Will You Help Me With My Exam Stress?

I'm really panicking right now. I'm taking my GCSEs this summer and I fee like I'm going to fail them all! We're still doing so much work in school and we get homework but the teachers are telling us we should have started revising now and I've tried but there doesn't seem to be any time!

I have 10 GCSEs and have only started revising last week, have I left it too late? Also I take Music and it's really stressing me out! I only have a few weeks to right a composition and I find it difficult under so much stress to be creative! On top of that, I was going to continue with music after GCSE but I hear you need to have well developed theory skills - which I don't have. So now I have to try and make time to squeeze in theory lessons.

As for other subjects like Chemistry, I have no idea what I'm learning about, and the teacher doesn't explain things well so now I have extra classes with a tutor.

I've already dropped some of the sports I do because I simply have no time for anything non-school related. It's all really getting to me and I'm so scared now.

I need help, do you have any advice for me?

I don't have time to reply to everyone but thanks for all the advice and even for the odd joke that me smile :smile:

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 1

Angelo12231

14

Original post by stipedgiraffe

I'm really panicking right now. I'm taking my GCSEs this summer and I fee like I'm going to fail them all! We're still doing so much work in school and we get homework but the teachers are telling us we should have started revising now and I've tried but there doesn't seem to be any time!

I have 10 GCSEs and have only started revising last week, have I left it too late? Also I take Music and it's really stressing me out! I only have a few weeks to right a composition and I find it difficult under so much stress to be creative! On top of that, I was going to continue with music after GCSE but I hear you need to have well developed theory skills - which I don't have. So now I have to try and make time to squeeze in theory lessons.

As for other subjects like Chemistry, I have no idea what I'm learning about, and the teacher doesn't explain things well so now I have extra classes with a tutor.

I've already dropped some of the sports I do because I simply have no time for anything non-school related. It's all really getting to me and I'm so scared now.

I need help, do you have any advice for me?

Dont worry, i have 11 gcses and 10 to do this summer as i done maths already and got an A wooo :biggrin:

. Basically, i am going to start revision after 10th march as i have a french speaking exam ( i hate french, i only want nothing else but to pass) and im coping because im organised. Imade a timetable for all the subjects i need focusing on. For chemistry, i do additional and extention which is proving a challenge but i make sure i know it by looking up key topics im not sure about on youtube. Youtube really helps as its like private tutoring. You will be fine. BTW are you good at english language... i realy want to get an A but i dont know how to pick out information from articles (i do AQA english language) much appreciate it if you can help :smile:

Reply 2

Bobjim12

20

its definitely not too late, in fact its a pretty good time to start.

Use past papers (from the relevant exam board websites) to help you understand how to answer questions (it takes more than knowing the stuff, to do well you need to know how to apply that knowledge)..

Reply 3

Breaksandburns13

I think if you try to make some sort of revision timetable that let's you revise everything a least twice you'll be less stressed,I do around 2 -3 hours during the week and like two on the weekend and I've managed to keep on top of it even though I've only recently started revising.
Also about the whole not being able to learn im class stuff you should go to the teacher they'll try to explain it to you and if that doesnt help try another subject teacher or online tutorial

But I think the most important thing is not to get too stressed about it ,yeah exams are coming up and your social life kind of has to be on hold but at the end of the day they're just exams and can be done.

Reply 4

loletta

13

For music don't rush learning the theory. If you already have good knoewledge of notation for GCSE, relax. Find out what you need for GCSE and A level, perhaps you should start learning theory after your exams in the summer holidays.
Also, do you take a musical instrument/ do grades?
What other option subjects do you take?

Reply 5

Bryen

Im the same here. I also am a bit stressed about the exams and need help.... can anyone help me w/ some bio or chem revision plz? (GCSE btw)

Reply 6

Sena5

20

Original post by stipedgiraffe

I'm really panicking right now. I'm taking my GCSEs this summer and I fee like I'm going to fail them all! We're still doing so much work in school and we get homework but the teachers are telling us we should have started revising now and I've tried but there doesn't seem to be any time!

I have 10 GCSEs and have only started revising last week, have I left it too late? Also I take Music and it's really stressing me out! I only have a few weeks to right a composition and I find it difficult under so much stress to be creative! On top of that, I was going to continue with music after GCSE but I hear you need to have well developed theory skills - which I don't have. So now I have to try and make time to squeeze in theory lessons.

As for other subjects like Chemistry, I have no idea what I'm learning about, and the teacher doesn't explain things well so now I have extra classes with a tutor.

