Exam season is fast approaching and with it, study sessions, revision and stress comes too. Pupils all around the country are preparing for their GCSE’s, AS levels and A2 levels. However, there has been a significant amount of pressure placed upon adolescents. Is this anxiety worth it?

Students at Newstead Wood School for Girls have explained that ‘exams obviously increase the stress and anxiety put onto teenagers and this can have detrimental outcomes on their mental health.’ This is clearly a common conception as, after asking several others, they all had a very similar idea. A popular opinion was that with the new GCSE taking place, more and more students were becoming increasingly nervous and concerned for their education. Teachers have also become worried as the grade boundaries have increased which again increases the pressure that teenagers already have placed on them. In a society where so much is already expected of us, why should this stress intensify?

Although many parents are concerned about their children’s well-being, some believe that the new GCSE will enhance their child’s education. One parent explained that ‘I am very happy with this new GCSE as it has allowed my son to extend his knowledge of topics which he wanted to learn more about’ whilst another said that ‘I think the new specification is very beneficial towards my children’s education.’ This view, however, is contradicted by parents who believe that the new specification has caused their children to become ‘overworked,’ ‘tired,’ and ‘unhappy.’ Many think that it was unnecessary to change the way that the GCSE was marked because there would be so much more pressure placed upon adolescents to achieve the top grades.

Although many are trying to look positively at exam season, there is no doubt about it that it will definitely be a stressful time. Apps and websites are being introduced to relieve any anxieties that teenagers may have yet there is still more to be done.  BBC Bitesize have created an addition to their website called ‘The Mindset.’ This allows students to find tips on revision and how to reduce stress. In order to help, you could also try asking teenagers close to you about how they are feeling and if you can help in any way. It is important not to stress them or add to their nerves, however being there for them will always help.

By Peheli Lekamwattage