To think GCSEs and A levels are crazy

[Chimichurrie]

I think there is far too much pressure on the kids in secondary school with GCSES and A levels. DH and I grew up in different countries and didn’t have to go through all this. We went to have successful careers.

We feel we enjoyed our childhood and teenager years without this constant pressure that exists in the UK about exams and success. Maybe is the same in other countries.

Our kids used to be very creative but once they started secondary school that just got to be put behind; school seems to consume their life. I have always worried whether they are having a nice childhood.

Do you think there is something wrong with the curriculum? Should our kids have s bit more opportunity to do other things to be more rounded?

@Chimichurrie what was the national exam structure in your home countries? Any external exams at all?

I disagree, I grew up in continental Europe and our school system is a lot more academic than Britain. For example we get taught maths and sciences to a higher level.

I totally agree with you, and I'm a teacher. In fact I wrote a postgrad essay on how much the culture of constant testing in UK schools is detrimental to children and not a model we should be using.
It suits a minority of people. Those of low ability spend their lives being told they are not good enough and are failing, and those of high ability being held back (you would rarely meet a teacher who teachers beyond the exam specification as there is so much to cram in. It really stops students for exploring further content just for pure interest in the subject, as if it's not on the test then they don't have the time for it).
It's awful, and I hate it, and the reason I left mainstream education

I do dislike the UK school system. I agree that it stifles creativity. I think the system best serves 'average' students - SEN, very academic, or highly creative kids will more often than not be let down by the system. There are pros and cons to every system - for example, in France they tend to put kids into categories much earlier - starting vocational training at age 14 seems very young to me, but may be a good for students who struggle academically. Testing throughout the school year means that kids are constantly under pressure, but a different kind of pressure to GCSEs which all takes place in the summer. Overall I think there is too much emphasis on external testing, to the point where education is sacrificed. Students are no longer encouraged to go beyond the syllabus or explore topics that interest them. Instead school emphasises teaching for exams when exam strategy model essays etc. which is sad.

The focus isn’t on genuine learning and knowledge it’s on jumping through the right hoops to get the right qualifications. Its sad.

Most countries have an exam, either at 16 or at 18.

The Chinese gaokao is much much worse.

I agree. I work in a secondary school and the amount of anxiety and pressure around GCSEs is unreal. Our SEN students really struggle.

YANBU. Even when I did GCSEs in the 00s there didn't seem to be the pressure there was now.

No, there wasn't. What's changed? I suspect the curriculum and policies, but children generally seem to have much more anxiety over things that weren't huge problems before, why?

I think taking coursework into account rather than 100% relying on a test that is a couple of hours, would be a fairer assessment. But I know that would mean (even) more work for teachers, so I don't know what the answer is.
You could have students who worked well all year, but have a shocker of an exam (for all sorts of reasons - illness, panic over exams, hay-fever, period pain, family issues etc) and their grade, is a reflection of a 2 hour test rather than 2 years work.

It is the constant testing that is a nightmare; of course there should be some sort of assessment, but this is constant from year 10.

I studied from year 1 to year 11, that was the end if school year. I had some exams throughout the year but only one national exam at the end. I also learned a technical skill the last 2 years.

I don’t remember having to study as much as DC, constant mock testing. It is all about GCSE and A level results

There isn't a "UK school system".

I'm a primary teacher and I agree.

It's no better for children when they are with us

At least under the old system of levels (3a, but and c etc) they were allowed to 'achieve' - even if the level they achieved was lower than the expected for their age and stage.

Now there are children who are working significantly below, working below and working towards in everything. Where's the sense of achievement for them?

Totally agree with this. It is just about preparing for the exams; not time to research additional stuff for the joy of it.

It is really sad. The problem with learning for an exam is that the topic just get forgotten.

My kids used to be so creative until they started secondary school; now they are just worn out, just want to chill out and sleep on whatever spare time they get.

No enough time to persue other hobbies or get passionate about a topic, research it, learn about something for the passionate of it.

DD has just started year 10. Oh my goodness from day one of this year every teacher has been hammering home how important exams are and how much work they need to do. Insane to start and then continue with this level of pressure. I don’t remember year 10 being this exam focussed, but maybe it’s because I went to a rubbish school. DD goes to one of the best state schools in the area. She purposefully chose subjects that were more coursework than exam graded as she falls apart during exams

@JubileeJuice https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/219167/v01-2012ukes.pdf

As pp have said, there is no "UK school system".
As for your criticisms, I assume you're familiar with the French system?

Generally 'best' means most pressured. Sadly the more pressure kids are under, and the more work and study they have been forced to do, the better they perform in exams (a happy relaxed unpressured kid simply won't be stressed and anxious enough to do the mountain of work required to excel). Parents need to be aware of that when choosing a school for their kid. High attainment comes at a great cost to all but the most naturally academic.

What’s with the ‘no UK school system’ comments?

We all know what OP means.

yes they are very full on. My DD did 11 GCSEs and 1 the year before. She got top grades but the amount of work that she did was insane and me telling her to take a break / tone it down was hopeless. I don’t know why they need to do so many. Thankfully she’s now onto A levels and less subjects but no doubt that will all ramp up soon.

I think because it does vary, depending on the devolved parts of the UK.

Which other parts are better? Scotland, Wales, Ireland?

@BrimfulofSasha - if she "falls apart" during exams, please contact the SENDCO. There are usually support strategies for anxious students.

I see. My mistake, apologies.