Have you read part one? If not, click here!
Hi everyone!
This is part 2 to my view on GCSEs, but this time I'm going to come across like I'm in… a debate I guess? I surprised myself on these exams (like I've said), I haven't stressed out too much on these exams (no idea how) but, I'd like to think I've tried extremely hard. Before starting these "four weeks of hell", I really thought "what is the actual point of doing these countless exams?" However, looking back on it now, I understand in some aspects why we do them, but there are still things to this day that bug me about them!
Hi everyone!
This is part 2 to my view on GCSEs, but this time I'm going to come across like I'm in… a debate I guess? I surprised myself on these exams (like I've said), I haven't stressed out too much on these exams (no idea how) but, I'd like to think I've tried extremely hard. Before starting these "four weeks of hell", I really thought "what is the actual point of doing these countless exams?" However, looking back on it now, I understand in some aspects why we do them, but there are still things to this day that bug me about them!
I strongly, strongly agree and support with whoever believes that we should not be judged down to one grade that could change our future by memory. I struggled a lot with this through these exams. I'm one of the learners who need to have time to do work and make it the best of my ability, not sitting in a crowded gym with only 60 minutes to complete a 60 mark paper. It's insane! In some ways, this generation of exams now is quite better. Most of the GCSE's include as little as 20% coursework added to the final grade, but I believe it should be increased for those who can't work under pressure.
Another thing about GCSE's I got frustrated about was revision/studying. I understand we need to learn these things during study leave (I don't know if everyone has this) but I get incredibly annoyed when I open the question paper and there's a question you've hardly learnt about in your 11 years of education sitting right in front of you! This is where I panic. I feel as if revision can only go so far with helping you, but there will always be that ONE question that you have no idea about even though you covered the whole entire topic for about 2 weeks. Yes, I get that you re-learn new things which is great, but I don't believe revision helps you understand how to actually get the marks in an exam!
One final thing about exams which I never understood was time. Why do all exams have to be bunched into the same slot for 4 weeks. It's stressful enough having them during that time, but it's even worse when you have 2 or more in one day! Why don't we have them separated out? Our minds may be focusing on the subject we want to take at A - Level, but at the same time, we may need to get that pass in another class that will help you in later life and it's crucial to have! I'd think it would be great to have the exams split across 8 months (thats at least one topic's exam a month) and have them at the beginning/ end of each month. How great would that be? We would actually have time to revise and focus on each subject and maybe even get the grade we really need/want!
Another thing about GCSE's I got frustrated about was revision/studying. I understand we need to learn these things during study leave (I don't know if everyone has this) but I get incredibly annoyed when I open the question paper and there's a question you've hardly learnt about in your 11 years of education sitting right in front of you! This is where I panic. I feel as if revision can only go so far with helping you, but there will always be that ONE question that you have no idea about even though you covered the whole entire topic for about 2 weeks. Yes, I get that you re-learn new things which is great, but I don't believe revision helps you understand how to actually get the marks in an exam!
One final thing about exams which I never understood was time. Why do all exams have to be bunched into the same slot for 4 weeks. It's stressful enough having them during that time, but it's even worse when you have 2 or more in one day! Why don't we have them separated out? Our minds may be focusing on the subject we want to take at A - Level, but at the same time, we may need to get that pass in another class that will help you in later life and it's crucial to have! I'd think it would be great to have the exams split across 8 months (thats at least one topic's exam a month) and have them at the beginning/ end of each month. How great would that be? We would actually have time to revise and focus on each subject and maybe even get the grade we really need/want!
Phew, rant over! This is just to get across my feelings (once again) about the examinations. I wish you all the best of luck to all of you who yet have to face them, I'm sure you will do great. Roll on the end of August when I get my results (I'll keep you posted in a few months time!)
See you in the next blog post,
See you in the next blog post,
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