Bengaluru Schools Roll Out Comprehensive Support Systems as Exam Season Commences
Bengaluru: The annual exam season has officially arrived, marking a period of intense pressure for students across classes 10 and 12 under various educational boards. Starting this Thursday with the ISC Psychology paper, students face nearly two months of rigorous testing. In response, city schools have proactively developed a range of innovative strategies to help students manage last-minute stress and anxiety, ensuring they navigate this critical time with confidence and resilience.
Structured Mentor-Teacher Programs Provide Personalized Support
Delhi Public School East has introduced a structured mentor-teacher program, where each mentor is assigned to just two students. "This initiative specifically targets students struggling with academic pressure, emotional fatigue, or disengagement as they prepare for board exams," explained Manila Carvalho, principal of DPS East. A key feature of this program is its continuity during study holidays, a period when students typically lack regular academic or emotional support. Through scheduled check-ins and one-on-one mentoring, teachers track progress, address learning gaps, and offer reassurance during peak anxiety moments.
Holistic Approaches: Sound Healing and Recreational Activities
New Baldwin International School in Mandur has adopted sound healing therapy to help students calm down. "In this technique, students lie down in a closed room while calming sounds are played. Feedback indicates it is extremely effective for de-stressing, improving concentration, and enhancing memory retention," said Farah Shereen, principal (ICSE). Additionally, the school offers programs for middle-school children during annual exams, including fun trips to amusement parks and bonfire events under the starry sky, designed to alleviate pressure.
Peer Learning and Physical Education Enhance Well-being
Govt High School in Ramagondanahalli employs peer learning and ensures students have two physical education classes weekly. Stressed students receive one-on-one counseling from teachers, who break down problem areas and provide specific study strategies. The school also incorporates two breaks apart from lunch and weekly socio-emotional learning sessions to foster a balanced environment.
Expert Advice from School Leaders
Deens Academy principal Shanthi Menon emphasized a simple mantra: "Stay confident with your preparation, sleep well, eat sensibly, and take regular leisure breaks through activities like playing instruments or basketball, while avoiding excessive gadget use." Meanwhile, Ryan International Academy principal Aisha Zakki highlighted a structured, day-wise revision plan shared with parents to ensure systematic exam preparation. Presidency School South director Bhuvaneswari J noted that counselors' contact numbers are provided to students for immediate support.
Doctor's Essential Tips for Exam Season
Dr. John Vijay Sagar, professor and HOD of child and adolescent psychiatry at Nimhans, offers comprehensive guidelines:
- For Students: Plan strategic revisions, prioritize all subjects equally, avoid cramming, get 6-7 hours of sleep daily, eat balanced home-cooked meals, stay hydrated, limit caffeine at night, avoid comparisons, use positive self-talk, share worries, take healthy breaks, and regulate gadget use.
- For Parents: Be supportive, spend quality time, consider taking leave during exams, ensure proper sleep and nutrition, listen patiently, avoid travel or hosting guests, and monitor gadget use.
- For Teachers: Be available for doubts, share positive messages, motivate students, ensure counselor availability for intense anxiety, and utilize crisis helplines like Tele Manas (toll-free 14416 or 1800-89-14416).
Nutritional Guidance for Optimal Performance
Nutrition consultant Anjana Nair, CEO of Well-A-Line Solutions, advises: "Avoid stress-eating junk food, which causes energy highs and lows. Hydrate well, include seeds, nuts, and fibrous fruits in your diet, consume probiotics like curd and sprouts, avoid overeating, focus on omega-3s and protein, and steer clear of heavy late-night meals."
Exam Schedule Overview
The exam timeline spans from February to April, with key dates including:
- ISC: February 12 to April 6
- ICSE: February 17 to March 30
- SSLC: March 18 to April 2
- II PUC: February 28 to March 17
- CBSE Class 10: February 17 to March 11
- CBSE Class 12: February 17 to April 10
As Bengaluru schools continue to innovate, these efforts underscore a growing emphasis on holistic student well-being during the challenging exam period, blending academic rigor with emotional and physical support.
