Welcome to the final instalment in our comprehensive blog series designed to support teachers in guiding their students through PE GCSE exam revision. As educators, you play a crucial role in preparing your students for academic success, and we’re here to provide you with effective strategies to enhance your teaching.

Our series began with exam preparation tips, offering insights on how to help students set up productive study schedules and create conducive learning environments.

We then focused on reviewing content, providing structured approaches to breaking down key topics and concepts essential for the exams.

We followed this with active learning and revision techniques to make your lessons and students’ revision more engaging and impactful.

In last week’s insight, to ensure your students can effectively apply their knowledge, we discussed how to use past papers and construct answers.

Today, we will focus on wellbeing strategies, emphasising the importance of your students maintaining a healthy balance during the revision period.

Wellbeing

Preparing for GCSE exams can be a challenging and stressful period. Maintaining wellbeing during this time is crucial to ensure that students can perform at their best. Wellbeing encompasses both mental and physical health, and looking after themselves in these areas can help them manage stress, stay focused, and maintain a positive outlook.

This section will provide practical tips and strategies that students should be aware of for maintaining their wellbeing.

Looking after physical health

Balanced diet

The importance of balanced nutrition during the exam period cannot be overestimated. Food affects brain function and memory so students should aim for a balanced diet of whole grains, colourful fresh fruit and vegetables, protein, and fats that are high in omega 3. They should drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks. If students struggle to achieve a well-balanced diet, they may wish to take a multi-vitamin-mineral supplement that includes vitamins B, C and E, as well as Magnesium.

Regular exercise

Hopefully, your students already engage in regular physical activity, but they should be reminded of the importance of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Stretching, walking and running can rejuvenate the mind and body, reduce stress and improve concentration.

Adequate sleep

Research evidence suggests that neural connections are remodelled during sleep, playing an important role in memory. Deep sleep in particular is important for memory consolidation and sleep deprivation is known to impair ability to complete cognitive tasks successfully.

Teenagers aged 15 and 16 should aim to get between 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. This amount of sleep is crucial for their physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Adequate sleep supports growth and development, improves concentration and memory, and helps regulate mood. Here are some tips for your students to get a good night’s sleep:

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends. A regular routine is best.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath.

Reduce exposure to screens (phones, tablets, computers) at least an hour before bedtime to prevent blue light from disrupting sleep patterns.

Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains and white noise machines if needed.

Avoid exercise close to bedtime as this can impact sleep.

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and sugar.

If they struggle to sleep, suggest they get out of bed and do something soothing until they feel tired again. They can practise some sort of relaxation technique such as meditation and deep breathing. Another good technique is alternately tensing and relaxing muscles for several minutes.

Looking after mental health

Maintaining mental health during the GCSE exam period is essential for students to perform at their best and manage stress effectively. The strategies above to help with physical health will also impact mental health. Here are additional strategies to help students look after their mental well-being during this time:

Create a balanced study schedule that includes breaks and avoids last-minute cramming. See the first insight in this series on exam preparation for advice on this.

Take short breaks between study sessions to move around and refresh their mind. The Pomodoro Technique recommends 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break.

Spend time with family and friends, share your feelings, and seek support when needed.

Study with friends or join study groups to share knowledge and reduce feelings of isolation.

Make time for activities they enjoy to relax and unwind and engage in creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing an instrument to express themselves and relieve stress.

Cultivate a positive mindset by being kind to themselves and rewarding their efforts and achievements. This can be enhanced through positive affirmations to boost confidence and maintain a healthy outlook.

Professional Help

If stress becomes unmanageable, encourage your students to seek support from school counsellors, their GP or mental health professionals. 

There are many mental health support services, helplines and online resources for additional support. They could try tic+, Youngminds, Action for Children and HappyMaps

Conclusion

By encouraging balanced study routines, promoting physical activity, and fostering a positive mindset, you can help your students navigate this challenging time with resilience and confidence. Prioritising their mental and physical health not only enhances their exam performance but also equips them with valuable life skills. Together, let’s ensure our students emerge from this period not only successful in their exams but also healthier and stronger in mind and body.

Read more

Read this insight on the relationship between mental health and physical activity

Read this book on support students’ mental health

Resources

Resources from this Supercharging PE Exam Revision series will be available to subscribers next week.