As exam fever catches on

Updated on: Monday, February 14, 2011

With the Board examinations approaching, students of Chennai Schools are gearing up to face the challenge head on. While the Class XII examinations are a fortnight away, the Class X examinations would begin by the end of next month.

For V. Gnanasekar, a Class X student, who wants to become an IAS officer, this “crucial” one-month would go a long way in helping him realise his dream. Targeting a total of 495 marks in the board examination, the student of Chennai High School, Taramani, has meticulously planned out a study schedule for the days ahead.

School principals say that in addition to planned study schedules, emphasis should be on building confidence and extending support to the students in the last few weeks.

“We find some students becoming nervous and unable to answer even familiar questions. So we counsel them and ask them not to put more pressure on themselves by studying new portions. Instead, they should revise and be thorough with the concepts they already know,” says S. Balasubramani, principal, T.T.V. higher secondary school, Sowcarpet.

The Class X and XII students in most schools have been divided into groups based on their performance and given special coaching in the evenings. The academically good performers are given previous years' question papers to work on and the average performers are advised to brush-up on the important topics. The relatively “weak students”, as they are termed by their teachers, are asked to solve two key questions from the previous year papers every day.

“It is the school's duty to guide the students since most families of Chennai School students are not in a position to provide the necessary attention,” says Mr. Balasubramani.

Encouraging students

In an attempt to encourage students from the under-privileged section to perform their best in the upcoming Class X and XII examinations, the Ma Foi foundation organised an ‘All The Best–Gathering 2011' here on Sunday. “I am great, I will, I can,” students pledged in chorus. “Repeat the mantra everyday and you will come out with flying colours,” said C. Giritharan, principal trainer, Best Resources, in his speech. He also asked students to have a high target and write it down on their mirror, so that they would be constantly reminded of their goal.

More than 500 Chennai School students who would write the board examination participated at the gathering. The success stories of personalities, who battled against all odds to live their dreams, were narrated to the students. “Do not waste time on difficult questions, make the maximum use of the time left before the examination” and “do not watch TV” were some examination tips given to students at the gathering.

Handing over pens and examination kits, Latha Rajan, managing trustee, The Ma Foi foundation said, “It is important to encourage these students at this stage since a good score in the school-level will help them secure admission into a good college and ultimately a good career. We have seen many of these children grow and blossom into winners.”

The foundation is also offering Disha Scholarships to children who are good in academics and aim to pursue a career.

As exam fever catches on

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