How to cope with GCSE results day

Exam results day

If you are one of the many GCSE students dreading the arrival of the postman on exam results day, you are not alone!  It doesn’t matter how hard you studied or didn’t study , that sick feeling that you get right down in the pit of your stomach is the normal reaction when it comes to exams.  We have all seen the smiling, happy children on the 6 o’clock news, smugly opening their envelopes to find 7 A’s and 2 B’s shining back at them.  With more and more focus on academic performance and more pressure on young people to achieve, 16 year olds could be forgiven for thinking a poor set of GCSEs is the end of the world as they know it.  In these tough economic times students are being told that a good set of results is all the more important.  It is no surprise that teenagers are left feeling ill at the thought of hearing their letter boxes opening!

So if you or your child are feeling totally stressed out about getting your exam results what can be done?

1. Remember, if you fail an exam you are not a failure – you are still a good person, just a good person who failed an exam. Usually exam failure only means you have to resit.  A delay of your plans is not the end of the world!  It may even lead you to changing your plans to something you are actually more suited to.
2. I always encourage students of all abilities to have a back up plan, so if their worst fears are realised they are not left in total panic.  It is important to speak to your teachers and explore all your options.  Schools will have teachers available to guide you through your options so make sure you use their expertise.

So what are your options after the GCSE results come in?

1. If your grade was not as high as you or your teachers had expected you could always consider a remark. This has advantages especially if you are on the borderline of grades.  However remember grades can go down as well as up in a remark!
2. Further Education College or Sixth form?  If you choose to stay on at school into the sixth form you can sit A-levels.   An FE College will also offer you the chance to resit exams or to apply to a wide range of vocational courses not available in the school system.  Make sure you attend the open day of your local FE College and investigate the courses they have available to suit you.
3. If you wish to leave education altogether and enter the work place you will need to make sure you get the right advice on the types of jobs available to you and the qualifications you will need to apply.  Remember that it is important that you have a pass at GCSE English and Maths if you want to pursue higher education at a later date.

Useful links:

Careers Service NI

CCEA Post results advice

AQA results day advice

Colleges Northern Ireland

Childline – exam stress help

If you need help with studying for GCSE Maths or English the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Lisburn can help.  Find out more about how we can help at by visiting our website or give us a call on 02892 675071.

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