THE exam season is here and students across Worcestershire are facing weeks of pressure, with stress levels sure to be rising. However, according to Patricia Woodhouse, headmistress at Malvern St James school, a few simple techniques and tips could make all the difference. Eat and sleep well

Try to ensure you are well rested, get plenty of sleep and eat wellbalanced healthy meals – the fresher and more energetic you feel, the more able you will be to tackle the challenges ahead. Work, rest and play

Some people concentrate better in the afternoon, others prefer to be up early. Whichever you prefer, formulate a revision plan early. You can find some examples online. Include plenty of short breaks within your plan and don’t forget to find time for fun and exercise. Teach others

Everyone works and revises differently. You may like drawing diagrams or copying from a book. Explain the topic aloud to a pet, poster or toy. Teaching others helps clarify areas of uncertainty. Practice

Try to go over some old examination papers so you know the style of questions and can practise timing their answers. Exam time

Check you know where the exam is, when and what equipment you will need. It will help you feel confident and in control. Whatever happens, dwelling on a completed exam is a waste of time and energy. After it is over, take a break, have fun and then re-focus on the next one. Tips for parents

Your parents can ask the school what strategies they have to guide you to exam success. They will suggest they help you keep to sensible habits such as not watching TV while you are revising and they can also give you emotional support with plenty of advice, encouragement and motivation. If it all goes wrong?

It’s not the end of the world. Many successful people have made a name for themselves after not doing well at school. Other top tips from headteachers Neil Morris, headteacher of Christopher Whitehead Language College, said: “I was told, ‘Eat a frog every day’. “If you had to eat a frog every day, you’d be better to get it over with first thing every morning instead of saving up a week’s worth.” Clive Corbett, of Pershore High School, said: “The most important thing when you are revising is to make sure you have as much variety as possible. “There are revision resources on the internet. You can also revise with a friend because as long as it’s done in a disciplined way, you are making sure you are freshening things up, testing each other. “You can use an iPod or mind maps where you create big, colourful posters to put on the walls. “There are all kinds of ways but make it as interesting and varied as you can. “If you’re sitting there reading a book and it’s not sinking in, give up on that and try something different. “Or if you are doing physics and that’s not working, go to another subject that may work better. “I don’t envy them and wish them all the best.” Clare Maclean, head of Tudor Grange Academy Worcester, said: “Our school has worked hard on eating well. It’s brain food. “Eat plenty of high energy snacks in the morning before the exam and drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.”