Testing times for our education system

A FULL class of Higher Media students at Inverness College UHI have failed their exams for the second year in a row. We asked our Email Jury if they thought our exams system works or is it letting down students. Also, do they believe exams are harder or easier these days?

The exam system does not give an accurate picture of an individual’s capabilities. The assessment should be done from term work. I fully remember, with absolute dread, the days of the exams looming and was in such a state I could barely remember the answers to the questions. Irene Thomson, Perth.

I think we need a whole review of the education system as the Government is failing in its duty to keep up standards in our schools and colleges. Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.

I found exams quite hard in the past but with the huge percentage of students now passing with excellent results I do suspect exams may now be easier. Liz Kelly, Glasgow.

I left before I was 15 in order to join the army as an apprentice. I took exams in the army and the biggest shock was passing them. I am not the sharpest tool in the box. R. James, Angus.

In my time we studied hard in and out of school, had no modern tech to help and certainly didn’t get so-called study leave. With all the study leave students get, surely they should be passing with flying colours? Robbie Russell, Elgin.

I don’t think it is harder or easier. The curriculum is too prescriptive and gives little room for thought. David G. Collins, Yorkshire.

When I was at school, we were told that A Levels would be the hardest exams we would ever take. When I was teaching, the difficulty level of the exams seemed to vary from subject to subject. Exams are there to test a student and they do need to give a fair assessment. Lorna Smith, North Yorkshire.

My biggest shock was passing Higher French at the first attempt 55 years ago, despite my teacher only letting me sit it “for the experience”! Davie Kerr, Lochaber.

I think exams are easier now compared to say 20 years or so ago. Education has gone way downhill nowadays. Lorraine Anderson, Edinburgh.