I've already dropped some of the sports I do because I simply have no time for anything non-school related. It's all really getting to me and I'm so scared now.

I need help, do you have any advice for me?

Child do not panic. U could drop certain subjects you find hard and do six whic is needed in GCSE. Dont stress with too many subjects. bUY COLLINS EDEXCEL IGCSE books and revise. they are the exact syllabus guides you have to learn for edexcel. I learnt and memorized the bio book, chem i kept reading, physics i am weak but got B, maths A*,BIO A and chem A. i ACHIEVED THESE GRADES By buying collins book edexcel gcse instead of pearson and got good results as i mentioned. Ask me doubts and i will respond to u. i did bio, chem, phy, maths, englsih lang and tamil as second lang. altogether six subjects. its enough for o/l to pass it and then begin alevels.

Reply 7

miaellenx

7

I feel you. I found my GCSEs really hard to cope with, but I found some things that worked.

First thing's first; you will not fail. Pardon me for being cliche, but as the saying goes - negative attitudes mean negative outcomes.

At school, I took Music so I understand how you feel. In my Music class, there was so many tears, but everyone managed to get it done. Could you perhaps dedicate some of your time after school to sit and compose? When composing, listen to some of the music on your iPod to make the environment less stressful. (It also gives you ideas if you get stuck. :wink:

) As for theory, I wouldn't fret too much; make flashcards and spend ten minutes every so often going over them.

The more I read your post, the more I think of myself being in this situation last year. For Chemistry, I recommend using my-gcsescience.com. My Chemistry teacher recommended my class to use this and we all benefited so much from it. It's all free too, as far as I'm aware of.

I wouldn't drop any subjects, mostly because you've come this far. You're just at the last hurdle. The only thing that you might drop, though? (And you're not going to like this, but-) Your social life. Seriously. Does your school have a library or designated study room? Break, lunch, after school - go in there and revise. Once you're home from school, don't go on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, whatever...study. It might not seem like fun, but it'll be worth it when you're acing your exams!

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. Also, good luck with your exams! ^.^

gcses are piss.

Original post by karspider

gcses are piss.

Wow. Much advice. So helpful.

Reply 10

tssf_skye

15

Original post by stipedgiraffe

I'm really panicking right now. I'm taking my GCSEs this summer and I fee like I'm going to fail them all! We're still doing so much work in school and we get homework but the teachers are telling us we should have started revising now and I've tried but there doesn't seem to be any time!

I have 10 GCSEs and have only started revising last week, have I left it too late? Also I take Music and it's really stressing me out! I only have a few weeks to right a composition and I find it difficult under so much stress to be creative! On top of that, I was going to continue with music after GCSE but I hear you need to have well developed theory skills - which I don't have. So now I have to try and make time to squeeze in theory lessons.

As for other subjects like Chemistry, I have no idea what I'm learning about, and the teacher doesn't explain things well so now I have extra classes with a tutor.

I've already dropped some of the sports I do because I simply have no time for anything non-school related. It's all really getting to me and I'm so scared now.

I need help, do you have any advice for me?

Hey

Firstly, try not to panic! When you're feeling calm with a clear head, draw out a revision timetable so you can realistically see when you can fit in work. Write down what you're going to achieve in what period of time so you know you can fit everything in :smile:

Honestly, this is a great time to start! I only started a month before my exams (which I don't advise) and I didn't fail at all. It's difficult when you have a lot of subjects but just do a little bit at a time. For GCSE, practice papers save your life. My A* in GCSE Chemistry came about as the past papers were so helpful, particularly for science, so if you struggle that's a really good thing to look into.

Just make sure you're covering things properly that you don't completely understand and revising smart, not hard! If you want to talk or have any other questions feel free to message me, I was really stressed during my exams too :smile:

Reply 11

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by Angelo12231

Dont worry, i have 11 gcses and 10 to do this summer as i done maths already and got an A wooo :biggrin:

. Basically, i am going to start revision after 10th march as i have a french speaking exam ( i hate french, i only want nothing else but to pass) and im coping because im organised. Imade a timetable for all the subjects i need focusing on. For chemistry, i do additional and extention which is proving a challenge but i make sure i know it by looking up key topics im not sure about on youtube. Youtube really helps as its like private tutoring. You will be fine. BTW are you good at english language... i realy want to get an A but i dont know how to pick out information from articles (i do AQA english language) much appreciate it if you can help :smile:

thank you so much for helping me, I just panic so much! :smile:

Reply 12

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by tssf_skye

Hey

Firstly, try not to panic! When you're feeling calm with a clear head, draw out a revision timetable so you can realistically see when you can fit in work. Write down what you're going to achieve in what period of time so you know you can fit everything in :smile:

Honestly, this is a great time to start! I only started a month before my exams (which I don't advise) and I didn't fail at all. It's difficult when you have a lot of subjects but just do a little bit at a time. For GCSE, practice papers save your life. My A* in GCSE Chemistry came about as the past papers were so helpful, particularly for science, so if you struggle that's a really good thing to look into.

