Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

When you’ve got exams coming up, it can sometimes feel like that’s all you think about. Exams can be a stressful and worrying time. It’s important to take care of yourself during exams. It’s also important to remember that there’s life after exams, whether or not you get the grades you’re hoping for. There are always different routes you can take if things don’t go as planned. 

From what you explained you don’t feel you’re doing so well with your studies and you’re most worried about maths and science. It can feel like there’s a lot of pressure on you around the time of your exams, but it’s important to remember that you can only do your best. Nobody has the right to expect any more of you than you’re able to do. Lots of people find particular subjects difficult and you’ve got the right to get some help with from your teachers so that you understand things more clearly. It’s a good idea to let teachers know about any worries you have, because they might be able suggest things that could help.

When you’re worried about exams it can be normal to think about the subjects you don’t feel as confident in, but it’s also important to remind yourself of things you do well at. Have a think about which subjects you’re doing better in and remember to tell yourself, “Well done!” for any achievements you’ve made. It’s also useful to make sure that you have a good balance between your studies and the rest of your life. Everybody needs time off from working hard, and this means that you come back to your studies a bit more refreshed as well.

Thanks for getting in touch to talk to me about this. Remember that you can always talk to a ChildLine counsellor to speak about your options, your hopes, your worries and how you’re feeling before or after your exams.

Take care,
Sam