Supporting your child through GCSE results day

Thousands of students across Wales will get their GCSE results today. Credit: PA Images

Nerves will be running high as thousands of teenagers across Wales prepare to receive their GCSE results this morning.

For parents wondering how to support their children through the process, Careers Wales have given some tips and advice.

It's that time of year again when students from across the country are biting their nails in anticipation of their end-of-school exam results.

However, results days can also be a stressful time for parents or guardians, who are not only worried about their child’s future but how to support them through one of the most important times of their life too.

According to Joan Hackett, a Careers Wales adviser in Caerphilly, the first thing to do is stay calm and not panic if things don’t go to plan.

Careers Wales say it's vital parents & guardians are supportive of their children whatever their results. Credit: PA Images

Careers Wales will be putting several services in operation directly after the results.

For the first time there will be live guidance available from a careers adviser in the caller’s area when they call the Careers Wales Connect line on 0800 028 4844 on Friday 21st and Monday 24th of August.

On these days, there will also be a live Twitter surgery with a careers adviser from 1 - 3pm using the hashtag #askcareerswales, and a Facebook surgery between 11am – 1pm.

11 WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN PREPARE FOR RESULTS DAY:

  • Be supportive, listen to what they are worried about and reassure them that whatever happens results they get you are proud of them.

  • Keep calm. Your role is to be supporting and reassuring. If you show your stress this will only increase the stress your child is feeling

  • Be practical - make sure you know what time they are getting their results, and think about whether they want you be with them when they receive their results.

  • Be prepared for the outcome. Good news is easier to react to but if it is bad news then you need to offer perspective.

  • Talk to your child about your own experiences, both successes and failures.

  • Encourage your child to think about what they want from their working life, this will help begin to focus your efforts in the right direction, looking for suitable jobs or apprenticeships that give them the experience they need.

  • It’s not always bad news, make sure you are prepared if your child does a lot better.

  • than expected. They may now have the grades to go to university or swap onto a different course. Make yourself aware of the options available.

  • Encourage your child to talk to teachers or careers advisors so that they can point them in the right direction if necessary.

  • If your child is applying to university equip yourself with the information about accepting offer or how to use the clearing system if needed.

  • Remind them of how great they are and of all their achievements to date.

  • Inform yourself about the options available should they not get the grades they want.