Guidance Department Support
Helping Parents Through the Leaving Cert Journey
Parenting Through the Leaving Certificate: Supporting Your Teen Through the Pre-Exams: Learning for Success in June
The pre-exams are an important milestone for Leaving Cert students, providing a realistic test of their knowledge, exam technique, and ability to manage pressure. While the results can sometimes feel discouraging, it’s essential to see them as a learning opportunity rather than a final judgment. By understanding what went well and what needs improvement, students can refine their approach and feel more confident going into the real exams in June. As a parent, your support can make a significant difference in helping them learn from this experience.
What Can Be Learned from the Pre-Exams?
Pre-exams offer valuable insights that can help shape a student’s preparation over the coming months. They highlight:
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Which subjects or topics need extra attention?
- Exam Technique: Are they managing their time effectively? Are they answering the question asked?
- Handling Pressure: How do they cope under timed conditions? What helps them stay calm?
By reflecting on these areas, students can take practical steps to improve before the final exams.
Practical Steps for Learning from the Pre-Exams
Encourage your teen to view their pre-exams as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Here are some ways to turn feedback into meaningful progress:
Reflect on Performance with a Curious Mindset
- Encourage your teen to review their corrected papers with curiosity rather than self-criticism. Are marks being lost due to gaps in knowledge, poor time management, or misinterpreting the question?
- Suggest they keep a "Lessons from the Pre-Exams" notebook where they list key takeaways for each subject, helping them focus their revision.
- A simple reflection exercise: Ask them to write down three things that went well and three areas to improve, this shifts the focus from grades to learning.
Adjust Study Plans Based on Feedback
- Revision should be targeted, focusing on weaker areas highlighted in the pre-exams rather than simply repeating what feels comfortable.
- Using past exam papers is an excellent way to practise similar questions and improve technique.
- Setting mini-goals can help keep motivation high, such as improving in a specific topic each week.
Improve Exam Technique
- Encourage timed exam-style practice to develop speed and efficiency.
- If your teen struggles with structuring answers, reviewing marking schemes and model answers can help them understand what examiners are looking for.
- A useful trick: Highlight the key command words in each question (e.g., “explain,” “compare,” “evaluate”) to ensure they answer fully.
Build Confidence and Manage Stress
- Remind them that pre-exams are a learning tool, not a prediction of their final results. Many students make significant progress between now and June.
- Encourage simple stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, short walks, or listening to music.
- Promote healthy habits—adequate sleep, balanced meals, and time away from screens are essential for effective learning.
How Parents Can Offer Meaningful Support
Your role is to provide encouragement and structure without adding pressure. Here are some practical ways to help:
- Help them plan, but don’t take over – If they’re struggling with organisation, guide them in creating a realistic revision schedule rather than dictating one.
- Balance study with relaxation – Encourage breaks and downtime to maintain motivation.
- Acknowledge effort, not just results – Praise small improvements and the work they’re putting in: “I can see how much effort you’re putting into this—keep going!”
- Be a good listener, Sometimes, they just need to vent. Reassuring them that setbacks are normal and part of the learning process can help ease frustration.
Final Thoughts
The pre-exams are not just about grades, they are a chance for students to learn what works and what needs adjusting before June. With the right mindset, targeted revision, and a strong support system, they can use this experience to build confidence and improve their performance. Progress matters more than perfection, and every small step forward now will pay off in the final exams.
Useful Resources
- Studyclix.ie – Topic-based past papers and quizzes.
- Examinations.ie – Official marking schemes and sample answers.
- YouTube & Podcasts – Search for revision guides on challenging topics.
- Wellbeing Supports – Jigsaw.ie and SpunOut.ie provide guidance on managing stress.
Compiled by Aoife Leahy and Emma Coles, Career Guidance Counsellor at High School Clonmel