How did students really feel about Results Day 2021 in terms of pressure and support? Our Volunteer Youth Ambassador Gertrude interviewed four friends and classmates for answers.
Anxious, petrified and worried – were the feelings that I had in the lead up to results day. In 2021, A level and GCSE results were not based on examination results, as with previous years, and they also were not determined using centre assessment – which turned out to be absolutely disastrous last year.
Although grades were issued by our teachers, by analysing our work throughout the entirety of the course, the nervousness was still there, mainly stemming from the fear of the unknown. For instance, the results received could dictate going down a different route to what you had in mind. Perhaps a student might want to consider university after doing better than they thought, or they might go ahead and do an apprenticeship in order to head into the field of work earlier.
Results really do shape a student’s next steps in their academics and careers. As a result, I decided to interview my friends and classmates (their names have been changed to Jerome, Kat, Iqra, and Elijah for confidentiality) so that they could give further insight into their own Results Day experiences and plans for the future.
What 3 words describe how you were feeling before results day?
Jerome: Anxious, scared, unsure
Elijah: Until August “relaxed”. From then on “nervous” ending with “relief” when I got my results
Iqra: Anxious, relief (in a way that it is all coming to an end) and in a weird way, reflective and seeing how far I have come within the past 2 years and my overall sixth form experience perhaps linking to my relief and how A Levels is finally over.
Kat: Nervous, scared, worried
Were you given sufficient support leading up to exams?
Jerome: I felt like support from family and teachers was good, they gave you as much assistance as they could during a very tough time the school however overall, they didn’t give enough support for students or at least didn’t properly show where to go for it
Elijah: I’d say I was very well supported by my teachers who were always willing to give my extra support If I asked no matter the time of day.
Iqra: It’s honestly hard to say because this year has been so different. The pandemic has definitely made it more difficult for there to be better access to specific support networks particularly within school. In my experience, it hasn’t been to the extent that there usually would be because of the lack of communication; however, for what we went through being stuck at home for the majority of our sixth form experience there were things that were done to accommodate these unprecedented events.
Kat: Not by school, but there were plenty of alternative resources on YouTube and the student room that outlined the clearing process in a straightforward way
Are you happy with your results, why or why not?
Jerome: Yes, I’m happy with them, they aren’t perfect but they were enough for me to get where I want to be.
Elijah: I’m so happy with my results because they make me feel like my hard work has paid off.
Iqra: I’m quite happy with my results but I think for me I was more nervous with getting into university rather than my actual results. There was one grade that I wasn’t necessarily upset with, I just thought I would have gotten higher in it but at the end of the day I know I put in a lot of effort and I’m proud of myself for achieving what I got. I’m also super grateful for getting into my firm choice of uni too!
Kat: Yes, I’m happy as I got into my university, but I would’ve rather sat exams
What do you intend on doing from here on in?
Jerome: I intended to go to university initially, but I’ve decided to take a gap year
Elijah: I plan on studying Computer Science at King’s College London starting this year and see how I go from there
Iqra: I’m now going on to university to study English and American Literature at Royal Holloway!
Kat: Environment and development bsc degree at LSE
Is pressure put on students to get higher grades or go to particular universities?
Jerome: There is always pressure to achieve a good grade or good university – i’d say it is normal for family, school and even yourself to apply some pressure on the grades you want to achieve
Elijah: I wasn’t really under much pressure but I put some on myself because I wanted to do well and get results that I personally would be proud of.
Iqra: Definitely, I would say that perhaps I was deterred from unis with higher requirements and so I applied to unis that I knew nearly for certain that I could get into and ended up getting my firm uni but I’m still really excited to start in september and cannot wait.
Kat: I had internal pressure, but I wouldn’t say there was external pressure from school or parents.
What are your overall career goals and aspirations?
Jerome: Overall I hope to go into law and live a life where I can support my parents and allow for a good life for everyone and myself
Elijah: Overall career goal I haven’t had too much thought about but I’ll just let it come with time.
Iqra: Honestly, I am not too sure what I want to do in the future which is why I’ve chosen such a broad degree so it will hopefully open other doors for me in the future and when I’m a little surer of what I want to do but for now I’m focusing on staying happy and healthy and being comfortable in whatever path I eventually go down.
Kat: I have no clue
What advice would you give to upcoming year 13 students?
Jerome: A tip would be stay on top of everything, get things done early whether that be your revision, UCAS and personal statements, just everything. If you leave it too long you will get overwhelmed and cause you to not perform at your best or and cause the process to be a tiring experience which it shouldn’t be.
Elijah: For students doing science-based subjects, do loads and loads of exam questions. Content and flash card revision for me is overrated how you answer the question and memorising the mark scheme points is what really matters!
Iqra: If anything, try to enjoy yourself. We’ve all heard how overwhelming A Levels can be and can very easily take over your personal life but it’s best to set boundaries and stick to them. Also, I know it sounds hard but learn to love the things you hate. It just makes life a little easier and it’s a really good way of physiologically tricking your brain to motivate yourself!
Kat: Start your personal statement and revision early, and visit the unis if possible before you apply
* Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality
