GCSE results day is Thursday the 20th of August this year. For sure, students and parents across the country will have this in mind and nerves will be setting in. How can we support students around this day and after – whether things have gone well or less well than they’d hoped?
Support before day
- Structure: Whilst there can be relief once the exams are over, some students can then find waiting months for the results really difficult. Helping them to structure their days a little can help, such as encouraging regulat exercise, fresh air and seeing friends throughout the run up.
- Acknowledgment: that it can be nerve wracking can help them to feel you’re alongside them. Perhaps sharing you had similar feelings yourself at this time or ahead of other things such as job interviews. Reassure that everyone gets nervous and it’s ok.
- Watch and act: If signs of stronger anxiety present, such as insomnia, affected appetite, not seeing friends, then seeking early support can be important. A good place to start could be https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ along with the family GP.
Support on the day
- Follow their lead: Parentkind* emphasise the need to allow the student to choose how they handle results day. Some will want to go into school to be with friends while others will prefer to be at home. Go with what your child wants to do.
- Be prepared: Parentkind’s research indicated having different plans for different results outcomes. Do some research into re-sit options so that you are ready with information should they not achieve what they’d hoped. Find out, in advance, which teachers you might need to talk to at the school. Your child might not be in the frame of mind to know who to approach and which questions to ask.
- Congratulate: Praise your child whatever the outcome. Most children have worked towards them, sat them and worried about results day. Praise effort and resilience, not just grades. If results aren’t what they wanted, reassure them that there is life after GCSEs.
Support after the day
- Work collaboratively on next steps: maybe using pros and cons lists. Results can affect which subjects they can take at A level, college course options or apprenticeships they can access. Being alongside them offering any support they need can really cushion the need to make important decisions.
- Continue to support daily structure: in the days and weeks after the results – they may need it even more once the results are in.
- Celebrate in a way that feels good to your child. Whatever the grades, they may have worked hard and celebrating this life goal being over is important.
*https://www.parentkind.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/blog/a-parents-guide-to-results-day -part-one
