Dubai school helps students fight exam anxiety

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

As the class 10th and 12th board exams, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, commenced, The Indian High School, Dubai crafted an innovative project embracing smart and practical ideas to help students combat exam anxiety. Since a happy mind is a healthy mind, the creative approach was aimed at boosting happiness and well-being in all the students.

To create a heightened sense of optimism and contentment, the school engaged students in some exciting activities like dolphin breathing, art and pet therapy, origami, mindfulness, etc. The Sheikh Rashid Auditorium was aromatised with candles, incense and oil burners to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Also, continuing the spirit of the Year of Tolerance, priests from different faiths were invited to bless the students before they left for the exam centre. A surprise element that really touched the students was receiving personal messages sent by their parents.

While on their way, the students practiced mindfulness and were given de-stress kits that included stress balls, fidget spinners, bubble wrap strips and magical springs.

School CEO Punit MK Vasu said, “We care very much for the well-being of our students. We consulted our students and educators on different strategies to combat exam related stress and anxiety. Based on their feedback, we thoughtfully devised a series of de-stress programmes that stimulate different senses of the human body – hearing, smell, touch and sight that are scientifically linked to relieving stress, fear and anxiety. I am delighted to see that our students were thrilled and much relaxed after engaging in the activities we had arranged for them.”

“We will remain committed to promote an emotionally healthy approach to exams and test taking. We are incorporating a holistic approach to happiness and emotional wellbeing, starting right from early years to grades 11 and 12,” he said.