Gurgaon schools teach children ways to beat anxiety, stress ahead of exams

On February 1, the Central Board for Secondary Education also started a toll-free helpline service for children. The helpline will continue to function till April 29. Children can call on the centralised toll-free number between 8am and 10pm.

With the board exams around the corner, Gurgaon schools have come forward to help children tide over exam-related stress and anxiety. Counselling sessions, meditation classes, special coaching and tips sessions are being organised for the students.

The move comes in the backdrop of a recent case wherein a class 11 student of a Gurgaon private school allegedly murdered a fellow student to postpone exams and a parent-teacher meeting. (HT File)

The move comes in the wake of a recent case wherein a class 11 student of a Gurgaon private school allegedly murdered a fellow student to postpone exams and a parent-teacher meeting.

The school, where the murder took place, organised a workshop titled ‘Managing exam anxiety’ for students of classes 9 to 12.

“Students were given tips on managing stress a day before the exams, on the D-Day before entering the hall, inside the hall and outside the hall. They were taught relaxation exercises to use when they get nervous.
Private counsellors were called in to conduct classes,” the principal of the school said emphasising the role of social support in combating anxiety.

Suncity School in Sector 54 also organised a special assembly to boost the morale of its students.

“We have distributed practice papers in addition to conducting two pre-board examinations. We have counselled students and parents over months to ensure children get enough time to relax as well. Meditation is must to calm the nerves,” said Sudha Goyal, director of the Scottish High International School in Sector 57.

Aparna Erry, principal of DAV Public School in Sector 14, said, “The teachers ensure they share ‘model’ answer papers of different subjects with students to show them what their paper could look like, and how to ideally answer questions. Special classes are being held by teachers—both one-on-one and in small groups—for students to score better marks and to improve their academic performance.”

Schools are also stressing on the need for individual sessions with parents of academically weaker students along with their wards. Schools hope that such sessions would improve communication between the parent and child, reduce stress at home, counsel parents and students on exam preparation strategies, and help students perform better.

Counsellor at the Shiv Nadar School Abha Kohli said, “We conduct counselling sessions for students of classes 9, 10 and 11 on study skills and anxiety management as part of the curriculum. These techniques help students not only in revising but also preparing for their exams.”

Schools have also conducted two pre-boards, short tests and have directed teachers to ensure friendly session and not to create any pressure on any student.

Dr Anshu Arora, principal of Amity international school Sector 43, said, “We prepare our students since the beginning of the year. Apart from that, we are conducting one-on-one teaching sessions; teachers are available round-the-clock for queries.”

The CBSE will begin Board exams from March 5. While class 10 board exams will continue till 4 April, for class 12 students the exam will continue till April 12.