GCSE students will be collecting their results tomorrow (25 August), after an unprecedented two and a half years of education, with remote learning, national lockdowns and Covid-19 changing the way they work with teachers and classmates.
It was uncertain whether exams would go in 2022, this year being the first time since 2019 that students have sat GCSE exams, with the past two years being based on teacher assessments.
The students have worked incredibly hard despite all of this, showing strength and determination as they continued their education whilst looking after their emotional wellbeing and missing out on time with friends and family.
Although life is cautiously returning to normal, we know the students have worked incredibly hard and have missed out on their older peers acting as role models.
The council is proud of all the GCSE students in the borough and wish them all luck with their next steps in life.
“The past two and a half years have been stressful and full of uncertainty for all,” said Councillor Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services. “But for those in their formative years when relationships with classmates and shared experiences are especially important, it has been particularly difficult.
“I am so impressed with the way that the young people have responded and want to wish them all the very best of luck with getting their GCSE results. Whatever grade you get, you should be immensely proud of yourselves.”
Help with the next steps
Elevate Wokingham is the council’s advice and support service for 16 to 18 year olds (or 24 for adults with special educational needs and disabilities) on employment, career planning, training, education, work experience and volunteering.
The team are ready to help people decide their next steps after their exam results and can be contacted on 07710 117 650 or at elevate@wokingham.gov.uk.
Looking after yourself at an emotional time
Students should remind themselves that, whatever their GCSE results, this week marks the end of an incredibly tough two and a half years.
It’s normal to feel anxious or worried about an unexpectedly low result, but it’s useful to know that it isn’t the end - this happens to a lot of people and for many different reasons.
It can be difficult to stay calm, but there are still lots of options available and people and organisations which can provide support.
The council’s emotional wellbeing hub for young people has provided these five top tips:
- Breathe – don’t panic, take time to refocus.
- Speak to someone – find someone who can help you focus and listen to how you are feeling.
- Explore your options – your school should have someone who can help but Elevate also can.
- Take your time – you don’t have to rush or make a snap decision. Wait until you’re less stressed.
- Get support – if you need someone to talk to anonymously, you can contact:
- The online counselling and support service KOOTH
- Samaritans on 116 123 or Childline on 0800 11 11
- The Mix, which has lots of information and online support available
- The council’s emotional and mental health support for children and young people page
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