As exam season approaches, schools, teachers, and pupils alike begin to feel the pressure of GCSEs and A-levels. This time of year is not just about revision and exam techniques; it’s also about maintaining wellbeing, managing stress, and ensuring a smooth and organised exam process.
At Operam Education Group, we understand the challenges that come with this period. That’s why we’ve been working closely with schools to ensure they have fully trained exam invigilators in place, allowing teachers to focus on supporting pupils while ensuring exams are conducted professionally and efficiently.
For Early Career Teachers (ECTs), this may be the first time managing a class through exam season. While experienced teachers often have established routines, navigating this period for the first time can feel overwhelming. Understanding how best to support pupils, manage stress levels, and work effectively alongside exam invigilators can make the process smoother for both teachers and pupils.
Managing Stress – For You and Your Pupils
Exam season brings inevitable stress, not just for pupils but for teachers as well. Supporting pupils through their anxieties while managing your own workload can be a challenge, but developing strategies now will benefit both you and your pupils.
Encourage pupils to maintain balance by taking regular breaks, staying active, and practising mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises. Signposting them to pastoral support or useful study resources can also make a real difference.
For ECTs, it’s equally important to set boundaries to avoid burnout. Planning ahead, keeping realistic expectations, and seeking advice from colleagues who have navigated exam season before can be invaluable. Remember, it’s a learning experience, and each year will bring new insights.
The Role of Exam Invigilators and How They Support You
One key part of ensuring exams run smoothly is the presence of trained exam invigilators. As an ECT, you may be required to supervise exams, or you may be relieved of this responsibility so you can focus on other duties. Either way, understanding the role of invigilators can help you feel more prepared.
Exam invigilators ensure exams are conducted fairly and in line with regulations. Their presence helps create a calm and structured environment, allowing pupils to focus without unnecessary distractions. With experienced invigilators in place, teachers can focus on offering support to pupils outside of the exam room, whether that’s through additional revision sessions, one-to-one guidance, or simply providing reassurance.
At Operam Education Group, we’ve been working with schools to ensure a strong team of invigilators is available, easing the pressure on both pupils and teaching staff. If you’re unsure about the role invigilators will play in your school’s exam setup, now is a great time to familiarise yourself with procedures and ask any questions.
Your first exam season as a teacher may feel like a steep learning curve, but it’s also an opportunity to develop skills that will serve you throughout your career. By focusing on pupil wellbeing, seeking support from colleagues, and making use of trained exam invigilators, you can help ensure a smooth and successful exam period for both you and your pupils.
If you need additional support, whether it’s classroom cover or a deeper understanding of the exam process, Operam Education Group is here to help. With our trained exam invigilators and extensive experience in education recruitment, we work alongside schools to create the best possible exam experience for everyone involved.