Anxiety with tests
4 answers /
Last post: 23/05/2022 at 2:19 pm
Was wondering if anyone had advice on what might work. My daughter had her first set of mocks., some in the hall. She sometimes has anxiety attacks during tests which school is well aware of. One of her teachers said they would coordinate with Senco to provide support. I heard nothing more and just assumed school would do it. My DD is quite secretive so didn't admit to me until a week later that she had a panic attack during her English test and was not allowed to step out or given any support so she answered almost nothing and got a 2. I contacted her English teacher who said she knows it doesn't reflect her ability as she gets 5/6 on her coursework and less important tests. She said I should contact Senco but I thought this had already been done. I want to come prepared when we do meet Senco, what kind of support can I expect for DD and what should I ask for? She is getting therapy outside school and I spent hours helping her revise but I'm at a loss what else I can do. English gcse is so important and if she fails it I know it will crush her.
Hi Kaz,
I’m sorry your daughter had a panic attack during her exam, very upsetting and distressing for her.
I would guess that there has been some kind of miscommunication at school which meant she didn’t get the right support.
My youngest is currently doing GCSES. He has a number of medical issues which means he is entitled to extra time in exams and also he takes them in a smaller room rather than the main exam hall. School had to send all his medical information, letters from our GP and his consultant to the exam boards to enable him to have this support.
When you see the SENCO ask what information they need, possibly letter from your daughter’s therapist, dr etc. From my understanding support is tailored to the individual student’s needs. Some students may need the option of taking a break during the exam. If this is the case they stop the timer for that student and restart it when the student is ready. It really depends on the individual so discuss what will help.
My son’s SENCO is very supportive and obviously the school will want to do everything to help your daughter achieve.
Hope this helps
Pam x
Hi Kaz,
I’m sorry your daughter had a panic attack during her exam, very upsetting and distressing for her.
I would guess that there has been some kind of miscommunication at school which meant she didn’t get the right support.
My youngest is currently doing GCSES. He has a number of medical issues which means he is entitled to extra time in exams and also he takes them in a smaller room rather than the main exam hall. School had to send all his medical information, letters from our GP and his consultant to the exam boards to enable him to have this support.
When you see the SENCO ask what information they need, possibly letter from your daughter’s therapist, dr etc. From my understanding support is tailored to the individual student’s needs. Some students may need the option of taking a break during the exam. If this is the case they stop the timer for that student and restart it when the student is ready. It really depends on the individual so discuss what will help.
My son’s SENCO is very supportive and obviously the school will want to do everything to help your daughter achieve.
Hope this helps
Pam x
Thanks Pam I'm waiting to hear back from Senco but knowing the options ahead of time is really helpful Thanks and good luck to your son x
Thanks Pam I'm waiting to hear back from Senco but knowing the options ahead of time is really helpful Thanks and good luck to your son x
Thanks Kaz,
i hope your daughter gets all the help she needs x