Situation
A secondary student was overwhelmed by exam preparation. They kept intending to start revision but became stuck, distracted, or anxious. Parents described nightly conflict and a pattern of last-minute “cramming” followed by burnout.
Goals
- Create a realistic revision routine and weekly plan
- Reduce overwhelm and avoidance
- Build skills for planning, initiation, and follow-through
What we did
- Executive skills coaching using the student’s real timetable and exam dates
- Short “start-up routine” to reduce procrastination friction
- Study method coaching (spaced practice, short quizzes, and active recall)
- Parent session to reduce prompting conflict and keep support consistent
Support plan (examples)
- Weekly planning on a fixed day/time, limited to 20 minutes
- Daily “minimum viable revision” target to build momentum
- Break tasks into small steps with visible checkmarks
- Short breaks and a clear end time to reduce burnout
What you can expect (in similar cases)
When plans are small and consistent, students often feel less overwhelmed and more capable of starting. Exam performance depends on many factors; support focuses on building sustainable habits and reducing stress.
Next steps
If exam stress is linked to planning and follow-through difficulties, coaching can help. If there are wider learning concerns (e.g., reading speed, memory), consider assessment to guide accommodations and strategies.