MANAGING STRESS DURING O-LEVEL YEAR

By Good School Learning Hub

Over the years, one of the most consistent patterns I’ve observed in Sec 4 is that stress does not come from O-Levels alone—it comes from how students carry the year. Many students appear calm on the surface but feel constantly tense underneath. Parents often sense this pressure but are unsure how to help without making things worse.

What we commonly see is that stress builds gradually. It starts with small worries about keeping up, then grows as assessments stack up and expectations rise. Students may become more irritable, tired, or withdrawn, even if their results are acceptable. This stress is rarely a sign of weakness; it’s a response to sustained pressure and uncertainty over a long period.

From experience, stress becomes harder to manage when students feel they must be “on” all the time. Constant revision without breaks, fear of falling behind, and comparing progress with peers all add to mental fatigue. When stress is ignored or dismissed, it often shows up later as burnout, loss of motivation, or sudden drops in confidence.

What tends to help students most is restoring a sense of control. Clear routines, realistic daily goals, and scheduled rest reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Students cope better when they understand what they are working towards and when effort feels purposeful rather than endless. Parents play a key role by keeping expectations steady, responding calmly to setbacks, and reinforcing that stress is something to manage—not something to fear.

In some cases, families try to remove stress by reducing demands entirely, while others push harder in hopes of “toughening up” their child. Both approaches can backfire. Avoidance may increase anxiety later, while excessive pressure erodes resilience. A balanced approach acknowledges stress, provides structure, and encourages healthy coping strategies such as breaks, reflection, and perspective.

O-Level year is demanding, but it is not meant to be endured in constant tension. When students feel supported emotionally and guided practically, stress becomes manageable rather than overwhelming. With steady routines, calm communication, and realistic expectations, students can navigate O-Level year with resilience—and finish it stronger than they began.