Don't panic Mr Mainwaring!
Mary Robinson at the London Region organised a series of 'Exam Anxiety Counselling' sessions in September 2003. I was ready, willing and and a prime candidate!
Picture this - me, a middle-aged woman, blubbing BEFORE the French oral exam. How pathetic is that? With only one chance to show the fruits of my eight months labour, I am beset by panic-attacks, sweaty palms, and brain-void syndrome where every French word I know leaves my brain, but sadly, not via my mouth. I dread exams.
Now fast-forward two years and see me confidently take my seat for the L211 written exam, see me organise my desk, see me bite deeply into the first piece of chocolate I've had for three months. Legalised chocolate-eating! What bliss!
This change was wrought by Susan Tyler, our enthusiastic coach, enlivening what might have been a dull lecture, and dispelling many of my fears.
We kicked off with a Saturday morning session at Birkbeck College for the Revision and Exam Techniques Workshop, followed by two evening sessions at the London Regional Offices in Camden.
We were given active learning ideas to help us get the stuff in there and revision tips to help us sort out what's important and what to leave. Knowing what examiners want and exam-room techniques such as getting yourself organised in advance and making sure you have enough chocolate (my favourite tip!) were extremely helpful. We were also given mini-quick relaxers which can be done before and even during the exams, and tips on coping with mental turmoil, such as how to nuke those negative little inner voices which destroy self-confidence. However, the highlight and the most useful help came from understanding how the brain works, which was very simply explained, and the brain gym exercises which help with concentration, focussing, and improving mental and visual clarity.
Yes, that was me, drawing large lazy-eights in the air with my thumbs entwined, and then walking on the spot whilst tapping my knees with the opposite hand.
If you suffer from exam nerves then I really do recommend that you go to the next round of these sessions which I imagine, and hope, will be in September next year.
Bonne chance!
1st November 2003
