Pupils put under pressure to perform

Some students seem to thrive under test conditions, while others consistently achieve higher grades in the classroom and in coursework than the exam hall.

But all pupils, no matter what age or tests they are sitting, experience the nerves and stress that comes with exams.

And at The Chase High School, in Geraldine Avenue, Malvern, special measures have been introduced offering advice and support to pupils feeling the strain.

"We brought in a group from outside the school to give a seminar to Years 9 and 11," said headteacher Kevin Peck. "They gave an advice session on everything from revision techniques, preparing on the day and even diet management.

"There are more tests around today than ever before. Pupils can be tested at the ages of five, seven, 11, 14, then they have coursework, then exams again at 16, 17 and 18. We also know more about the stress of exam time than we did previously.

"But there is a balance to be struck. It's part of life that we've got to go through tests, and the fact is that the vast majority of children can cope with it. We just make sure we support any who may be struggling at this time."

However, with the national obsession for statistics, performance charts and league tables, schools and teachers are under increasing pressure to succeed.

"Inevitably some of the stress that schools are under gets transferred to the children," added Mr Peck. "In order for teachers to reach their targets a degree of pressure has to be put on students."

One issue with the present A-level system - which includes both AS-levels and A2s in the Sixth Form - is, from GCSEs onwards, students have three years of exams.

Russell Mason, of the King's School, Worcester, says this leaves little time to enjoy your final school years.

"A few years ago, pupils had the first year in the Sixth Form to really take in their subjects, get involved in extra curricular activities and develop as young people," he said. "Now there is constant pressure to perform under exam conditions.

"Another issue is the examination period lasts longer and longer, with our GCSE students on exam leave since Monday - a week before half-term.

"However, we are confident students will be prepared and we have a pastoral system in place that keeps a close eye on anyone who is struggling or worried."

Numerous high profile incidents have highlighted the levels of stress pupils can experience at school today.

Earlier this month, GCSE English, English Literature and Science papers were stolen from a security van and a courier's parcel.

The incident prompted Bryn Jones, exams officer at The Chase High School, to acknowledge that the pressure to perform in exams exams meant the temptation to cheat was increasing.

"With the modern technology available to students, there is information out there for pupils," he said. "The stress on exams is greater because there are more than ever, and because better grades can lead to better jobs, there can be a financial gain if they cheat."

And pressure on pupils to succeed was deemed so stressful at Maney Hill Primary, in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, the annual sportsday was axed so children were not exposed to the risk of failure.

"We have done this to ensure all our children enjoy the experience," said headteacher Judith Wressel.

However, David Thompson, acting headteacher at Christopher Whitehead High School, in Bromwich Road, Worcester, said pressure on students at exam time was a very natural test.

"If they have constant testing I think they get more used to it, therefore exams shouldn't be any more stressful now," he said.

"We have revision sessions for the pupils, but exams are a major event in children's' lives and it's right that it causes them concern."

However, the school has reduced the number of GCSEs pupils can sit, from 11 to 10, while coursework can account for up to 60 per cent of some subjects to keep exams to a minimum.