Exam results, whether SATs, end-of-year exams or GCSEs, present a snapshot of how well a student has performed in a testing environment. They cannot tell the whole story about a student’s abilities or show how hard they have worked. They can be influenced by a number of factors, such as the difficulty of an exam paper or how much time they have spent studying. This is why it is important to look at other ways to assess a child’s progress, such as through regular formative assessments or portfolios of work.
Ultimately, the most important thing for students is not to panic and feel defeated by a bad result. Finding a healthy and balanced way to think about them is key, as they can help a student recognise areas where their effort may have been less than stellar. It can also help to remember that exams are only one part of their lives – they do not define them as a person or determine what kind of future they will have.
If you have a student in your care that is preparing for exam results day, it is worth sending them a personalised message to wish them luck. It can be a great way to boost their confidence before the big moment, especially if they have been feeling nervous. It might also be worth taking them to get their results in person and offering to drive, as this can be a stressful time for them.