Exam season is right around the corner.  For those taking GCSEs and A levels this year, it can be an incredibly stressful time.  Obviously, there are many factors affecting stress in teenagers, however, important exams definitely contribute to the stress of a teenager.

 

Nicole Fernandes, a year 10 student, who is currently taking her Year 10 mock exams stated “Exams are really stressful, because really, it’s just a test of everything you’ve learnt in a year.  I don’t think this is a good concept as it just makes pupils unnecessarily stressed,  which in turn, can be bad for their health.”  Are exams really as useful as they are said to be?  Stress over exams, in some cases, leads to pupils sleeping late at night, therefore affecting them later on.

 

We all know that sleep is important to do well in exams, however, it is hard to deny the fact that the pressure of three exams the following day may be a reason why students stay up later to memorise all they need.  Pressure from teachers has actually made many students feel like they should study harder.

 

A student who is currently preparing for GCSE exams this summer stated “I try and revise all I can.  They say that taking frequent breaks is a good idea, but I feel as though I can’t, like the time is running out and I have to do all I can to study well.”  For those who are revising, this can be an especially stressful time.  Pressure from others can add a heavy burden.

 

It is important to note that added stress from others can greatly affect how one feels.  We all know that doing your best is the most important, but added stress from others can be a heavy burden as it can pressurise students who are already trying their hardest to revise.

 

Overall, we wish the best of luck to those who will be sitting exams this year.

 

Man-Yin Lin – Newstead Wood School for Girls