TOP TIPS FOR ENTRANCE EXAM SUCCESS | Surbiton High School
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TOP TIPS FOR ENTRANCE EXAM SUCCESS

Posted: 20th November 2023

The hard work is nearly done and now it’s time to relax and read our top tips to finish the final preparations for your child for the exams.

As a parent myself, I know how daunting it can be; not just for the children sitting the exam, but also the parents watching their children head off to seal their destiny for senior school!

I’ve listed a few tips below for you to pass on to your child before the exam and hopefully make the experience feel less overwhelming and, dare I suggest, even a pleasurable achievement:

  1. We’ll get the obvious ones out of the way first: Ensure your child eats and drinks sensibly. It’s probably best for children to stick to breakfasts they know and love. A bowl of Crunchy Nut might not be the most nutritious breakfast, but it will get them through the tests with a sense of some normality.
  2. Try to reassure them that they’ve done everything they need to by this point. They have no doubt worked hard building up to the exam.
  3. At this stage, there’s no need to go over lots of practice papers, but it would be worth covering some common sense approaches: not over thinking their responses, what to do if they get stuck on one question etc.
  4. Have some fun. The night before the work is complete. Wind down by watching a funny movie or comedy sketch or play a board game; something that has absolutely nothing to do with the exam. Time to relax is important.
  5. Get a good night’s sleep – nothing helps concentration more.
  6. On the day – let your child wear what he/she feels most comfortable in.
  7. Allow plenty of time prior to the exam. There is nothing worse than adding to the last minute stress by not being able to find a parking space and having to park further away than you allowed time for.
  8. Let them know it’s natural to feel a bit stressed and what that stress might feel like – the butterflies in the tummy and the faster, palpably louder heartbeat. Get them to take a few deep breaths before they dive into the tests.
  9. Finally, remind them, they are not alone. Everyone else will be in the same boat.

Good luck, and my fingers are crossed for each and every child that they secure a place in their school of choice.

Kate Sharp

Head of Examinations

Categories: Exams Senior School