Page 22 - The Final Exam Book - NO GRID 25:03:24

Lin
Throughout my educational journey, I was consistently placed in the top sets and tasked with additional assignments. Being labelled as a "high achiever" might seem like a compliment, but it came with its own set of challenges. The label brought with it an immense pressure to excel in every examination or piece of written work and to continually surpass my previous achievements, a situation that was both rewarding and stressful.
As I neared the time to take my GCSEs, the assumption that I would pursue higher education became prevalent. However, contrary to my teachers' expectations, university did not appeal to me. My preference leaned towards entering the workforce after completing 6th form college, as I found that practical, hands-on experience was more conducive to my learning style. It's important to recognise that everyone has their own distinctive way of learning.
The relentless encouragement from my school to maintain my status as an exemplary student began to take a toll on my happiness. The objectives set for me seemed excessively ambitious and out of reach. While my peers were diligently preparing for their GCSEs, I found it increasingly hard to maintain focus, motivation, and to keep up with the pace. My thoughts were often elsewhere, and the looming exams only added to my stress. I was caught in a relentless cycle of mock exams and revision guides, and it was intense.
I felt that my teachers did not fully grasp the impact that academic pressure can have on a student's mental well-being and the quality of their work. The exhaustion and despondency I frequently experienced severely hampered my ability to concentrate, which in turn heightened my anxiety. It was as if I was trapped in a relentless loop, where the pressure to perform was directly undermining my performance and well-being.