Homework & exams

Homework and exams can cause lots of stress and worry for people. Homework, worry and exam stress can be difficult to overcome, but talking about it can help.

Homework

Doing homework can be really stressful. It might seem like you'll never come to the end of it all, and it can be especially tough if you are worried that you don't understand it. Talking to someone about how you feel can really help.

I don't understand my homework, what can I do?

It can be really worrying if you are having problems with understanding your homework or you don't know what you are supposed to do. Not telling anyone won't make it any better.

Talk to your teacher about how you feel and ask them to explain it to you. You don't have to ask in front of everyone else, talk to your teacher privately. They should be able to help you understand it better and find a way of working that suits you.

If I don't understand my homework am I thick?

Not understanding something at first does not mean you are thick or stupid. Everyone learns in different ways and you have to find a way that suits you.

You could talk to your parents or teachers if you are having problems. They are there to help you and want you to do well. Although it might be scary, they can help you. If you are really worried about talking to them, you can call us at any time for help.

Exam Stress

There can be a lot of pressure on young people to do well in exams which can cause exam stress. All the revision you need to do might seem impossible. There are things you can do to make it a bit easier and feel better about everything that you have to do.

If you are worried about anything, talk to your school teacher or your parents about how you feel and don't be ashamed to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with being worried about exams, it's very normal. Remember, exams are important – but they are not the only key to a successful future.

Revision Tips

There are lots of things you can do to get ready for exams and it's important to find what works for you. Some ideas of Dos and Don'ts are:

Dos

• Have your own revision timetable – start planning well before exams begin. Your teacher should be able to help.
• Make your books, notes and essays user-friendly. Use headings, highlighting and revision cards, and get tips on other revision techniques from teachers and friends with experience of exams. You could also consider buying revision guides.
• Take notes of the important points when revising. Try to answer the questions of past exam papers – explain answers to tricky questions to someone else.
• Everyone revises differently. Find out what routine suits you best - alone or with a friend or parent/carer; early morning or late at night; short, sharp bursts or longer sessions; with music or without noise.
• Ask for help from your teacher/learning mentor, parent/carer or a friend if there are things you don't understand.

Don'ts

• Don't leave revision to the last minute.
• Don't avoid revising subjects you don't like or find difficult.
• Don't forget that there is life beyond revision and exams.
• Don't cram ALL night before an exam – you'll be really tired in the morning.

On the day of the exam

• Have a good breakfast if you can.
• Make sure you know where the exam is being held and what time it starts. Give yourself plenty of time to get there.
• Take all the equipment you need for each exam, including extra pens and pencils.
• Take in a bottle of water and tissues.
• Go to the loo beforehand!
• If you feel really anxious, breathe slowly and deeply while waiting for the exam to start.
• Read the instructions before starting the exam.
• Ask the teacher or exam supervisor if anything is unclear.
• Read through all the questions before starting writing, and make sure you are clear how many questions you are required to answer.
• If there is a choice, start by answering the question you feel you can answer best.
• If you are stuck on a question, go on to the next. You can always come back to it later. If you are really stuck, try to have an intelligent guess anyway.
• Leave time to read through and check your answers before the exam finishes.
• Plan how much time you'll need for each question.

If you are worried about homework or exams and need to talk, you can call us at any time to speak to someone who can help.

Beat exam stress

Download our leaflet about how to beat exam stress. It's got tips on how to revise and loads of useful information to help you get ready for your exams.

Download the Beat exam stress leaflet.