A study of 500 parents with children taking exams this year found they actively started getting their own heads GCSE-ready three months ago.
An astonishing seven out of 10 parents have taken time away from work to hit the books alongside their children preparing for GCSEs, reveals a study of 500 parents with kids facing exams this year. It turns out they started to revise some of the subjects three months back, in an attempt to get their head around the curriculum.
Despite their best efforts to familiarise themselves with the current GCSE syllabus, half of all parents polled have struggled to get their heads round what their children are supposed to be learning. While 69% admitted their kids are stressed about the weeks ahead.
In a bid to be supportive, nearly half made up a study schedule, 16% delved into ‘An Inspector Calls’, and 12% endeavoured to memorise ‘Macbeth’. A third have been companions during study sessions, 16% turned to audiobooks, while 12% have pulled all-nighters.
This insight comes courtesy of a study conducted by MyEdSpace, an online education portal now offering free ‘Exam Cram Courses’ complete with live three-hour tutorial sessions, set to prime students ahead of Maths, English and Science exams.
Co-founder of MyEdSpace, Sean Hirons, said: “Understandably, parents just want to help their kids when it comes to exam season – especially those intense few days just before a big test. But that doesn’t have to mean pulling all-nighters themselves or learning Macbeth off by heart.”
“Right now, the best thing parents can do for their kids is keep calm, give them some space and make sure they’re not forgetting to do the basic things like eating regularly or getting a good night’s sleep while they prep.”
“We don’t want any students, or parents, to be feeling overwhelmed or unsupported during this extremely stressful time of year.”
‘Math-fluencer’ Neil Trivedi, who is part of the MyEdSpace team and has streamed revision classes, reaching more than 43,000 students, said: “Bedding in knowledge evenly across the year is obviously the best way to learn.
“There are ways to optimise the revision process. One way to try and solidify your knowledge is to try and explain your work to a peer, those who study together, succeed together.”
Parent’s efforts to help manage their kids through this daunting period are welcome for the most part as 65% ‘actively’ want their mums and dads to help them with revision. Although the research, carried out through OnePoll, found 19% would prefer it if they didn’t.
Reasons why include wanting to be independent (46%), thinking they can revise better on their own (36%), and 28% wanting to prove themselves (28%).
Kharis Yanakidis, co-founder of MyEdSpace which aims to defuse the stress of exam season, understands the pressure, stating: “GCSE season can be overwhelming for students and families, so making revision fun and enjoyable can make all the difference.
“That’s why our team is made up of expert teachers – many of them previous examiners – who last year helped MyEdSpace students achieve grades 7-9 at more than double the national average.”
NEIL TRIVEDI’S TOP FIVE HACKS FOR EXCELING IN EXAMS WITH MINIMAL STRESS:
DON’T SPEND HOURS REMEMBERING FORMULAS:
I’ve never used a formula booklet in my life, I was able to learn all the relevant formulas from practicing questions, you too will naturally remember them with practice. Even better, you learn to recognise which problem they should be used for.
TEACH TO REMEMBER:
Teach a friend, sibling, or even a stuffed animal a concept you’re struggling with – it forces you to consolidate your knowledge.
EVERSE ENGINEER EXAM PAPERS:
Start with the answer, then work backward to understand how to solve the problem.
FOCUS ON PAST EXAM PAPER QUESTIONS:
Textbooks are fine to practice specific mathematics skills – however, during exam season it is most important to gain exam specific exposure. For written subjects, study mark schemes to see exactly what your exam board is looking for.
ADDRESS EVERY MISCONCEPTION:
Do not accept incorrect answers without explanation – if you get a question wrong, make sure you fully understand where you made mistakes and what to address. Do the question again to prove to yourself you have understood your mistake.