5 Ways to Support Your Child Midway Through Their GCSE Science Exams

The GCSE exam season is a marathon, not a sprint. By the time your child sits their first Physics paper (their third of six Science exams) they will officially be halfway through.

This moment matters. Motivation may dip, tiredness builds and the half-term can either recharge or derail progress.

So what can you do to support your child right now when they are half-way through their exams and have completed half of their GCSE Science exams?

1. Celebrate the Halfway Point

Reaching the midpoint is a huge psychological milestone. Yet, it often goes unnoticed in the rush towards prepping for the next exam.

Try this:

• Acknowledge the progress your child has made.

• Celebrate with a treat or a favourite meal.

• Remind them, "You have already tackled so much. Well done! You are stronger and more experienced than you were at the start".

This will build morale and motivation for when they need it most.

2. Focus on Energy

At this stage, energy management matters more than time management. Revision is only effective when the brain and body are fuelled, rested and focused.

What helps:

• Steady sleep routines (especially from the start to the end of exam season!).

• Balanced meals and not too much sugar or caffeine.

• Regular breaks and physical moment, e.g. 10 minute walk in the fresh air can start concentration better than an extra 20 minutes of tired revision.

3. Be the Calm

By now your child knows the stakes. What they need from home is emotional stability and support.

Your role:

• Keep listening.

• Be available, not overbearing.

• Say things like, "What topic feels hardest today?" or "Want to go over anything together?"

4. Make Half Term Count (Without Overdoing It)

Half-term comes at a critical moment. Over-planning may lead to burnout and under-planning may create panic as half-term ends.

Best balance:

• Create three focused revision blocks per day, broken up with breaks

• Schedule time to unwind with walks, fresh air and company with friends and family

• Have a guilt-free day off. Rest is important for revision too!

5. Reflect and Refocus

Half-term is the ideal time for a reset. Help your child reflect on what is working so far and to plan for what is next.

Ask your child:

• Which subjects feel shaky?

• What revision methods have helped most?

• How are you feeling going into the second half?

Even a short but honest chat can be valuable.

Final Thought: You Are Part of Their Success

Being halfway through the exams is an emotional tipping point. Your presence, perspective and patience could be the difference between exhaustion and renewed energy.

Remember - they have got this, and so have you!