Can participation in the performing arts reduce exam stress?
Anxiety around exams are nothing new but now it seems stress is affecting children younger and younger. Students are constantly tested throughout their school life and the period of time leading up to an exam can be particularly difficult for some.
Parents may feel that the best ways to help their children cope is to reduce the amount of out of school hours activities that they take part in. However, according to tes, during the exam period, it is important to make students aware that they should not be revising 24/7. The article is quoted as saying that parents should encourage them to pursue hobbies they enjoy and adopt a culture of valuing the arts. Comments such as: “Art isn’t useful for your career,” should be challenged to encourage students to think about the benefits they do offer.
Physical exercise is another major benefit to helping children cope with the pressure of exams. According to the NHS inform website, making sure youngsters are active is an effective stress buster. Exercise can help boost energy levels as well as clearing the mind, which will help with revision and the general lead up to exams.
Razzamataz Theatre Schools has almost 20 years’ experience of working with young people and has seen many students through the tricky periods of SATS, GCSE’s and A-Levels. Founder and MD Denise Hutton-Gosney explains: “We definitely notice a difference in students around the lead up to exams. Whether they feel the pressure of achieving the high grades that they are predicted or are really struggling with revision, many will experience some sort of stress during this time. Razzamataz provides them with a safe place where they can let off steam for a few hours, forget about their stresses and focus on something completely different. Drama can help them express their worries or fears, dance will give them a surge of adrenaline and singing releases endorphins in the body which has proved to reduce stress.”
“Young people need the opportunity to work through their stress levels and learn how to manage them in a place often outside of both school and home,”
During the Razzamataz sessions, students will participate in dance, drama and singing lessons. All three disciplines contain many elements that can help students learn to manage their own stress levels and anxieties.
“Young people need the opportunity to work through their stress levels and learn how to manage them in a place often outside of both school and home,” adds Denise. “Exercise, meditation and understanding what is good for the body and mind are all tools that will see them succeed in life in whatever direction they want to take.”
Razzamataz are passionate about inspiring the next generation and are currently looking for new school Principals who share their ideals. If you would like to be part of a franchise business that thrives on supporting young people, come along to one of our Discovery Den days held in various venues throughout the UK. To find out more, chat to Head of Recruitment Steve on E: [email protected] or call 07585 709 136.
There are currently opportunities to take over existing schools in Hackney, Wimbledon and Reading.
Stop Press:
50% off the franchise fee until July 2019 to launch in September 2019 & your first terms management fee FREE! A saving of around £6,000!
Stress busting tips from Razzamataz
- Drama games often include visualisation, which can help students calm down and detach themselves from what is causing them stress.
- Exercise will help students blow off steam and by starting early, it will give them good habits for life.
- Singing classes will often focus on breathing exercises, which are a quick way to calm down and are particularly effective for reducing anxiety before or even during tests.
- Music is very useful to relieve stress as well as stimulating your mind.
- Positive thinking and belief in yourself will help create better circumstances in your life. Razzamataz works hard with students to create a habit of optimism in each and every child, which will see them through the pressure of exams and life’s up and downs in general.
