Exam season is upon us. And for many, so is a merciless summer of runny noses and dry, itchy eyes. According to the charity, Education for Health, hay fever sufferers are 40% more likely to drop a grade and 70% more likely if they are taking a sedating antihistamine.

 

Hay fever has a peak age of onset in adolescence. Unfortunately for some, GCSE exams in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, running from May to the end of June, coincide with the height of the grass pollen season, when hay fever is most likely to hit. Researchers hope the results of their survey will illustrate that the condition should not be seen as "trivial" and prompt debate on how to better manage hay fever symptoms around exam time.

 

When asked about the impact of hay fever during exam season, Lilly Tuesley, a GCSE student said “When the pollen is high, I cry because of the burning of my eyeballs (as well as my lack of knowledge). It has a catastrophic effect as I can seldom see the questions when my eyes are as swollen as footballs because of bee ovum”.

 

Another student, Imogen Duke, aged 16, remarked that “Hay fever has a massive effect on my exam performance. The mixture of pollen and the impending pressure of the grades that validate me for the rest of my life cause tears to stream down my face, splashing the ink, rendering it unreadable to the even most competent examiner. My constant sneezing means I barely have time to pick up the pen, let alone write a comprehensive sentence. My calculator is permanently water damaged. The only solution is to move GCSEs to winter”.

 

As these scandalous revelations come to light, the future of GCSE exams remains uncertain. 

Rosanna Elliott, Bromley High School.