World · Singapore Bureau
Managing exam stress: Expert guidance for PSLE families
With Singapore's Primary School Leaving Examination less than two weeks away, education experts confirm that pre-exam anxiety among students and parents is both common and manageable with proper coping strategies.
LSN Singapore ·
The final stretch before the PSLE written papers is proving challenging for many Singapore households, with elevated stress levels reported among both children and guardians during this critical period. Educational psychologists note that such anxiety is a natural response to high-stakes assessment, particularly given the examination's significance in determining secondary school placement.
Parents and students are being encouraged to adopt balanced preparation approaches in the remaining days, focusing on consolidating key concepts rather than intensive last-minute cramming. Experts recommend maintaining regular sleep schedules, allocating time for physical activity, and ensuring adequate nutrition—measures shown to enhance cognitive function and emotional resilience during stressful periods.
Schools across Singapore have been emphasizing the importance of perspective among families, reminding parents that exam performance, while important, represents only one aspect of a child's overall development. Counsellors suggest open communication between parents and children about concerns, combined with realistic goal-setting to reduce unnecessary pressure.
The Ministry of Education and educational institutions continue to provide resources and support services to help students manage examination stress effectively during this final preparatory phase.