[senco-forum] exam panic

When we have had students who panic we have them in a separate room
rather than an exam hall. Some find that seeing everyone else writing
makes them feel inadequate; the smaller room often has a few pupils in
but could be just one and it means that the invigilator can spend a few
minutes getting the student mentally prepared before the actual papers
are given out and the exam begun.  If panic is a regular occurrence and
you have a doctor's note you could apply for rest breaks I think when
you stop the clock walk round the block with a minder and then start
again.  I haven't got the guidance in front of me but I think that is
the case.

Hope that is a help.

Barbara

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Janet
Barlow
Sent: 14 June 2006 15:04
To: senco-forum
Subject: [senco-forum] exam panic

Dear all,
             The mum of a yr 10 pupil contacted me as her daughter had
left her maths exam and gone to the health centre as she experienced
panic in the exams. She feels she has always struggled with maths( will
probably get B at GCSE) and has experienced this sort of panic in
primary school - again in maths. She came across an unfamiliar term so
moved on to the next question, hit a tricky one and moved on and hit
another difficult one.
     Heart racing, almost hyperventilating etc.
    I've spoken to her, her maths teacher will go thru paper with her &
pinpoint difficulties etc, tutor involved etc. She has high expectations
of self and parents also have high expectations. I've thought of teaming
her up with a high-achieving lower 6 girl who also panics. 
      We've looked at 'what is the worst that can happen' scenarios but
apart from 3 deep breaths does anyone have any ideas of how she can cope
with the panic? 
  Many thanks, in anticipation.
  Janet