Exam pupils urged not to cram

One of the country’s largest teaching unions today urged pupils sitting next week’s Leaving and Junior Certificate exams not to stay up all night cramming.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (Asti) appealed to the 113,000 students preparing for the tests to stay calm, stick to a study routine, take breaks and get enough sleep.

The union’s president Michael Freeley said it was important to avoid marathon cramming sessions the night before an exam and to instead do short revision periods.

“End each evening by doing something which relaxes you – even if it’s just for a few moments – and try to get a good night’s sleep,” he said.

“In the morning, eat a healthy breakfast and leave plenty of time for your walk or journey to the exam hall so that you are not rushing at the last minute.”

Mr Freeley stressed while it was completely normal to be anxious about the State exams it was important to keep things in perspective.

“Instead of worrying, try to remain calm and focused and keep telling yourself ’I will try to do the best that I can’,” he said.

“Stick to a routine during the examinations, which includes plenty of breaks, some exercise, and adequate sleep.

“Exam preparation the evening before an exam should include mental planning of the time available for answering each question.

“It should also include setting aside all the items you need for the exam such as pens and other stationery,” he said.

Asti advised students to avoid carrying out unhelpful “post-mortems” of examinations afterwards.

“Also, don’t let media reports lead you to worry about how well you have done in a particular paper,” said Mr Freeley.

“However you feel you may have performed, move your focus to the next exam and think as positively as you can.”