This Is Guernsey

By Anna Brehaut

STUDENTS could reduce stress in preparation for exams by prioritising their time, according to a teacher.

A century-old method of using relaxation techniques while revising for exams could help local students.

A UK initiative, known as the Alexander Technique, offers students advice on various ways to lesson anxiety.

Grammar School careers teacher John Lihou said students could help themselves with better organisation.

‘I have heard of the Alexander technique for revision but, unfortunately, the problem is that some students leave everything right to the end, which increases the amount of pressure,’ he said.

‘Students need to prioritise their time and try to avoid all the distractions such as MP3 players and mobile phones.’

Mr Lihou said that the level of stress was increased when students put extra pressure on themselves to achieve top grades.

For him, the level of success for an individual student was not always represented by the statistics and results.

‘If someone manages to achieve a grade D or an E with a great deal of hard work, then for me they are as successful as someone who puts in the same amount of effort and achieves an A grade.’

Parents and teachers also feel the strain of the exam season but Mr Lihou said that the island was fortunate because there was not a high amount of competition between the different schools.

Trust administrator Donna Brehaut completed her A-levels in the summer.

She said the Alexander Technique seemed to be an effective way to aid revision but she advised students to structure their study plan efficiently, finding a system that worked best for them.

‘It’s all about the individual,’ she said. ‘Everyone is different and various techniques work better for different people.

‘I think that there is a lot of pressure on students, especially if they plan to further their education at university because they need to get the right scores.’
Miss Brehaut said that she used certain techniques that helped her cope.

These included revision guides, highlighting and repetition.
Exams start in May and continue till the end of June.

Grammar School students gave their techniques on revision:
‘I shorten all my notes, mind map and read everything through.
‘I try to do one subject a day so I don’t get confused, making sure I take regular breaks,’ said Anna Le Moigne, 18.

Jade Attwooll, 16, said that he reads through his books and take notes.

‘I take a break every half an hour because it is hard to concentrate for too long.’

‘I go through the main facts and write them down, said 17-year-old Brian Le Prevost.
‘It is easier to remember that way.

‘I use different colours for different subjects. I also make up and use various rhymes which are easy to remember,’ he said.
Hannah Coutu, 17, said her method was to read the books and notes and write down all the important facts as she went.

‘I make sure I give myself enough time to get organised, said James Pascoe, 17. ‘Usually I rewrite my notes and try to memorise them.’

The Alexander technique…

…has been taught for more than 100 years. In 1958, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique was founded by UK teachers who had been trained personally by F. M. Alexander.

Its first aim is to ensure the highest standards of teacher training and professional practice.

The method offers simple ways to reduce discomfort for pupils who are revising by introducing relaxation, posture and organisation skills.

It also encourages students to take regular breaks and to stretch their legs every half an hour.

The advised relaxation techniques include lying on the floor with the head supported and the knees bent, reducing tension.