Lauren
This is it. Those final weeks that make or break your A-Levels. Some people have been preparing for months; some weeks; others days. But how should you be feeling? Everyone is taking exam stress in different ways. I have seen so many breakdowns in lessons juxtaposed with people who appear to not even care. I am lucky. I have an unconditional offer to study next year but that doesn’t mean I am not feeling the pressure just like everyone else. Despite reading almost every article going on unconditional offers, I still worry that if I crack under the pressure and get 3 Us that I will not be able to study Music next year. All my life all I have wanted to do is study Music and the thought of not doing that makes me want to cry inside so I cannot imagine what those who have conditional offers are feeling right now.
I recently read an article about the brains of teenagers and how they should not be subjected to major exams such as GCSEs at 16. It claimed their brain is underdeveloped and more susceptible to mental illness, but surely that would just put more strain on 18 year olds who are already pressured enough knowing that precious place at university could easily slip through their fingers. If I could go back in time I would resit my GCSEs again and again until I got amazing grades because I know now that they are unimportant but at the time they seemed to decide my whole future. I hope someday I can look at A-Levels in the same way.
I don’t intend to be negative but to any Y13 student unconditional or otherwise, is there any positivity right now? Last week was my final week of school and all the teachers did was set us essays and practise papers. Everyone saying there was areas they did not understand and the teachers responded with silence. When I began my A-Levels they told me they were a step towards university independence but I do not see ignoring those asking for help in their final week to do so as ‘independence’. I see it as a disgrace.
Wednesday sixth I will sit my first two exams and I wish anyone who has already or will sit their exams reading this the best of luck. I cannot wait to go to University. I have my place confirmed, my student finance approved and my shopping list ready. I just have to hold on a few more months.
Best wishes and good luck,
Lauren
I recently read an article about the brains of teenagers and how they should not be subjected to major exams such as GCSEs at 16. It claimed their brain is underdeveloped and more susceptible to mental illness, but surely that would just put more strain on 18 year olds who are already pressured enough knowing that precious place at university could easily slip through their fingers. If I could go back in time I would resit my GCSEs again and again until I got amazing grades because I know now that they are unimportant but at the time they seemed to decide my whole future. I hope someday I can look at A-Levels in the same way.
I don’t intend to be negative but to any Y13 student unconditional or otherwise, is there any positivity right now? Last week was my final week of school and all the teachers did was set us essays and practise papers. Everyone saying there was areas they did not understand and the teachers responded with silence. When I began my A-Levels they told me they were a step towards university independence but I do not see ignoring those asking for help in their final week to do so as ‘independence’. I see it as a disgrace.
Wednesday sixth I will sit my first two exams and I wish anyone who has already or will sit their exams reading this the best of luck. I cannot wait to go to University. I have my place confirmed, my student finance approved and my shopping list ready. I just have to hold on a few more months.
Best wishes and good luck,
Lauren