Alex's Answer

Welcome to Ask Alex, 

Thank you for reaching out and sharing what is going on for you. It is a sign of true strength that you can see your struggle and take ownership of it to try and work on it.  

You have mentioned that “I’m failing school! My exams I’m failing!! What do I do?”. We are so sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time like this at present. Exams are undoubtfully one of the most stressful things we encounter in our school years. It is important that you know that you are not alone in this, many people struggle with exams.  

Have you tried setting yourself out a study plan? If you can set out a plan that focuses on the subjects you have most difficulty with and give them some added time to go through? You could also get support from your parent/carer to help you in improving that subject or subjects. It is also important to reach out to your teachers and look at what options are available to you for extra support. Try and focus your energy into what is possible, and not to forget the areas and things you are doing well in.  We can sometimes get bogged down by focusing only on the areas where we’re struggling. and not take account of what is working well, which can have a negative impact on everything.  

We believe that you can do this, you need to start believing in yourself and putting the supports in place that will help you achieve. Talk to your parent/carer and explain that you need additional support, this can be grinds, in school support or even your parent/carer working on the subjects they understand well with you in the evenings.  

You have shown that you want this change, and you want support. Start small, believe in your abilities, you’ve got this! Here are some articles which may be helpful to you www.childline.ie/homework-and-revision/ and www.childline.ie/11-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-your-exams/.

If you feel that Childline could support you any further please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1800 66 66 66 or via tLive Chat on www.childline.ie. These are 24hr services and will provide non-judgemental, anonymous and unconditional support.  

We hope that this has provided some support and wish you the best of luck with you going forward. 

Alex.