipment you’ll need—pens, pencils, a calculator, and your exam timetable. Arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.

• Know What to Expect: Make sure you know which exams are when and what topics will be covered. This helps reduce uncertainty and build confidence.

• Eat Breakfast: A balanced breakfast can help you concentrate better during the exam.

• Don’t Cram in the Morning: Spend no more than 25 minutes reviewing key points you’ve already revised—don’t try to learn anything new.

• Stay Calm and Focused: Before the exam starts, take a few deep breaths to steady your nerves. Positive self-talk—reminding yourself you’ve prepared well—can also help.

• Read Instructions Carefully: At the start of the exam, take a minute to read the instructions thoroughly so you know what’s expected.

• Time Management: Plan how long to spend on each question and stick to it. Move on if you get stuck—come back later if you have time.

• Stay Positive: If your mind goes blank, pause, take a few slow breaths, and try to focus on an easier question to build your confidence back up. Keep trying, stay determined, and remember that doing your best is what matters most.