By Guidance Counsellor Niamh Dwyer

As you return to school for your final term your focus will certainly be on making the best use of your time in the countdown to the exams.

With just over seven weeks to the start of the exams on June 7, it is really important that you look after yourself, revise effectively and work on your exam technique. The year of the Leaving Certificate is often compared to a marathon, so pacing yourself at this stage is essential so that you conserve some energy for the exams themselves. It can be tempting to try to pack in as many hours as possible of study in the final weeks as you grapple with the feeling that you don’t have enough done. Push those thoughts to one side and be sensible in your approach. Just like any long distance runner, if you exert yourself, you will have a lot less energy to perform well in the exams. It is all about striking the right balance between revision, rest and relaxation. Emotions can vary for Leaving Cert students at this stage of the year. You may feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed while also feeling excited about finishing up in school and moving on to the next stage. Whatever you are feeling is normal and you are not alone. If you need to, chat to family and friends and reach out to those who support you in school.

Plan, prepare and prioritise

Approach this final term strategically. Plan ahead for each week. Make a list of exactly what you are going to revise for the week and draw up a daily priority list. At the end of each day tick off what you have achieved and plan for the next day. Review your mock exam papers and marking schemes. Prioritise the areas that need attention and fill in the gaps in your learning. At this stage it is essential that you practice lots of exam questions. Make sure you are clear on the layout of the paper in each subject, the breakdown of marks for each section and the time allocation for each question. When you are completing full exam questions, practice against the clock. Do your best to switch off all distractions particularly notifications on the phone and social media, so you can concentrate fully to maximise the use of your time.

Study sessions work best in short bursts at this stage, just like a High Intensity Internal Training (HIIT) session. Keep revision sessions to 45 minutes and take quick breaks to get up and move around regularly. Prepare glance notes and Mind Maps which will be really helpful in the days leading up to the exams. Always finish revision sessions by looking at an exam question on the topic.

Using a break down as follows might help:

* Survey the key headings, sub-headings, key points, diagrams, tables, maps etc (5 mins)
* Read the important information carefully, take very brief notes if it helps, but don’t overdo it. Concentrate on learning the content (20 mins)
* Recall what you can by brainstorming what you can remember on a blank sheet of paper (5 mins)
* Review what you are unsure about and have a look at an exam question on the topic to see how confident you would be to attempt it. Then check out the solution and marking scheme (15 mins)

Self-care is key

Above all else, you need to take care of yourself in the lead up to the exams. Eat well and stay hydrated. Avoid too many caffeinated drinks. Get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Don’t study too late and always allow time to do whatever relaxes you after study – take the dog for a walk, listen to music, try some meditation/mindfulness if it helps, watch Netflix for a short while. You know what works best for you. Keep things in perspective. The Leaving Cert attracts a lot of media attention every year, try to keep that hype at a distance and focus on staying on track with your own exam preparation. This year has been tough and tiring but you are almost there now so keep it going! Remember that whatever happens in the exams, you have lots of options and pathways open to you and a ‘study-free’ summer to look forward to!

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and a member of Kerry Branch of IGC. See www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.