Top Tips for Transfer Test Exam Day when taking the AQE or GL Transfer Tests.
 

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There are a lot of stressful Saturdays in November and December for parents and children but these tips may help both parent and child. These are simple but effective ways to face the stress of the day.

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There is lots of advice out there but my favourite is Number 1.

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1. Do what works for you
   Every child and every parent are different. Some people like to be on their own around exams, others like to blare motivational music from their earphones. Maybe you're a parent who likes to wear something special for luck. Do whatever puts you and your child in the best frame of mind and you'll both be set up to help your child ace the exam.
    

2. As a parent stay calm – though that can be difficult.
   Keep things as normal as possible the night before the exam. Too early to bed and your child may not sleep – too late and they end up tired. If you as the parent are stressed your child will pick up on that and get stressed themselves. Being too stressed can affect performance. Try not to compare sibling performance in previous exams.
    

3. Laugh
   Laughing will relax you, lower stress and help you both get a good night’s sleep.
    

4. Make sure you wake up
   Set an alarm or even set two. Get a family member or friend to check you're up if you're still worried. Just make sure you get to the exam in plenty of time and that means getting up ! Being late out of the house will cause all sorts of stress !!
    

5. Know when to stop 
   If you’re child doesn’t know their stuff as they are about to leave the house, they never will! Too much last-minute cramming minutes before, can send their brain into a spin and cause additional panic.
    

6. Get sorted the night before
   Pencils, admission cards and all the other stuff - have it sitting ready to go. Chasing around just before you leave the house won’t be good.
    

7. Dropping your child at the exam centre
   Offer last minute support about how pleased you are that they worked so hard and tell them that it is unlikely that they will meet anything completely new in the exam. Tell them that you will see them after the exam is over. Wish them “All the best” and as the parent stay calm.

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And by way of repeating ourselves:-

1. Do what works for you
   Every child and every parent are different. Some people like to be on their own around exams, others like to blare motivational music from their earphones. Maybe you're a parent who likes to wear something special for luck. Do whatever puts you and your child in the best frame of mind and you'll both be set up to help your child ace the exam.

 

Best of good luck to all the children and their families.

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