The importance of maintaining regular
involvement with sport and exercise during the exam season can't be underestimated. There has been a growing tendency to see exclusive blocks of revision as the only option to produce
exam success, withdrawing from competitions and matches at late notice.
Sadly this not only significantly disrupts the remaining teammates but also has the potential to
detrimentally impact upon the physical, emotional and mental health of the individual pupil during
this period. Remaining part of a team / crew / squad with whom one has invested significant time and effort is often the necessary interlude which helps generates a refreshed perspective and appetite for further learning during the revision period.
Numerous scientific studies have explored this issue and have proven the physiological
benefits of regular exercise to keep the mind refreshed and break up the monotony of revision.
This can be complemented by other activities such as breathing techniques, mindfulness and
meditation, all of which can help offset stress and panic which can build in the lead up to exams. See some of the articles below for useful tips on coping with stress during exams:
https://theconversation.com/exam-stress-what-is-it-and-how-can-i-manage-it-97211
https://www.medicaldaily.com/school-sports-may-be-good-preventive-treatment-depression-stress-teens-291596
https://believeperform.com/wellbeing/7-tips-for-exam-season/
A growing area of interest for researchers in this field has been exploring the emotional
importance of remaining involved with peer groups and teammates during the exam season. The
shared experiences and empathy from friends within a team who are undergoing the same kind of
stresses creates a degree of calmness and reassurance which helps to alleviate tension at a key time
in an adolescent’s life. Moreover, the value of a shared commitment as part of a team competing in
a fixture, tournament, regatta, etc. generates greater balance and meaning to young people’s lives.
Exam success is undoubtedly an important aspect of school life which greatly influences future
opportunities but the pursuit of such success should not be to the detriment of one’s emotional
and mental health, nor should it be seen as the only indicator of success and progress.
It is also important to retain perspective, especially for the younger age groups, where end of year
exams are simply an indicator of progress – not a judgement on one’s future academic success. Participating in school fixtures and events is normal for all teenagers and should not be seen as
something to give up to singularly focus on exams and tests. As with most things in life, there isn’t
anything wrong with a bit of balance.
Latest educational and intellectual comment from the Headmaster, senior staff and pupils at Canford School. For more writings please visit www.canford.com/Academic-Blog
Showing posts with label BeingOurselves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BeingOurselves. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 June 2018
Monday, 5 February 2018
Inspiration Matters: Life is a balance so be yourself. Dr Patricia Gibbons - PRS department
Have you ever tried standing on one leg? If you are Rob helping me marshal the House Cross-Country course, or part of my Upper Sixth Philosophy class, you have! It is a bit of T’ai Chi, or preparation to be a karate kid, or practice to help walk the tight-rope at the Climbing Centre. Physical balance, so I have found is something that needs practice.
In the outer world, so in the inner world. What do I mean? To be totally present in one’s body, focussing fully in order to balance, is a great exercise. And so too, is finding balance in one’s inner world – in your thoughts and self-understanding. What does this mean? Well, I’m reading a lot about Carl Gustav Jung, an early psychologist at the beginning of the twentieth century. His psychology is all about balance – about getting in touch with the various aspects on oneself, giving them each their due and finding balance. He was the one who coined the terms ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ to refer to inward looking/quiet aspects of people, and vivacious/outward-looking aspects of people.
We might think of ourselves as one or the other – a bubbly party person being an extrovert and a quiet, reflective person being an introvert. But what Jung demonstrates is that we each have both aspects in ourselves, and we need to honour both in our lives. We need to give ourselves times to be quiet – unplugged and solitary, as well as giving ourselves time to be with people, in company, buzzing and energetic.
I saw a book whose title was Silence: In the Age of Noise – by a Norwegian explorer, Erling Kagge who writes of his adventures in the Antarctic and of the richness of solitude – being by himself, in harmony with himself and fully attentive to his surroundings. The bookseller recommended it, and said he thought we could all do with a bit more silence and solitude.
In my experience it takes practice to be comfortable with silence and solitude and alone-time. We are mostly out of practice because our lives are always surrounded by people and noise and connection. I also know, however, that there is much inner freedom to be had in silence and solitude and connection to yourself – especially in walking or hiking. And it’s also great to connect with others – a real joy to chat with others and share life’s stories.
It's all a matter of balance. So, happy T’ai Chi balancing on one leg, and happy finding that inner balance. Learning to be who you are. And you are great.
This piece was originally written to support our pupils in sport, emphasising character being essential for success, but it applies equally to all young people as they develop along the sometimes difficult road to adulthood.
In the outer world, so in the inner world. What do I mean? To be totally present in one’s body, focussing fully in order to balance, is a great exercise. And so too, is finding balance in one’s inner world – in your thoughts and self-understanding. What does this mean? Well, I’m reading a lot about Carl Gustav Jung, an early psychologist at the beginning of the twentieth century. His psychology is all about balance – about getting in touch with the various aspects on oneself, giving them each their due and finding balance. He was the one who coined the terms ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ to refer to inward looking/quiet aspects of people, and vivacious/outward-looking aspects of people.
We might think of ourselves as one or the other – a bubbly party person being an extrovert and a quiet, reflective person being an introvert. But what Jung demonstrates is that we each have both aspects in ourselves, and we need to honour both in our lives. We need to give ourselves times to be quiet – unplugged and solitary, as well as giving ourselves time to be with people, in company, buzzing and energetic.
I saw a book whose title was Silence: In the Age of Noise – by a Norwegian explorer, Erling Kagge who writes of his adventures in the Antarctic and of the richness of solitude – being by himself, in harmony with himself and fully attentive to his surroundings. The bookseller recommended it, and said he thought we could all do with a bit more silence and solitude.
In my experience it takes practice to be comfortable with silence and solitude and alone-time. We are mostly out of practice because our lives are always surrounded by people and noise and connection. I also know, however, that there is much inner freedom to be had in silence and solitude and connection to yourself – especially in walking or hiking. And it’s also great to connect with others – a real joy to chat with others and share life’s stories.
It's all a matter of balance. So, happy T’ai Chi balancing on one leg, and happy finding that inner balance. Learning to be who you are. And you are great.
This piece was originally written to support our pupils in sport, emphasising character being essential for success, but it applies equally to all young people as they develop along the sometimes difficult road to adulthood.
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