The Glasgow school helping pupils overcome exam fears

Drumchapel High’s “hands-on” approach, which includes a “prep-and-chill” room, helpful masterclasses and extra community study spaces, has helped to transform the way some pupils feel about exams, says headteacher Madelaine Baker.

“One of the most striking things is the feedback we had from the invigilators,” says Ms Baker.

“They said they had noticed a marked difference in engagement in the exam hall. We also have more pupils sitting exams. We’re trying to build a culture around exams that demonstrates they are not something to fear, and we can help.”

More than 131,000 pupils will sit National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams across Scotland over the next six weeks.

Performance and practical elements in subjects such as drama, music and PE have been taking place over the last few weeks.

More than two million question papers will be handed out in around 500 schools, colleges and training providers across the country.

In addition, many learners will be in the final stages of completing National 1 to National 4 qualifications, SQA Awards, Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards and National Certificates that are continually assessed throughout the year.

In total, more than 146,000 candidates are expected to get their results on Tuesday, August 6.

Some coursework has been reintroduced this year after being removed during the pandemic, such as physics and chemistry Higher assignments.

The SQA has said it will “consider any impact on learners completing coursework for the first time in its grading decisions.”

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At many schools, senior pupils are beginning study leave, attending only on exam days. At Drumchapel High, however, the approach is slightly different, explains the headteacher.

“Studying at home is not always easy for numerous reasons,” she adds.

“We ask senior pupils to attend school every day so we can support them throughout. Teachers run masterclasses, and for those young people for whom studying and engaging with learning can be a challenge, we have a bespoke achievement zone, which is a little quieter and less distracting.

“We have created a prep and chill room, with food and drinks, where young people can come and get some encouraging words of advice, or pick up an extra pen or pencil, so they don’t walk in to the exam and panic sets in when they realise they have forgotten something.

“The whole idea is to look at things more holistically. As soon as you are in a heightened sense of stress, it becomes difficult to retrieve information.”

She adds: “Since the end of the pandemic, many young people simply find exams overwhelming. The importance of assessment cannot be questioned, but for assessment to be a success, young people have to feel supported, and be able to walk in to exams with a sense of confidence.”

Fifth year pupil Jason Asiedu says: “The option of having this study support is very beneficial, particularly if people don’t have somewhere to study. For those who feel less confident about independent study they can access teachers for help.”

Fellow S5 student Rory McKellar adds: “It’s good to have a different place to study. The masterclasses are great.”

Drumchapel High has also linked up with the local library, and G15 Youth Project, to provide study spaces in the community.

“We take a very nurturing and supportive approach,” adds Ms Baker. “It is important to invest in our young people, to help them do the best they can, even when they feel like it is a mountain to climb.”

A shake-up of assessments and qualifications in high schools could be on the way, after recommendations made in the Hayward report, It’s Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment.

Ms Baker says: “The consultation process as part of the Hayward review was done in a very fair way, with so many views from stakeholders taken into account, and it gave a strong sense of what people value from assessments.

“Now we will see how that plays out in terms of reform. As a headteacher, there is lots to look forward to.”

The SQA website has a wide range of support for learners, including a ‘Your Exams’ Guide that gives learners helpful hints and tips for preparing for exams. This booklet is also available from schools, colleges and training providers.

Learners can access revision tips and past papers and download SQA’s MyStudyPlan app to help them plan their revision time.

All candidates will receive their results by post on August 6, but there is still time for them to register for a MySQA account to receive results by text and/or email on Results Day.

Learners should log onto www.mysqa.org.uk and register for the service with their unique Scottish Candidate Number by 5pm on July 17.

Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow City Council's education convener, said: “Good luck to all of our young people across the city due to sit their SQA exams over the coming weeks.

 “Exam season can be an anxious time for pupils, so it’s great to see our schools offering encouraging and nurturing environments to help prepare and support our young people through this diet.”