A RECORD number of Junior and Leaving Cert students across Donegal are anxiously sitting the hardest exams they have ever faced.
But their bighearted teachers and principals have issued sound tips and advice to help them through this testing period.
Some 146,000 students – an increase of four per cent from last year – registered for the latest exam cycle that started last Wednesday.
Today (Monday) is day four for students being tested by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
As nerves continue to build in households, as students consider sacrificing sleep for an extra hour’s study, and wonder how to deal with exam anxiety, all of the students have been urged by their schools to stay calm and carry on.
The Donegal News asked schools across the county for helpful nuggets so students can steer a successful path.
The principal of St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny is Damien McCroary, who advised students to “keep calm”.
He told the Donegal News: “We talk to the students in school before their exams, making sure they’re okay, encouraging them to read the questions properly.
“We tell them to double-check their answers at the end before they leave the exam hall.
“Maths Paper 1 last Friday was very difficult for many. When exams are difficult like this, we tell students to be careful about over-analysing them, overthinking them.”
Leaving Cert Maths ended toady with Paper 2 to conclude Higher Level Paper 1 from last week.
Paper 1 was difficult, despite what some described as an “accessible beginning”.
That start was followed by long Section B that made the exam an effort of endurance and rewarded those who stayed calm and carried on.
It meant students sitting Paper 2 were anxious – but the consensus by Monday lunchtime was that Paper 2 was not as tricky. Then this afternoon was Irish Paper 1.
Master McCroary added: “I wish all our students the very best of luck and urge them to keep going.
“Make sure you sleep well and keep up your momentum. Keep the focus, use the usual school hours for study.”
Principal of Buncrana’s Crana College, Kevin Cooley, said: “The full exam operation gets underway right from the start.
“The difficult stage is getting through the first few exams. These can ease initial fears and helps their anxiety.
“They can feel that the stakes are high – but they can surprise themselves at how well they do.
“I like speaking with the students after the exams and, in general, they are happy with how they performed.
“They are benefitting from their hard work and all the preparation of their teachers. We encourage them to do what they can.”
Principal of Errigal College Danny McFadden.
Letterkenny’s Errigal College principal Dr Danny McFadden told this newspaper: “My advice is simple: focus on doing your best and achieving the success that you are capable of.
“Preparation is the key to confidence. Establish a realistic study routine, revise consistently, and focus on understanding rather than simply memorising.
“Small, regular efforts over time are far more effective than last-minute cramming.
“However, academic preparation is only one part of success. Looking after your wellbeing is equally important.
“Ensure you get adequate sleep each night, maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, and make time for regular exercise.
“These habits improve concentration, reduce stress, and help you perform at your best.
“It is also important to take breaks, stay connected with family and friends, and remember that exams are just one part of your journey.”
Some 3.5 million exam papers are due to be distributed over the course of the exams to the 146,000 students.