The one-hour session focused on managing exam stress, strategies to cope with anxiety, and practical tools to navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom.

During the session, pupils were reassured that they are not alone in facing personal or academic pressures, and they were introduced to various coping strategies rooted in neuroscience. One standout technique involved creating a positive emotional trigger: associating a specific action or sensation, such as squeezing your ear or smelling a lemon, with a positive mood. This trigger can then be revisited during an exam to evoke a calm, focused mindset.

Other techniques included adopting a “superman” pose or rolling your shoulders to calm the body’s stress response, revising at the same time of day as exams are scheduled, and avoiding negativity from others beforehand. Pupils were also reminded of the importance of putting their phones away to establish a solid sleep routine.

This session forms part of the broader pastoral care provision at St Gabriel’s, where pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that exams can be stressful, and while we encourage academic success, we also prioritise equipping our students with the tools they need to enjoy their educational journey and feel supported every step of the way.

Workshops like this are a vital reminder that mental health is just as important as academic achievement. We are grateful to Time 2 Talk for delivering such a valuable session, offering both reassurance and actionable advice to our pupils during this important stage of their education.