You And Your Learning

Revision and exams

If you are choosing subjects at school and feel that exams have a negative impact on your mental health, consider your range of options. Instead of GCSEs and A Levels you can explore vocational subjects which focus on coursework and hands-on experience instead of exams. T Levels are an option to A Levels, and BTECs are an alternative to GCSEs and A Levels. Talk to a teacher or careers advisor to find out what you could study in a way that suits you.

If you have educational and learning needs, or a disability that could affect your exam performance, your place of learning can help you with arrangements to take your needs into account during exams.

Revision and exam time often creates stress and anxiety for many students, but it doesn’t last forever. There are also many ways to reduce that stress to make it easier to manage.

See tips on maintaining your wellbeing in your place of learning or during the exam period below.

Virtual Courses

‘Virtual’ is another way of saying ‘online’. There are so many skills-boosting courses you can do online. They are often free, too.

Online courses can help you feel more confident in your skills and strengths if you are not in work or training.

Many courses offer you a certificate of completion for your CV. Some of them give you a qualification to help you get job ready, too.

Completing a course can broaden your life and work options and give you new confidence and motivation.

Online skills courses are available for everyone from school students to people coming out of retirement. Your age is not a barrier to achieving your goals.

Example courses you can do online:

• English and/or maths
• IT and/or Essential Digital Skills
• Health and Social Care
• Engineering
• Construction
• Management
• Business Administration & Team Leading
• Digital Marketing
• Customer Service