As the summer exams approach we may expect to see, as in previous years, stories about students experiencing test anxiety. Nobody likes to hear of students being anxious and, like others,  OFQUAL want to play their part in helping young people through the exam period which some will, inevitably, find worrying.

OFQUAL have launched a short series of blogs for teachers and guidance for students. The information provides practical advice for:

• teachers, on how they can support their students manage test anxiety in the lead up to, and during, the exam period; and
• students, on managing any anxiety they feel and on supporting their friends.

The blogs have been written by researchers and practitioners who work together through the University of Manchester’s Institute of Education. Over the coming weeks, these specialists will share their knowledge on issues such as ‘Understanding test anxiety,’ ‘What is it like to experience test anxiety? A student’s perspective,’ ‘What schools can do about test anxiety’ and ‘Talking to your students about test anxiety’. You can read their first blog, here.

The OFQUAL student guide, ‘Coping with exam pressure,’ has been produced in conjunction with a researcher (and former school and college teacher) at Liverpool John Moores University.