Tuning up for secondary school entrance exams – 2024

The Tuning Up support group of the Újbuda Human Services Centre is an innovative mental health programme supporting families during the secondary school entrance exam period.

During the 6-8 months preceding the application period the professionals hold six thematically organised sessions. The first and last sessions involve students and parents together, the four sessions in between are held at the same time but in separate spaces. Young people are assisted by a career guidance professional, while parents are assisted by a mental health professional.

The main aim is to provide answers to the dilemmas that arise in connection with the entrance exam procedure, to provide authentic information and to enrich the discussions with exchanges of experience. The key is a supportive community, where students can find their own inner resources, explore career paths and next steps, while parents reflect on their roles, learn effective support techniques, practice stress management and decision-making strategies to better assist their children during this challenging period.

Through shared experiences and expert facilitation, both students and parents gain new perspectives, emotional support, and practical tools to navigate with more confidence and understanding this key life transition.