Going bananas for exams

Munching your way to exam success?

A mixture of bananas and Bach could add up to exam success, a school in Birmingham is hoping.

At Turves Green Girls' School pupils who are about to sit exams are encouraged to take time out to listen to Bach and munch fruit.

Teachers at the school, which specialises in technology, have been running a series of experiments to see which conditions bring out the best in pupils in exams.

They found mixing bananas with one of Bach's cello suites worked best to prepare students mentally and physically for exams.

No breakfast

Before they sit their national tests next week, pupils in year nine (14 year olds) will eat bananas and do some "mind-gym" exercises with their form teacher.

Then, when they enter the exam hall, they will listen to Bach before the tests begin.

Head teacher Sara Brehony says the aim is to invigorate pupils.

"Not everyone is at their best first thing in the morning. Many girls come in without having eaten breakfast, or having snacked on crisps or sweets on the way in.

Mind-gym

"The bananas will give them sustained energy and also help reduce high stress levels.

"Classical music is known to improve concentration."

The school has been doing mind-gym exercises in classes for some time.

An example would be getting children to pat their heads with one hand while rubbing their stomachs in a circular movement with the other.

Sara Brehony says the simple exercises can help children to engage in learning and sharpen their brains.

"If lessons are an hour long, the exercises are very good for re-energising pupils and helping them to focus," she said.