create the right climate know your AMBER pupils? create the right climate spot the signs watch your language make resilient moves signpost support Managing exam stress: 6 tips for teachers

How well are you reading your room? know your AMBER pupils These 2 pupils were asked on the same day at the same time to make a model to reflect how school makes them feel. “My work means that everything I do in life and school will be woven together and contribute to making something big. Everything I do is a small thread that will weave one big fabric.” “I feel strained and exhausted due to school because it requires too much from me.” How well are you reading your room?

know your AMBER pupils? specialist support required or in place lack of confidence potentially struggling anxious invisible confident managing supported Who are the (amber) students in your class as far as exam confidence is concerned? Highlight them on your register, get to know them better and hold them in mind in your lessons

What every teacher can do in every exam class make resilient moves What every teacher can do in every exam class This is the Resilience Framework which underpins the HeadStart programme and its associated interventions. None of these resilience-building strategies are rocket science and EVERYONE in school, no matter what their role, can engage with them and use them every day

create the right climate highlight achievements instil a sense of hope create healthy relationships be a good influence look on the bright side focus on good times and places have a laugh How much do these resilience-building principles underpin your language, your practice and the climate in your exam classes?

create the right climate Things to consider: what does your room look like/feel like? seating plans consistent routines calm & confident language praise & rewards knowing personal information about individuals giving constructive feedback filling in knowledge gaps signposting support supporting vulnerable students to feel more relaxed HeadStart encourages schools and adults to address the CLIMATE of the school, in other words, the ethos/culture. The aim is to support schools to create an emotionally supportive climate in and out of classrooms, where it’s OK not to be OK sometimes and staff are able to help students build their own resilience and promote wellbeing. create the right climate How well are you promoting resilience & wellbeing in your lessons with Year 11?

Kelsey, a Newham student, speaking at the end of Year 11 watch your language Kelsey, a Newham student, speaking at the end of Year 11 “At the end of the day, your results and the letters [and numbers] you get on that paper will never define you as a person and teachers need to tell us that. Because we get told our whole life that those grades will shape our future. They won’t. The decisions that you make and the path you choose to take will define your future. The friends that you make, the conversations that you have, the knowledge that you gain will define your future.” Be honest! How much could your language and behaviour in your exam classes be ADDING to rather than alleviating the stress and anxiety in the room?

signs of stress and anxiety spot the signs hard to get to sleep or wake up in the morning dizziness anxious and grumpy forgetfulness increased heart rate don’t want to eat loss of interest in activities migraines and headaches always tired aches and pains blurred vision signs of stress and anxiety

Has every student in your class got an adult they can talk to signpost support What support is available to your students in your department, in their tutor group and across the whole school? Make sure you pass that information on. Has every student in your class got an adult they can talk to if they are feeling anxious/stressed?

I know which pupils to target for support Managing Exam Stress: Resilient Moves for Teachers I know which pupils to target for support My classroom and routines promote wellbeing and build resilience I look out for signs that students are stressed or anxious I try to be positive at all times and avoid language which is likely to stress students I take time to help students develop their own resilience and make resilient moves I know what support is available to students and regularly encourage vulnerable students to access it All of these strategies help to promote wellbeing and build resilience in the classroom. How many do you practise on a daily basis? Are there any others which have worked for you and that you can recommend?