Exams overhaul ‘had major impact on mental health of young people’
AN OVERHAUL of A-levels and GCSEs has had a major effect on students’ mental health, union bosses have claimed.
A National Education Union (NEU) poll indicates that many secondary school teachers believe the new qualifications have increased pressure on youngsters to do well and led to more anxiety and stress.
It also suggests some think that content of the new courses has become more demanding, impacting on workload. It follows major reforms that began under the coalition government, toughening up GCSEs and A-levels.
Nansi Ellis, NEU assistant general secretary for policy, said: “Hasty implementation of the new GCSEs and A-levels – with changes to content, the level of difficulty and grading – have caused huge difficulties for students and staff and put them under excessive pressure.
“It is worrying that so many students are suffering from stress and anxiety, particularly at GCSE level, because of changes to the way in which they are assessed.”
A Department for Education spokeswoman said the reformed qualifications “help young people compete with the best in the world”. They added: “We know exam season can be a time of heightened emotions for pupils who want to do their best.”
But she said testing should “never be at the expense of a young person’s wellbeing”.