Too much Pressure?

Well, it's results time! Last week we had the A levels, and this week we can look forward to the GCSEs. Or can we? Is it actually something to look forward to? I must admit, I sat my GCSEs over 5 years ago, so I won't be looking forward to any results (unless perhaps after 5 years of continued failure I was determined to continue to 'have a go' like the little trooper I am...)

What I mean is, are the exam results of the nation's youth something to focus on? What about those who do not achieve the 10 A*s? Are we too focused on academic achievement?

If you haven't already, expect to see the papers filled with gleeful teens, their clammy hands clutching results papers and pictured mid-air, their mouths agape, silently screaming the words 'achievement!!!!!!!!' Yeah! These are to be accompanied with articles asking if exams are getting easier, teens getting dumber, papers being marked by fairies etc etc

I have to ask, what kind of society that whilst simultaneously proclaiming the intelligence of its younger generations is stamping on these achievements by suggesting they have it easy?

Well Old People of England, I have words for you. Granted, I may not have had to work as a cleaner at my primary school whilst at the same time attending lessons, I may not have had to complete my homework in my own blood because I had run out of ink for my pen, and I may not have had to sit twenty hour back-to-back exams. But I feel that our generation and those that have come after, have to cope with a great deal of pressure.

They say that our generation is the 'most tested.' I think this is true. From a very young age, kids do not have time to simply sit and reflect on what they enjoy or want to do. Learning is geared exclusively towards the passing of exams, be those SATS, GCSEs or A levels. The media, parents, teachers, push children towards high achievement, university, Career. And most don't run screaming from the classrooms, throwing papers in the air and leaving a one fingered salute to the teachers. No, they try, they really do. They are told what subjects they are good at, and what to learn. What is more, there is no time or energy to be had for individual pursuits that aren't on the curriculum when there are A*s to be had!

I recently finished university. I decided to give myself a year off from structured learning, instead chosing to just pursue whatever I wanted. I am learning so much about who I am, what I want and what I love. I have delved into areas of history, literature, fashion, art, film and photography. I have made films. I have stopped biting my nails because I am no longer stressed. I am writing articles in this blog. These are things I did not have time to consider. I felt I had been chewed up and spat out by the education system. But don't misunderstand me, I would not change my education for the world, I am so so lucky to have experienced it, some never do. But, education is to enrich life and not vice-versa. It needs to be tailored toward the individual, less stressful, and allow for more personal reflection.