Hands up if A-levels are easy? Said no-one, ever.
Having gone through the whole year 12 experience, we understand that this can be incredibly stressful. But it doesn’t have to be.
Our top tips:
1. Know when to ask for help– whether it be a friend, teacher or any of the virtual committee members, please do reach out if you are in need of help or support. We’ve gone through the same thing; no one is immune to stress and we’ve all felt overwhelmed at some point no matter how much we may seem under control of everything.
2. Take time for yourself– find something you enjoy and make time for it. We’re not saying don’t do work, but make time for the things you enjoy. For example, we enjoy reading, going for a walk and watching Brooklyn 99; it’s the small things, like appreciating the time that we have (well the time that teachers give us anyway)!
3. Keep organised– this one is for the younger members out there: learn how prioritise and stay on top of work. Remember to keep going back to subjects you find difficult. Just to add in a warning; make sure you do work little and often at the start of year 12 or S5, because we all let work pile up without realising and that did not go well for anyone, so please year 11s and S4s stay on top of work next year. Just to highlight that this doesn’t mean work constantly- just prioritise your time well.
Over the past few weeks we’ve seen lots of messages from year 11s and S4s wondering if they should start A-level/Highers work through half terms and holiday breaks. This is your time to relax and take a break. Enjoy your time off, this is an opportunity to spend time with your family. ‘Burn out’ is as real for us as it is for healthcare professionals, so take your wellbeing seriously. If you need a break, you need a break!
If your school has asked you to do work, of course do it, but remember to take time for yourself too, doing something that you enjoy.