The pressure to perform

The ICSE, CBSE, ISC and SSLC exams are slated to start in the first week of March and students have a good fortnight for preparations.

They concede that these are testing times and feel the pressure not only from their parents, but from their peers as well. However, they still look at this stressful phase rather positively.

Metrolife interacts with a couple of high school students to get an insight into their exam preparations, as well as their parents and teachers, to understand how they are supporting them through this crucial phase.

Most students have drawn up a timetable and strive to strike a good balance between work and play.

In addition to dedicating hours to studying and revising, the students also indulge in activities that they like the most — such as playing a sport or maybe, listening to music.

This, they reason, not only gives them a good break but helps them focus better. Fifteen-year-old Arjun N, a class ten student of Sindhi High School in Hebbal, hopes to join the army and serve the country some day.

Arjun first organises his timetable and then starts working towards it in a planned manner.

“Preparation is everything. First, I make sure I know the exam timetable and then, I check the subject specifications. This routine makes me feel like I am really working toward my exams. I revise right from the beginning. When in doubt, I make a list of questions and get them clarified well before my exams. I leave nothing for the last minute,” reasons Arjun.

When he’s not studying, Arjun plays computer games or some football. This, he says, helps him concentrate better. 

Shreya Jain, a class ten student of National Public School in Koramangala, too feels it’s always less stressful when one prepares well in advance.

“I chalk out a timetable during my revision holidays and try to stick to that, no matter what distractions are around. Last-minute cramming is stressful,” she says.

It’s no different with Anjana Menon of CMR National Public School in HRBR Layout, who confesses that she feels no pressure whatsoever.

“My parents don’t put stress on me. The competitive spirit to score better than my peers is always there, but I don’t let pressure build on me. My dance and music classes are therapeutic and help me focus better,” she explains. Parents and the management of schools play a crucial role in making sure the child doesn’t get stressed.

Dr Chaya Bhargava, a parent of a high school student and a faculty member at
CMR National Public School, feels, “Children have vast portions to study before an exam. It looks like even a score of 98 per cent is too little now. Parents must help the child balance it out, rather than exert pressure on them.”

Roopa Chandrashekar, an IT professional who has a dau­ghter studying in class ten in Sophia High School, sums up, “It hel­ps to sit with the child right from the beginning of the ye­ar. Regular revision from time to time takes away last-minute stress — not only for children but the parents as well.”