What is academic stress?
Stress is a natural feeling, designed to help us cope in challenging situations. In small amounts it can be good because it pushes us to work hard and do our best, like during exams. But if we’re feeling really stressed – or that stress is overwhelming – it can lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Stress from academic pressure and mental health can also affect academic performance.
An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey of 540,000 15 to 16-year-olds highlights just how common academic stress is among students. Two-thirds of young people reported feeling stressed about their grades, while 59% said they often worried that a test would be too difficult. As many as 37% reported feeling extremely tense when studying.
It’s clear that academic pressure on students, such as the time, commitment, and energy needed to achieve academic goals can be overwhelming. Homework, revision, exam prep, coursework – it can feel like there’s always something to do. Students can compare themselves to friends or feel the burden of academic pressure from others. They can set unrealistic expectations for themselves, too.
Sometimes, these feelings can stop a student from reaching their full potential, both in school and their personal lives.
Signs your child may be experiencing academic stress
Academic stress manifests itself in lots of different ways. The signs vary from student to student, and may be more noticeable at certain times – for example, the closer it gets to an exam or deadline.
Our brilliant team of therapists, counsellors, and learning specialists have lots of experience when it comes to spotting a child who may be struggling. They’re always on the lookout for the following signs:
- Changes in behaviour: increased irritability, mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, or sudden emotional outbursts.
- Drop in performance: uncharacteristically poor grades, incomplete assignments, or a sudden drop in participation or engagement.
- Physical symptoms: tiredness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, headaches, stomach-aches, or frequent illnesses.
- Increased self-criticism: negative comments about themselves or their academic achievements.
- No enthusiasm: a lack of motivation to do their school work or take part in extra-curricular activities.
- Procrastination or avoidance: asking for extensions or regularly missing deadlines.
- Perfectionism: seeking to achieve unrealistic standards or becoming obsessed with small mistakes.
How to cope with academic stress
We work hard to create a supportive, open, and inclusive environment where every student feels comfortable seeking help. Our teachers listen actively, encourage children to share their concerns and frustrations, always validate feelings,
and empower students to learn how to cope with academic stress.
When it comes to practical support, our staff have come up with a range of techniques. These are designed to help our students both in and beyond the classroom.
- Prioritising and organising tasks: we encourage our learners to break their workload into manageable chunks and create a to-do list to keep track of assignments, projects, and exams.
- Taking regular breaks: it’s important to take time out during study sessions, whether that’s going for a walk or doing an activity that clears the mind.
- Seeking support: working with others can really lighten the academic burden, and we encourage our students to reach out to friends, classmates, or family members for emotional support – or set up a study group.
- Managing time: sometimes it can be hard to focus, which is why we suggest approaches that enhance productivity and avoid procrastination. These include the Pomodoro Technique.
The benefits of the Pomodoro Technique
We love the Pomodoro Technique at St Andrews! Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, this unique time-management method splits learning into focused 25-minute study periods, each of which is separated by a short break.
In each 25-minute study session, students focus on a specific task. After a five-minute break, they move on to another piece of work, again for 25 minutes. After four ‘pomodoros’ in a row, they take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
There are many benefits of the Pomodoro Technique. It makes it easier to start a task, combats distractions, and increases awareness of time. It also ‘gamifies’ learning, with every ‘pomodoro’ providing an opportunity to improve upon the last.
We’re here for your child
It’s important to reiterate that academic stress is completely normal. And your child is not alone when it comes to dealing with it. Our school-wide commitment to happiness and wellbeing – inspired by a focus on healthy minds – creates a safe space where every student receives the personalised care and expert academic guidance they need.
