Education Performance Practitioner 

What if learning, studying and sitting exams could actually become more pleasurable and fun for students? As a certified Education Performance Practitioner I am able to help students change their perceptions, overcome many of the challenges and hurdles they face and feel a whole lot more relaxed during stressful times, enabling them to perform at their full potential. 

In 2013 a research study carried out by Edge Hill University, the University of South Australia and the AQA exam board found that teenagers who stress about doing well in their exams are likely to get lower results than peers who remain calmer. The study was based on a survey of 325 pupils.

Whether at school, university or another establishment preparing for exams, or perhaps learning a new skill for their profession, the work load and pressure can be huge for students. Sometimes this increased pressure can seem really daunting, feelings become overwhelming and stress levels can skyrocket. Many may face concerns over the fear of failure, they may feel they are not retaining information, or that their mind will become ‘blank’ and not able to remember what they have learned and apply it on the day of their exams.

For some it isn’t just the worry, anxiety, self-doubt or ‘nerves’ at the time of the exam but very often it starts weeks or even months ahead. They struggle unnecessarily with their ability to focus or concentrate during the run up to exams due to collective expectations of anxiety, negative patterns and thought processes, excessive tension, low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Subsequently extra tension, conflict and turmoil for everyone in the family home, not just the student but parents and siblings too.

Whilst a certain amount of anxiety is natural around exam time, for some students it can seem crippling, and a vicious circle begins. The more they worry, the more anxious they feel, sleep maybe compromised – and the less able they feel they can perform at their highest potential.

However, students can be taught simple and yet very effective psychological techniques specifically designed to dramatically improve exam performance, concentration and information retention as well as skills for coping with anxiety and stressful situations, assisting them to feel more relaxed, grow in confidence, study effectively and feel comfortable in exam conditions which is proven to contribute to their performing at their very best. These academic and life skills can be applied in so many other areas of life and are carried forward way beyond a student’s years of study. 

This programme is conducted over a three week period. Three one-hour sessions are designed to bring about a positive change to a student's mindset, to give them a set of 'mind management tools' that can help them focus on success instead of focusing on negatives and failures. It is available either in small groups or as one-on one-sessions.