Just like any other year we describe the Leaving Cert as a marathon.
However, this year has been like no other as your training routine has been interrupted, you have been thrown the most mammoth of curveballs in the shape of the COVID-19 crisis.

You have been forced into only engaging with your friends, classmates, extended families and teachers at a distance, you have had to adapt to learning in a different way and to spend many working hours on your own. Well done on a super job! Your teachers have been working hard too and I know that they are very proud of your sustained efforts. Remember, we are all behind the class of 2020!

Starting the Easter holidays may be a lot different this year without the usual catch-ups, hobbies, social life and gatherings to look forward to, so let’s focus on what might help exam students at this stage.

Reflect – Think about all the hard work you have undertaken in the past three weeks and give yourself a giant pat on the back. You have clocked up many hours of valuable work, have kick-started intense revision, and you have stayed focused in a time of great uncertainty.

Recharge – Take a break! At this stage most students have kept a school routine going and in fact have gone beyond that, so it is very important to take a breather. The intense study and increased use of technology takes its toll on the brain, so taking some time away from the books will refresh the mind and re-energise you. This will help concentration levels during the holidays and in the final term. Regardless of the current restrictions, do more of what you enjoy and helps you to relax – play or listen music, exercise, read, watch films, draw, journal, cook, so some DIY work, etc., and get plenty fresh air!

Review – Take stock of what you have done at this stage. Make a list of all topics in all subjects under the following headings – Topics I know well, Topics I need to revise, Topics that need attention. For the next two weeks, focus your attention on the latter group. You now have plenty of time to give the topics that you have put on the long finger. De-clutter by getting rid of notes you don’t need at this stage.

Reset – Once you have taken a break (I recommend taking each weekend of the holidays off), refocus your efforts on working the equivalent of a school day or more if you feel the need to, and maintain a good study routine from Monday to Friday. Plan ahead what subject/topic you are going to focus on each day and try to vary the plan from day to day.

Keep it going – it will be worth it in the end!

Niamh Dwyer, Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore & PRO of Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors.
Any parents or students with queries can email Niamh on careerfocusnow@gmail.com.