In 2023, students are set to sit GCSEs and A-Levels in what the government hopes to be ‘normal’ conditions. Conditions meaning pre-covid. But what is ‘normal’ now? 

 

Normal is now 3 years of disturbed education under a strenuous lockdown environment, where many lost out on valuable learning time and many more, perhaps, lacked access to the means of remote learning. Normal is now constant catchup sessions for some, and for others, making up for lost time. 

Normal has been the loss of vital moments in life, where children would socialise with others, play outside and develop essential life skills.

Now according to government figures, 9% of children during lockdown didn’t have access to a digital device to complete their online learning. Furthermore, many disadvantaged children were likely to have been disrupted during this period, and now, this is no doubt going to have an impact. Because of these issues, disadvantaged pupils now have an even larger gap with their peers. 

A survey conducted by Sutton Trust revealed that in April 2020, 15% of the teachers in deprived areas said over a third of children would not have access to adequate home learning. This, combined with the fact that crucial time for skill development, socialising and opportunities were lost, will no doubt have a toll on results this year. Ministers have said that predicted grades this year will be much closer to pre-pandemic ones, but not as high as those in 2021. 

"It’s almost like they’ve completely forgotten", was Alba Methoxha’s response to how she felt the government was proceeding with exams this year. In Townley Grammar School, many students, including those of the wider community, feel that exams are inadequate means of measuring an individual’s capability, especially now that lockdown has affected the flow. 

Now this isn’t just secondary students, but primary students too. There is an evident gap in attainment which is being reflected due to lost time.

So, what can we do to help students?

Alba Methoxha says, “Well we can’t abolish exams yet, so the best thing to do right now is support students wherever possible. I’d particularly encourage schools to provide enrichment opportunities alongside GCSEs, like clubs like sports and arts. This would be good for students who want to relax.” 

GCSE pressures are there every year, but we are nearing a realisation that maybe exams aren’t the ideal ways to determine a person’s ability. Moreover, the need to help students cope with exam stress is of utmost importance.