Make school an adventure

Dear Betsy,
I am dreading going back to school. I wasn’t so happy there last year and just can’t face the same thing again.

I hate the subjects I chose for GCSE and my school  are moving to new premises and it means lots of new things which I can’t face. All the kids have close groups of friends and my only friend from school has moved back to England now. What can I do to feel happy?
Depressed, Saar

Dear Depressed,
This time of the year is always challenging for students.
 I understand that you are feeling overwhelmed with moving to a new school premises, losing your best friend and facing up to your final GCSE year. Try to remember that the school premises will be new for everyone (including the teachers!) and look on it as an adventure of discovery.
If the school has decided to move I am sure it is to better, improved premises, so give it a chance and you may find you like it a lot more than the old school.
 Losing your friend is not easy, but a new school year in Bahrain usually brings lots of new pupils too, so this can be an opportunity for you to make newcomers feel welcome and make new friends too.  
You can always keep in touch with your friend in the UK by email and keep her up to date with all the details of school life this year.
I am sure she will also be feeling a bit lost with her new school and surroundings so you can support each other. 
Not many students like all their GCSE subjects, but maybe you are not enjoying some of them because you don’t feel confident with your knowledge or level of understanding in some cases. Speak to your tutor or Head of Year and let them know how you feel. 
There are many ways they can offer help in the form of extra tuition, mentoring, etc. Have you tried some of the internet GCSE revision sites? I remember doing this with my son on the BBC websites and some of them were very effective and fun, so give this a try.
It can also help to have a ‘study buddy’ so that you can study together and support each other and this can help to motivate you both too. 
You should also talk to your parents and let them know how you feel. They were both at school too and I am sure they will remember how challenging exams can be and will be only too happy to help you.
 It is only a few months of focus, concentration and hard work that can reap you such great rewards for your future.
Set yourself small goals each day even if it is only to learn 10 vocabulary words or three scientific explanations.  I am going to share my study secret with you. Buy a bottle of rosemary essential oil and use it in a small burner or on a tissue that you can ‘sniff’ deeply and regularly whilst you are studying. 
Rosemary works directly on our memory banks in the brain and can help you retain the information you are studying.
Take a tissue with a few drops of rosemary on it into the exam and tuck it into your blouse or into your sleeve and inhale every now and again. 
Smelling the rosemary oil will trigger your memory banks and help you recall that vital information.
Life is what you make it, so embrace your new school year as if it were the start of an exciting journey and it will be.
■ Do you have any study secrets or school-life coping mechanisms you would like to share? Email me:
betsymathieson@hotmail.com