We need to talk about school.
It’s time to have a national conversation about exams and the impact they have on young people’s mental health. Record numbers of young people are being referred for NHS support and more than two in five young people cite exams as one of the main negative impacts on their mental health.
There is too much unnecessary pressure on young people that must stop. With the Government currently reviewing school assessments, we have a real opportunity to make a change, a real opportunity to create an education system that is better for our future generation.
Will you join us and make them listen?
The changes we want the Government to make
SATs are used to judge schools – not support students’ learning. These high-pressure tests narrow the curriculum and harm children’s wellbeing. We need a better way to hold schools accountable that doesn’t put the weight of it on 11-year-olds.
Right now, most students are assessed only through final exams after two years. So much hangs on an extremely short period of time and a very narrow method of assessment.
Let’s introduce a mix of assessments. Things like coursework, presentations, and creative projects, tailored to appropriately assessing the skills of each subject – we can all agree, a Drama GCSE assessed fully by exams doesn’t make sense. This would give young people different opportunities to shine in ways that work for them.
What you can do
What is the Curriculum and Assessment Review?
Right now, the Government is reviewing how schools teach and assess young people. This is called the Curriculum and Assessment Review. It’s a real chance to revise the school system to work better for young people.
Decision makers are asking big questions, like:
- What should young people be learning?
- How can we measure what they know?
Exams are a major source of stress. But they don’t have to be. The Curriculum and Assessment Review is a once in a generation chance to revise the system. Join us in calling on the Government to create an education system that helps young people thrive instead of holding them back.
