Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time for many. But for young people and those around them, it can also be an anxious time.
In this article we will discuss how best to support young people while they are making this transition. As a parent, there is a lot you can do to support their mental health during this process.
It’s not unusual to feel a bit stressed as it comes up to exam time. This can be a good thing sometimes as it motivates us to study.
For some of us though, exam stress can really interfere with our day-to-day lives and hinder work and concentration levels.
Covid-19 brought about many changes for everyone. Students, in particular, were heavily impacted by the closure of schools and colleges, and this hasn’t helped the last few years.
It’s a nail-biting time watching your young person prepare for the Leaving Cert. In 2021, students were given the choice between sitting the exam, receiving an accredited grade, or both. Approximately 58% of students chose to sit the exam in some capacity.
2022 sees the Leaving Cert return to a more traditional format, while incorporating more choice for students. This document has the adjusted assessment arrangements for taking state exams in the 2021/22 school year. These adjustments are designed to take account of the disrupted learning experienced by students during the pandemic.
We asked Jigsaw clinicians how they support and advise parents and young people finding it hard to cope with Leaving Cert stress. They suggested the following strategies and tips to support your young person and cheer them up. They also advised how to keep yourself and your home calm during these challenging times.
The last couple of years have turned people’s plans upside down. Young people, in particular, have been heavily impacted.
Job insecurity and uncertainty about the future can lead to challenging situations. Stress is one of those words we use so often it has almost lost its meaning.
This article covers:
Everyone has a different experience of school.
Most students go through some ups and downs throughout the year. Experiencing problems at school is not unusual for many young people.
When difficulties get on top of us, it can be like a domino effect. One domino falls over and all the rest seem to pile up. It’s OK to have mixed feelings about school, as everyone has their good days and bad days. Whether you’re having problems with schoolwork, friends, or fitting in, you are not alone.
Sixth year student Jen talks to college student Emmet about how she manages the stress of the Leaving Cert exams.
Uncertainty around exams and missing out on experiences has left many young people feeling frustrated. Many students can find themselves procrastinating or losing sight of their end goals.
Take comfort in knowing that learning how to self-direct your study is a skill for life.
Below, find a helpful conversation between Evelyn O’Rourke from RTÉ Radio 1 Drive Time’s Study Hub and Jen Trzeciak, eMental Health Manager at Jigsaw, about ways for students to stay motivated to study in a time of uncertainty around exams and school.
Here are some more strategies to help you stay motivated when studying from home:
Members of our Youth Advisory Panel in Roscommon worked together to create this infographic with tips and advice about starting secondary school.
After the holidays going back to school can seem a little nerve-wrecking.
Tacóidh an chuid seo le daoine óga tuiscint a fháil ar na rudaí a d’fhéadfadh cabhrú lena meabhairshláinte agus lena bhfolláine, agus, chomh maith leis sin, a d’fhéadfadh a ndúshlán a thabhairt.
