Belfast Boys Model School

To mark World Health Day, (Tuesday 7th April), the School has pledged its support to reducing the stress levels of students preparing for A-Level examinations.

The school has launched a revision workshop for lower and upper sixth pupils which will encourage them to consider their mental health while studying and will provide revision advice and support as exam time approaches. The initiative, which will form part of the school’s pastoral care programme, will also offer one-to-one counselling to any pupils who may be struggling to cope with the added worry of exam pressure.

The project will encourage pupils to develop the skills required to revise successfully and will provide information on methods of retaining information, various revision techniques, target setting and dealing with personal as well as academic issues. Each pupil will also be given a performance based personalised timetable, designed to suit his individual needs.

Commenting on the launch of the A-Level counselling provision, Mr Ben Wilson, Head of Counselling, Year 13/14 said, “ Taking exams can be one of the most stressful times in a young person's life, particularly as their importance may have been drilled into them for months beforehand. Some students are able to handle the pressures of revision at this time of the year, but others become anxious, agitated, bad-tempered and may even become literally ill or seriously depressed.”

“It is therefore, our aim to provide a service that will guide our pupils through this tough time, offering the help and encouragement necessary to ensure they come through the process effectively. We also urge pupils to focus on the opportunities that will be on offer once good results are achieved and to never forget that there is life after revision and exams” said Mr Wilson.

World Health Day is the anniversary of the foundation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is responsible for providing leadership on health matters and assessing health trends throughout the world.