I'm so stressed with school! Can someone help?

Question

I got some of my final G.C.S.E exams in a few weeks time, then in May and June. I'm really struggling just to get a grade C/D. I've started paying more attention in school and have started revising at home for about 10 minutes per subject but my grades still arn't improving. I doubt i will stay on in school for my A levels because i havn't got enough points. I don't see myself getting a good job in the future and always wanted to go to university to take a course in Business Studies but i can't afford it and i can't even pass the subject. My parents do is criticise me and have no idea of how hard i am working. I was thinking about ending it all last year as i don't see myself ever being happy. I have nothing to look forward to in the future. Are there any other teens with this problem or any people that can help me? I'm 15 years old and i live in South Wales in the U.K.

Answer 1

First thing sweety, stop thinking that you'll never be happy. I know you hate to hear this, but your only 15 and I promise it will get better. From what I can see from what you have written, you have already convinced yourself that you'll fail at life. You have got to change that attitude. If you think you will fail, you will. Try to think more positive and keep trying. Go to the school counselor or a teacher that you respect and ask for help. That's what they are there for. I mean I don't know how the school systems are in the U.K., but surly there are counselors or tutors there. Ask for help, stay positive and do the best you can. You will be surprised what your future holds. You can't see it now but you will if you just hang in there and look for the positive things in every situation. Changing the way you think about things will help you more than you could possibly imagine! Good Luck!

Answer 2

You have everything to live for, and if you just keep up the work that your doing now then I'm sure in the future you will look back on this time in your life and laugh. Not everyone in the world can put 110% effort into what they're doing but you are, and even if your parents arent happy with that you should be. When revising only look briefly over the stuff you already know, if that, because you will just confuse yourself. Take more time looking at things that you cant quite get your head round, and bit by bit it should fall into place.
You may feel like you cant see an improvement at the moment, but as long as you keep putting the work in, you should get the results you want in August.
Aim really really high, higher than the moon, and if you only get the stars then you've done well!!

Answer 3

It can seem really tough but its not the end of the world.... Lots of successful people left school with no qualifications!! (Richard Bransons doing ok for himself!)

BUT 10 mins per subject is stupid- you'll never learn enough with that attitude! You should aim for 25mins, a 10min break then back on it... When you think a normal day has maybe 14 hours of waking time in it, you can definitely work on your time management.

MAybe its worth focusing on the key subjects (English and Maths) as these are the most fundamental skills to have.

Discuss your struggles with a teacher- if you are committed to making the effort, they'll be happy to help.

Maybe try using a revision website? The BBC do the bitesize one....

But at the end of the day you DO have your whole life to look forward to. Focus on knowing that you'll have a great summer to look forward to, get a part-time job (lets face it, until august you wont even need to put down your grades, by which time you could have built up a bit of working experience which is always preferred).

Good luck!

Answer 4

You're question is riddled with negativity. Try having a positive attitude. You can't worry about something that hasn't happened YET.

What you can do is PREPARE for the things that are stressing you out the most. I would start with MORE study time. 10 minutes is not enough to review for anything. I wonder why we have so much time to socialize with friends, surf the web, watch tv...etc while we never have enough time to study?

Part of it is that you're unconsciously trying to avoid the issue to begin with (in other words, you have your mind made up that you're going to fail, so why bother putting more of an effort into it)?

You need at least 1 hour per subject, don't be afraid to study on WEEKENDS, and use the resources ( academic counseling, etc) available at your school. Form a study group- in person or online if you have to. Get together with classmates in a chatroom or message board and toss out questions, answers, concerns in there.

Also, create small goals for yourself. Sometimes the big picture may seem overwhelming but take it one step at a time (one class at a time) and eventually you will reach your goal. You'll be happy you did!

Answer 5

My advice is to make sure you spend at least an hour on each subject. Ask your teacher's for help especially for relevant books or revision books. When I did my GCSE's (going back 7 years now) there were books called Letts revision guides - invest them they break down all the relevant information. I would also recommend writing notes or doing mind maps. For me the more I write things down the more likely I am to remember. Try different methods and use highlighters and coloured pens. If your parents will let you put your mind maps or notes on your bedroom walls and write note cards to read. I would also go on http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
the BBC bitesize programs helped me (and they were very basic then - there was no website then!).
Also if you don't pass this time you can always re take them and go to college and university when you are older. For my second degree I took a year out and worked to save money for university.
Good luck and try not to stress to much and take a 10 minute break after every 90 minutes.

Answer 6

In response to your question, thinking about ending it all is a cry for help. Help is available for you from other sources. I would have a word with your guidance teacher at school and there could be the help available that will enable you to feel confident enough to work out a better way of revising that suits you. As for your parent's criticising you, you will need to talk to them and tell them how hard you are trying and to support you in every way possible.I study at college, and have two children at school and i have a big exam in June so i do know how hard it is to try and do your best and keep on top of things

Answer 7

Just work as you are right now. Please don't ever think about ending everything. Your life does not depend on qualifications....honestly. Whatever result you get....it's not the end of the world....you WILL get a job...also if you ever feel like it in the future you can retrain or retake qualifications. I did. I did it when I was 30! It's never too late.

You have your life ahead of you right now. Yeah, exams do put pressure on you...try to write a revision timetable for yourself focusing more on the exams that are nearest. Then you know you did your best.

All the best....hope that helps.

Answer 8

Make an appointment to see your head of year. Tell him/her what you've told us. They're there to help you, that's their job. They'll be pleased that you've A/ made the appointment to see them, which proves that you're serious and B/you really want to learn.
Listen to what they advise, and act on it. It's not unusual to feel as you do, (rising panic at the thought of the future-it's quite natural) just don't let things get out of hand. There's ALWAYS someone willing to listen to you. If you're feeling really desperate, phone the Samaritans (in the 'phone book) friendly experienced people who'll give you time to talk. Good luck.

Answer 9

You want to learn, that's the clue here. You could very likely have some learning disabilities. Can you go to a school counselor and ask for some testing? Don't give up, no matter how frustrating it gets. I've actually heard people tell me that they had an awful time in school, but did well in college(university)

Answer 10

HI, you should have more confidence in yourself. I don't think you have any problem, just try some deep breathing exercises, it will cool down your mind, remove your stress, and there you will be with a fresh mind to study. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, concentrate on your studies, having the will to study is half the battle won. Imagine yourself teaching someone and teach yourself in simple words., understand what your studying. Do the deep breathing lessons. sit cross legged in your room, close your eyes, now breathe in slowly and watch in your mind's eye the air going in down slowly and then coming out slowly when you breathe out. all the best.