A Paisley councillor has highlighted how the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the perception of exam results for many students.
As school pupils take a deep breath and prepare to receive their results tomorrow, Paisley Northwest Councillor Ben Smith has shone a light on how things have changed for them.
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Tomorrow is the big day - one that can be very rewarding and also disappointing - and Councillor Smith said: “While I think exams are important, I think the pandemic has allowed us all to value the importance of our friends and family as well as having a good work/life balance.
“Exams can be a great stepping stone for people to their next chapter in life, but there are plenty of other paths to take outside of school exams.”
For the past two years in Scotland, exams have been ditched due to covid restrictions, with the SQA implementing a teacher assessment strategy to determined students' results.
This way of marking people has been applauded by many people who feel that it is a fairer way to mark students because it shows their skills but alleviates exam conditions pressure.
Last year, marks had fallen slightly but this was put down to disrupted schooling, with education secretary Shirley-Anne Sommerville complimenting students for tackling school during tough times.
With many students worried or concerned about what grades they might get, Councillor Smith has called on them not to be too downhearted and to look for things that they like or love to do, no matter the results.
He added: “I think the most important thing is to find something you would like - or love - to do with your life that keeps you comfortable, happy and healthy.
“Sometimes it takes a bit longer to figure out what that is or it can take a while to reach that role, but the most important thing is to make sure that you’re happy and healthy. Which means looking after your mental health first and foremost.”
Children's charity NSPCC Scotland has issued advice to anyone waiting on results.
Paul Johnson, NSPCC Childline team manager, Scotland, said: "At Childline we know that results day and the period running up to it can be a really stressful time for young people.
“This year we saw the return of exams for the first time in three years after the pandemic and young people have told our Childline counsellors that they have been feeling anxious and stressed about revision and sitting them.
“Some young people have also told us they felt underprepared for exams after studying from home for long periods of time in the last few years.
“Now, as they find out their results from the exams, it is vital that they feel supported and listened to.
“Young people often tell us they are worried they will get lower grades than they need to get into their preferred course or university, and they feel anxious and unsettled because it’s out of their control.
“Often they have high expectations for themselves, or their family can put them under pressure to perform well."
Paul says although many youngsters might think their entire future depends on how well they do, this isn't necessarily the case.
"It's possible the young person could appeal their results or resit their exams the following year. They could also look at alternative courses or universities through clearing, and there’s the option of taking a gap year. Speaking to a teacher could be very helpful in assisting a young person to decide on which is the best option to take.
“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it," he added.
Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.
They might also find it helpful to talk to other young people who are going through similar experiences on the Childline message boards. For more exam results advice visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-results/
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