Exams: Pressure or Progress?

Examinations come to us in many formats: orals, online exams, practical tests, and, of course, written exams. No matter what form, they all serve a similar purpose. As the familiar saying goes, “Exams test your memory, not your intelligence.”

The purpose of school examinations is to measure student knowledge and skills, identify strengths and weaknesses, and encourage consistent learning. They provide feedback to students and teachers, help learners develop important skills like time management and critical thinking, and assess overall understanding of a subject.

The Advantages of Exams

• Prepare students for future challenges by building resilience and discipline.

• Teach responsibility and encourage consistent learning habits.

• Provide academic qualifications that open doors to future opportunities.

• Motivate students to study and stay engaged in their work.

• Strengthen memory through revision and practice.

• Build confidence as learners realise how much they have mastered.

• Serve as proof that steady effort and hard work lead to progress.

The Disadvantages of Exams

However, exams do have a negative side. For many students, the pressure to perform well becomes overwhelming. This often leads to stress, sleepless nights, anxiety, nervousness, and overworking. Some learners understand the academic work perfectly, but struggle to show that understanding under pressure.

Another common challenge is that some students focus more on memorising facts than on deeply understanding the content. This limits creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations.

Using Time Wisely & Study Tips

Social media has become a major part of our daily lives, and balancing it is key. As exams approach, online platforms get busier and more distracting. Suddenly, watching TikTok feels more convenient than using your study time wisely.

There are useful pages on social media, though. Take study creator @Timstudyfetch for example. He reminds students of an important principle: “The moment you understand the work, everything becomes easier.” He shares practical study tips, shortcuts to past papers, and helpful resources to make revising more effective and less stressful.

Look up websites, worksheets, and tools that support your learning and use your social media wisely. Remember the saying: “Out of sight, out of mind.” Putting your phone away for a while works wonders for your concentration.

Parents also play an essential role during exam time. Kanaal 7 shared valuable tips on how to support children emotionally and practically:

Tips to Support Your Child During Exams (Kanaal 7)

1. Create a calm study environment: Help your child set up a quiet, organised space without distractions. A neat area improves focus and concentration.

2. Plan together: Draw up a study timetable with realistic study sessions and break times. This reduces stress and encourages better time management.

3. Encourage rest and healthy eating: Enough sleep and nutritious meals support the brain and help with memory and concentration.

4. Stay positive and supportive: Avoid placing extra pressure on your child. Encourage them, praise their effort, and remind them that their worth is not determined by their marks.

5. Pray together: For many families, praying together brings peace, comfort, and confidence during exam season.

A balanced approach of love, discipline, and emotional support helps children perform at their best.

Final Thoughts & Good Wishes

We don’t know exactly what the future of exams will look like. With technology growing rapidly, many believe AI and online exams may become more common. But one thing remains true: no matter the format, exams will always offer learning experiences that help students grow.

Our senior students recently started and completed their IGCSE exams, and we are all patiently waiting for the results. Grade 4–7 exams begin on 24 November, and high school exams start on 12 November.

We wish all our students the very best. Remember: the hard work you put in is what you get out. As the quote says, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Good luck, Rooties. You’ve got this!