"I believe that parents have a critical role to play in helping the children to relax and be focused during this time. I think it is important that parents do not pretend as if it's not important, because we do know that it is important. But, at the same time, we want parents to help children to replace negative thoughts or doubts that they may have about their abilities, with more positive thoughts," she said.

Positive words

Neil emphasised that parents should focus on positive words, in the eventuality that the child has negative perceptions prior to the examination.

"If they (parents) hear their children saying things like 'what's going to happen if I can't remember anything when I go into the exam?", they could help them to refocus by saying things like 'try to stay calm and when you stay calm, you will remember the things that you would have been studying, so try to remain calm'," she advised.

The assistant chief education officer also stressed that parents should ensure that their children get proper rest before the examination.

Adequate rest

"I think that our parents should ensure that the children get adequate rest, especially the night before the examination; that they provide them with the materials they are going to need, so they feel prepared. Ensure that they have their pencils, an eraser and a sharpener," she said.

"Make some plans for the child to have a nutritious breakfast and a snack during the two days of the examination when they do get a break. That would contribute to helping the children believe that parents are supporting, rather than pressuring, and that parents, even though they might be anxious, should try their best not to communicate this anxiety to the students," she advised.

According to her, the drive to ensure students are comfortable drove the ministry's decision to close schools on the days of the examination.

- JIS