Exams can be a stressful time for students, especially those who find writing challenging or need additional support.

At Crick Software, we believe that every student deserves to feel confident and prepared for exam season. That's why DocsPlus is designed to support learners who find writing tough and help them revise effectively so they can perform their best under pressure.

Here’s how educators and students can use DocsPlus to reduce stress and build exam confidence.

Start revision early

Starting revision early gives students time to absorb information gradually, reducing last-minute panic. DocsPlus makes this easier by providing a structured environment for writing and note-taking. Students don’t need to keep track of exercise books, folders, and notes for different subjects. Instead, they can digitally save and back up their work on the school network for easy access.

Students can use Wordbars to access key vocabulary and concepts, helping them build revision notes efficiently and independently. When students use a Wordbar, they have the keywords for the topic at the bottom of their document. They can then add them into their writing by clicking on the desired word.

Teachers and students can also use the mind-mapping tool, WorkSpace, to create a revision timetable. You can create your own WorkSpace by selecting a template from the Smart Tab ribbon and adding and arranging the cells to suit your needs. Creating an easy-to-follow visual plan can ensure students are prepared and revising as early as possible.

With early access to these tools, students have everything they need to begin exam preparations with confidence.

(Top tip: Don’t forget to export WorkSpaces as graphics or Wordbars into your document for seamless integration!)

Collaborative revision

Revision doesn’t have to be a solo activity. DocsPlus encourages collaboration between students and teachers. Teachers can create and share custom Wordbars or use ready-made resources from LearningGrids, allowing students to revise together using consistent terminology and structure. Peer collaboration is also supported through shared writing tasks and group feedback, helping students learn from each other and feel less isolated during revision.

Inclusive revision

Every student learns differently, and DocsPlus is built with inclusivity in mind. Whether a student has dyslexia, processing difficulties, or simply benefits from visual support, DocsPlus offers tools to meet diverse needs.

Here are some of the tools learners can use:

• The DocReader to access curriculum content
  
  
• Speech feedback to proofread and review their writing
  
  
• The Predictor to overcome blank page syndrome and build up writing stamina
  
  
• Voice Notes to capture their thoughts before attempting to write them down
  
  
• Accessibility settings to meet a diverse range of needs

This inclusive design ensures that all students are able to engage with revision in a way that suits them, promoting equity and reducing stress caused by inaccessible materials.

Streamlining and structuring revision across subjects

One of the most effective ways to reduce exam stress is to provide students with a consistent and structured approach to revision across all subjects.

Using the WorkSpace allows students to visually map out their revision plans using templates like spider diagrams and flow charts. This helps break down key questions, such as what/why/how/where, into manageable chunks.

DocsPlus also enables educators to create subject-specific tabs within the WorkSpace, each tailored to the unique requirements of a topic but following a unified layout.

This consistency helps students feel more in control and less overwhelmed, especially when juggling multiple subjects. Consistency across subjects not only improves organisation but also fosters a sense of calm and preparedness, making the exam journey smoother and more successful.

Positive connotations surrounding exams

Changing the narrative around exams can make a big difference. The supportive features in DocsPlus encourage independence and success, which helps students feel like they can succeed. This support means that instead of viewing exams as a source of anxiety, students see them as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge.

When students feel empowered by the tools they use, exams become less daunting and more manageable. Our Exam Mode enables students to practise using exam papers with the arrangements they would usually have on the day. The support tools can also be used day-to-day to ensure students feel confident using them as part of their normal way of working.

Stress-free environment for those with access arrangements

For students with access arrangements, DocsPlus is a game-changer. It supports exam accommodations such as use of a reader, a scribe, or a word processor. With DocsPlus, students can work independently while still receiving the support they’re entitled to. This creates a calmer, more familiar exam environment, helping students focus on their answers rather than their anxieties.

With the right tools and strategies, your learners can approach their exams with confidence and clarity. DocsPlus is more than just a writing tool - it’s a partner in learning, helping students revise effectively, collaborate meaningfully, and perform their best when it matters most.

For personalised support on using DocsPlus for exams in your setting, you can book an exam support meeting.

And to learn more, you can read our blogs:

• JCQ updates for 2025/26 - Why an AT solution like DocsPlus could be the game-changer schools need
  
  
• Embedding technology as students’ normal way of working