Professor Alan Read's top tips for the assessment period

I’m Ken, a first-year law student, and I recently had the honour of sitting down with King’s legend & Professor of Theatre Alan Read as he shared his infinite wisdom.

Stress levels can be high with the assessment period approaching, but Professor Read brings the reassuring message that exams don’t define you.

He offers practical advice, encouragement and even some unexpected insights (such as his love for Americana music) to help you navigate this intense period.

Ken: Much like preparing for a performance, how can students approach assessments with the same level of planning and structure?  

Professor Read: I think assessment starts with good planning and structured thinking. Whether you are working on coursework or preparing for an exam, it’s crucial to be passionate about your topic and to understand why you're writing about it.

I would recommend starting early to form a clear direction. For coursework submissions, you’ve got it in your own hands, so take that opportunity to get as much done as possible. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Ken:  What is an essential strategy for students to approach exams and coursework effectively?

Professor Read: I would recommend a five-step strategy (COCOE) to help students shape their assessments effectively.

• Coherence of Thought – Ensure your ideas flow logically. 

• Organisation of Materials – Get your information in the right order.

• Critical Thinking – Show independent and analytical engagement with your topic.

• Originality – Don’t be afraid to bring fresh perspectives, even at the undergraduate level. 

• Effort – Make it count, as markers can tell when you’ve put in the work.

Ken: Just as actors plan their time carefully before a show, what are the best time management strategies students can use to ensure they arrive at an exam fully prepared and calm?  

Professor Read: Give yourself good time, starting the night before with a good night’s sleep. Leave early to avoid stress and don’t get panicked by transport issues.

If you're heading to somewhere like the Excel Centre, aim to arrive with a twenty-minute buffer. One thing goes wrong, and you're suddenly stressed before you've even begun.

I'm obsessive about it because my father died before I was born, and I always presumed I missed the main event of my life. So, I arrive two or three hours early for everything.

Don’t be too early and get cold or nervous, but don’t leave it to the last minute.

Ken: How can students balance focused study with rest to avoid burnout, especially under tight deadlines? 

Professor Read: Wellbeing is critical, particularly at university, where the environment can be intense and isolating.

If possible, work in a buddy or peer group and get a sense of how you're getting on just at the level of the kind of friendly banter or exchange that can always be helpful. 

Whether you are working alone or with your friends, don’t forget the essentials: staying hydrated, eating well and getting enough sleep. But, of course, make sure to enjoy life. After all, you are in London, one of the world’s greatest cities.

Ken: Music or silence? What’s your verdict on the best study soundtrack, and do you have any surprising recommendations? 

Professor Read: I have tinnitus from playing in bands as a teenager. So, music helps me filter out distractions. Be selective - thumping rap won’t be the best if your housemates are trying to focus. My playlist leans towards Americana with artists like Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings, and Anaïs Mitchell.

But if lyrics distract you, maybe go for instrumental soundtracks. Find your ideal ‘sonic envelope’ and choose what helps you focus best.

Ken: In theatre, not everyone ends up in the role they originally auditioned for. Have you seen students find unexpected paths beyond their degrees?

Professor Read: I recall a student from the Welsh Valleys. They were working through identity questions like what it meant to leave home and come to a place like King’s. I could see the weight of their working-class background but also the richness of their experience.

That student didn’t get a ‘stellar’ degree, but they found their calling in teaching. I hope their time at King’s helped them realise they could be a teacher through a teacher. That’s what education is about – finding the thing that fits you.

Ken: What are your final words of encouragement to students?

Professor Read: I hope all students find their way through exam season in a way that satisfies them. An exam doesn’t define who you are because it’s just a reflection of one performance on one day. There’s always another opportunity, another way forward.

Learn from the experience, move on, and enjoy the process. And when it's all over? A wry smile to yourself. You’re still here, walking, swimming, and talking.