Learning About Yourself Through Feedback and Mistakes: A Post-Exam Perspective

After exams, students often feel a mix of relief and anticipation while waiting for results. This moment is more than just about grades – it’s an opportunity for meaningful self-discovery and growth. Reflecting on their performance, both successes and setbacks, helps them learn more about themselves and how they can improve in the future.

Celebrating good results is important for wellbeing. Recognising hard work and achievements boosts confidence and motivation. It reminds students that effort leads to progress, fostering a positive mindset that supports ongoing learning and engagement in school.

At the same time, receiving feedback on areas for improvement can feel challenging. However, feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as stepping stones to develop new skills and strategies. When students engage openly with feedback, they practise resilience and adaptability – essential qualities for both academic success and personal wellbeing.

Parents play an important support role during the post-exam period. By encouraging open conversations about results and feelings, parents can help teens process both their successes and setbacks in a healthy way. Offering reassurance and emphasising effort over perfection helps reduce stress and fosters a growth mindset. When parents celebrate achievements and gently guide their teens through feedback, they strengthen their child’s confidence and engagement with learning.

In a school setting, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable to discuss their results helps maintain emotional balance and encourages a growth mindset. Teachers and peers can play a key role by highlighting strengths, offering constructive advice, and celebrating progress, not just perfection.

Ultimately, post-exam reflections teach us that learning isn’t just about grades – it’s about understanding how we learn best, embracing challenges, and nurturing our wellbeing. By valuing both the good outcomes and the lessons from feedback, with the support of parents and educators, students can build confidence and stay engaged on their journey toward continuous growth.

Parent Resources

Dr Justin Coulson Parent Seminars

Kilbreda has subscribed to the website https://happyfamilies.com.au/.

Dr Justin Coulson has a PhD in psychology, is the co-host and parenting expert and founder of happyfamilies.com.au.  He will host a series of online presentations this year. The next topic is:

Emotional Regulation: A Heart-Centred Approach to Supporting Your Child, which is available to view on the on the website now.

Upcoming topics:

• Carrots & Sticks: Better Ways to Build Boundaries With Your Kids* (Wednesday 18 June)
• Anxious: Helping Your Child Navigate a World of Worry (Term 3)
• Entitled: Raising Responsibly, Respectful Kids (Term 4)

*You can sign up to receive a reminder about the 18 June webinar here https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/awj-kilbredacollege-carrots

Toolbox

Kilbreda invites parents to a free online presentation on managing conflict focused on adolescence. The workshop will be held by Toolbox education, with the topic of ‘Dealing with Conflict’.

Adolescence can be a time of upheaval and conflict, especially in social groups. The way we communicate our wants and needs has a big impact on how we manage conflict and is a vital skill to learn. This workshop teaches parents how to support their child through conflict. Please book here.

Wellbeing Breakfast – RSVP Reminder

A reminder that RSVPs for our 18 June ‘Study Smart, Stress Less’ Wellbeing Breakfast close at 5.00pm this Friday 13 June. Please book for this free event here.

SchoolTV

The SchoolTV platform provides schools with an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents. See https://kilbreda.vic.schooltv.me/ for more info.

Jane Delahunty

Acting Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement