Pre-Examination Motivation Speech

As we face the final academic examinations of the year, I want to remind you that this moment is important but it is not the only moment. It is one chapter in a longer story, your story at St Mary’s, your story of growth, of becoming, of character.

At St Mary’s DSG we believe in educating the whole girl: mind, body, spirit. We believe also that learning is not simply content but character. And you embody that calling of our motto Filiae Regis you are daughters of purpose, daughters of dignity, daughters who are ready to stand and show what you have learned.

As you approach your exams, I ask you to bring two key attitudes:

1. A positive, purposeful mindset

• Know that you are prepared. You have spent months learning, revising, practising.
• Believe that you are capable. You are not defined by a number, a score, or a moment, you are defined by your integrity, your effort, your heart.
• View this as an opportunity, not a threat. An opportunity to show your growth, not a verdict on your worth.

2. A disciplined, calm drive

• Make a plan. Break your work into manageable portions.
• Rest well. Your brain needs sleep. Your body needs fuel.
• Enter each paper with composure. Read carefully, think clearly, answer honestly.
• After each paper, reflect briefly, then move on. Don’t carry yesterday’s anxiety into today.

Remember our values: integrity (do your own work, honest effort), agility (adapt, think flexibly), growth mindset (every challenge is a chance to learn), generosity of spirit (support others, encourage your peers). These values matter in exams just as they matter in life.

Remember: you are not alone. Your teachers walk with you. Your friends support you. Your school believes in you. The foundation you’ve built here in classrooms, in co-curriculars, in friendships, in chapel and stands with you now.

Step into the exam room with your head held high, your heart at ease. Give your best. That is all we ask. After the exams, we will look not only at results, but at who you became through this. An exam can test knowledge but it cannot measure your kindness, your resilience, your integrity.

Go forward, daughters of the King. Show your light. Do your best. We are proud of you already.