guidance counsellor, Salerno Secondary School, Galway
The radiant sun illuminates everything with a warm, golden hue, while the distant hum of lawn mowers resonates in the air. The smell of freshly cut grass serves as a reminder to some that exams are on the horizon.
I have often heard parents say, “I feel like I am studying for the exams as well!” Parents too feel stressed and overwhelmed when their children are preparing for exams. There is a certain responsibility to ensuring their child is successful and happy. These feelings are not uncommon as parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their children at this time. Here are some ideas as to how parents can help prepare their children for the upcoming exams in June.
Practice patience
Covid 19 has had a huge impact on our students’ wellbeing both emotionally and academically. For Leaving Certificate students in Ireland, the pandemic has added an extra layer of stress and uncertainty as they prepare for their exams. This will be the first time they will sit State exams as their official Junior Certificate was cancelled. Patience and understanding is key as they navigate their way through preparation and completion of the exams.
Emotional support
Parents can provide emotional support to their children by being available to listen to them and offer words of encouragement and support. They can also help alleviate stress and anxiety by creating a calm and positive environment at home.
Study environment
Parents can create a suitable study environment for their children by providing a quiet space for studying. They can also help minimise distractions by limiting screen time and encouraging breaks for physical activity and eating healthily. Sometimes students forget to take a break as they get rooted in their study zone. Creating a study timetable with times for breaks and meals with the family will eliminate isolation and burn out.
Help with CAO deadlines
As a parent, it is useful to keep in mind and follow up on the next stages of CAO. The Statement of Application Record has been emailed to all CAO candidates and the Change of Mind facility is now open. The purpose of the Statement of Application Record email is to instruct students to log in and verify that all of their information has been recorded completely and correctly on their CAO account. Please check that personal details have been entered correctly. Pay particular attention to place and date of birth.
If a student has been granted an NUI exemption from the study of Irish and/or a third language and it has not been recorded here please contact CAO immediately. If an NUI exemption from Irish and/or third language is required you can access the exemption form at https://www.nui.ie/college/docs/exemption.pdf. Other colleges and universities have different entry requirements with regards to Irish so it is vital that students have researched this.
The Statement of Application Record will have a copy of all courses applied for. Check that these course codes are correct and in the right order. If any errors or omissions have been made, contact CAO immediately using the “contact” facility on the CAO website www.cao.ie
The Change of Mind facility opened on May 5 and will remain open until July 1. Students can log in to their CAO account free of charge and change the order of their courses and add or take courses away. The only courses that cannot be added are restricted courses. These are courses that require students to sit an extra component, such as HPAT for medicine, or take part in an audition for a music degree.
Parents play a vital role in supporting their children throughout their lives. However, during exams the love, support and encouragement that children need is invaluable. When parents show love and support, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels in children, which in turn, reassures them that their best is good enough.
Good luck to all the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate students sitting their exams in June.