Just make sure you're covering things properly that you don't completely understand and revising smart, not hard! If you want to talk or have any other questions feel free to message me, I was really stressed during my exams too :smile:

Thanks, I've started asking around for people who'd be able to help me with my chemistry. I have loads of past papers for other subjects so I'm hoping they help me in Chemistry too! :smile:

Reply 13

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by miaellenx

I feel you. I found my GCSEs really hard to cope with, but I found some things that worked.

First thing's first; you will not fail. Pardon me for being cliche, but as the saying goes - negative attitudes mean negative outcomes.

At school, I took Music so I understand how you feel. In my Music class, there was so many tears, but everyone managed to get it done. Could you perhaps dedicate some of your time after school to sit and compose? When composing, listen to some of the music on your iPod to make the environment less stressful. (It also gives you ideas if you get stuck. :wink:

) As for theory, I wouldn't fret too much; make flashcards and spend ten minutes every so often going over them.

The more I read your post, the more I think of myself being in this situation last year. For Chemistry, I recommend using my-gcsescience.com. My Chemistry teacher recommended my class to use this and we all benefited so much from it. It's all free too, as far as I'm aware of.

I wouldn't drop any subjects, mostly because you've come this far. You're just at the last hurdle. The only thing that you might drop, though? (And you're not going to like this, but-) Your social life. Seriously. Does your school have a library or designated study room? Break, lunch, after school - go in there and revise. Once you're home from school, don't go on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, whatever...study. It might not seem like fun, but it'll be worth it when you're acing your exams!

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. Also, good luck with your exams! ^.^

Thanks for all the advice and the link is great, I just can't wait to get some of these subjects over and done with in June! I agree that I don't see the point in dropping anything (apart from my social life, of course!) when I only have a small stretch left. Now, I've just got to hope I have enough motivation to keep me working until June!
Thanks again :smile:

Reply 14

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by Bryen

Im the same here. I also am a bit stressed about the exams and need help.... can anyone help me w/ some bio or chem revision plz? (GCSE btw)

http://www.my-gcsescience.com/ someone commented this link just further on down the page a bit from your comment, you maybe didn't see it but it's a really good site and I'm so thankful to the person that gave it to me! good luck with your exams!

Reply 15

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by Angelo12231

Dont worry, i have 11 gcses and 10 to do this summer as i done maths already and got an A wooo :biggrin:

. Basically, i am going to start revision after 10th march as i have a french speaking exam ( i hate french, i only want nothing else but to pass) and im coping because im organised. Imade a timetable for all the subjects i need focusing on. For chemistry, i do additional and extention which is proving a challenge but i make sure i know it by looking up key topics im not sure about on youtube. Youtube really helps as its like private tutoring. You will be fine. BTW are you good at english language... i realy want to get an A but i dont know how to pick out information from articles (i do AQA english language) much appreciate it if you can help :smile:

I love english language! I'm not on the AQA Board, I'm on CCEA but when I pick out information I do it in the 10 minutes reading time at the start. I jot down words like "alliteration, rhetorical, emotive language, anecdote.." etc down the side of my page to help me home in on those key words and then I pick out senteces that have "like" or "as" in them as these are usually similies, and imagery such as metaphors can usually be tied into emotive language too. pick out words or phrases you can make a couple of points about, the more relevant specialist terms you use the more the examiners love you!
I don't know if this is helping you much or if I'm just rambling but I hope it does! Good luck!

Reply 16

stipedgiraffe

OP

8

Original post by loletta

For music don't rush learning the theory. If you already have good knoewledge of notation for GCSE, relax. Find out what you need for GCSE and A level, perhaps you should start learning theory after your exams in the summer holidays.
Also, do you take a musical instrument/ do grades?
What other option subjects do you take?

Yes I'm a flautist, my teacher thinks I should be able to pick up theory okay and she says I should wait until my exams are over before I start to learn it too, thank you!