Daughter's problem

[mpdjulie]

My 13yr old daughter is having problems taking maths exams and tests.  She is and always has been in the top set.  When she has to take an exam/test she goes to pot.  Her mind goes blank and she can't remember anything.  Her teachers have always been fully aware of her situation and are thankfully understanding.  She has been kept in the top set because they know she fully understands the work.  She has always had this problem from as far back as Junior school.  She says that she can't concentrate in a silent atmosphere.  Although she's only 13 I am worrying because she is adamant that she wants to do A Levels and go uni to become a teacher herself.  Teacher's kindness will only take her so far because I'm scared she'll botch her maths GCSE and then won't be able to do her A Levels.  Does anyone have any experience of this with their own children/siblings?  If so can you give me any advice on tactics to try with her?
Julie :)

[mpdjulie]

[BarriedaleNick]

Well I do work in a school but I am not a teacher so I am sure there are better qualified people out there to answer this.
It possibly sounds like anxiety to me whereby she has been stressed previously by exams and now over-reacts to the exam situation.  Is she an anxious child in general?
She has to de-associate exams with the feelings of stress, which is no easy task as exams are designed to test and to stress people to some extent.
Technically it is possible to apply for extra time or quiet rooms (though we have never been asked for a noisy room) in exams and although it may help, it is a bit of a hassle.
If she is over stressed by the exam conditions perhaps some basic relaxation techniques that she can practise may help. Also might be helpful for you to run her through some pretend exams at home - trying to mimic what she goes through at school.
Have you approached the school at all to see if they have someone who can offer proper advise..I may just be talking rubbish..

[Digeroo]

If she does not like quiet, have you considered she might have tinnitus.  I worked with a lad who could not cope unless he had music on the go all the time.

My daughter goes into panic mode during exams and never does as well as expected, not sure what the answer is.  I think it is quite a common problem.

[ACE]

I don't use it myself but I know somebody who swears by it. Bach flower remedies, I know there is one for anxiety and the person I know gives it to her dog and it works. Now it could be the association and calming words that really do the trick and it is only 'snake oil', but even a placebo effect is better than nothing. I think there is even a chewing gum if she needs to be 'cool' about taking it.

[manicscousers]

Rescue remedy, works a treat  ;D

[gwynnethmary]

I'm an exam invigilator.  My school is very good at placing pupils in environments where they can give of their best during exams.  my advice would be to speak to the person in charge of running exams.....

[Sparkly]

The school will probably accomodate her for the exams if it is that bad. They won't want her to under achieve anymore than she/you will. She does have a bit of time yet though and learning how to deal with the situation is the best solution for the long run. Afterall, if she is wishing to become a teacher she will have to deal with very high stress situations and assessments that are somewhat our of your control. Observations are about the most stressful situations I have been in!  There are many students who are quite bright and do badly in exams. For most this is because they are just not actually very good at learning material, although they may well understand this when it is covered in class. Your daughter doesn't want to be classed in the this category really. It is in all honestly another branding of not having the ability to in retain information or not having put the effort to learn the information. Neither of these things are very positive.  There are a few students who actually have an excellent knowledge base, but fall apart in the exam because of psychological reasons. Why don't you try setting up some mock tests at home and see how she handles these? Perhaps she feels under alot of pressure and is very worried about failing?

[mpdjulie]

Thanks everyone for your advice.  I am going to try mock exams at home and also have another word with the school - although they are well aware of the situation.  Also have a look out there for some herbal remedies.

Thanks again
Julie

[grawrc]

You mention Maths exams. Are the problems only in Maths or in all her subjects?

[louise stella]

My son has Aspergers Syndrome and some kind of Auditory Processing problem.  The hearing clinic suggested he listen to white noise whilst he's eating etc (an out of tune radio would do).  He hears too well - in a large class he could pick out all the individual voices.  He's in a class of 10 now so it's less of a problem.  Conversely though - he does not like silence - if it's too quite he hums or makes other noises.

So - my point it ?  Ask for a referal to a hearing clinic - they may be able to healp or suggest strategies and support to help with taking exams!

Good luck!

[Tulipa]

Hi Julie,

You have some good advice here, I too am an invigilator and I suggest you speak to her main teacher and ask if you can meet with the exams officer and maybe the special needs dept as they will all help your daughter to do her best.  She can be assessed for special exam consideration if she needs it.  I am a firm believer in rescue remedy too. :) Most schools have good systems in place to support youngsters who get so stressed - my youngest has Aspergers and really can't cope with exams so I know.  I often spend my time when invigilating calming down stressed pupils!  I would say the most impostant thing to to be discussing it with the school now so that by the time public exams come some progress has been made, but try not to mention it to your daiughter more than necessary, bless her.  Good luck and if I can be of any more help please PM me :)

[fitzsie]

Not an expert at all but would a simple solution of being allowed to listen to music/noise on headphones during the exam. Not sure if this could be possible but the music could be checked before the exam to avoid any accusations of cheating.