In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity Childline saw a spike in calls to its service as teenagers worried that their disrupted education could impact performance in their exams. Since then, researchers at University College London (UCL) have assessed more than 50 studies of those who were at school between 1991 and 2022. In the overwhelming majority of these (48), they found a link between academic pressure and anxiety and depressive symptoms. So exam pressure is certainly something that seems to be on the rise.
30th April 2024
At its worst, this issue can become all-consuming, involving weeks of emotional distress and taking its toll on physical as well as mental health.
What’s more, the current numerical grading system for GCSEs, introduced as part of a curriculum overhaul when Michael Gove was education secretary, reduced the emphasis on coursework. It has meant that grades across virtually all subjects were based on performance in final exams, increasing the pressure on students.
Meanwhile, last year, just before A-level results were published, the Guardian reported on stiffer competition for university places, with fewer vacancies than previously, due to the rise in international students, plus higher numbers of school leavers because of a demographic increase. Again, this heaped added pressure on young people sitting key examinations.
In recent weeks, the Children’s Commissioner for England has reported that more than a quarter of a million children and young people were still waiting for mental health support following a referral to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) in 2022-23.
Against this backdrop, we have to recognise the sometimes intense pressure on those sitting papers as we move into this year’s exam season, whether these are public examinations, internal school tests or anything else.
There are many ways physical activity can help relieve anxiety around exams, including:
Physical activity ramps up the production of ‘feel-good’ chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, the hormones which make us feel healthier and happier. And the good news is that you don’t have to exercise for lengthy periods to feel the benefits. Even a quick 20-minute blast of a workout can change the way an exam student is feeling. Indeed, exercising little and often can be incredibly effective.
As well as being a natural mood elevator, endorphins can improve memory while boosting brain-building hormones. Exercise also releases the brain chemicals which are essential to concentration and memory.
At the same time, the more students move, the more energised they will feel – exercise can get them out of a revision slump. Finally, exercise helps to oxygenate the brain, which releases tension and allows for more efficient studying.
In summary, students do best if they develop a revision routine that incorporates regular exercise. This should be taken daily, and long periods spent sitting and studying should be broken up with frequent bursts of movement. Of course, if you exercise outside, the benefits are even greater.
At Fresh Air Fitness, we’ve been making award-winning outdoor gym equipment for all age groups for years. So we’re well aware of the mini breaks it can provide from revision and exam stress.
We’re well established in the secondary school sector, and a range of our all-ability equipment at your school could be just what your students need this exam season for breaks and lunchtimes. You may even find pupils come in before lessons or stay on after school to work out, or they may decide to come in on free study days and break up spells in the library with gym sessions.
But we also supply equipment for primary schools. After all, we know that younger kids can also be susceptible to stress and anxiety, whether that’s from social or family pressures, SAT tests, worries over the move to secondary school or anything else.
We can help with advice on funding for your school’s outdoor facility, and we’ll be with you from initial consultation to installation and beyond. Get in touch today to learn more.
Back to all blog posts