Why teenagers with exams next year mustn’t be forgotten, Catherine Scott

So it is half-term at home school next week – and I for one have to say that this half-term has flown by.
Thought must be given to teenagers sitting exams next year Picture: Rui Vieira/PA WireThought must be given to teenagers sitting exams next year Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire
Thought must be given to teenagers sitting exams next year Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

The first few weeks of having two teenagers studying for GCSEs and A-levels next year was quite a challenge for us all. We can’t have been alone in thinking how on earth were we going to get through it.

But as Boris Johnson announced his plans to start relaxation of lockdown and the phased reopening of schools, the mood changes.

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Understandably parents, children and teachers are concerned about the safety of returning to school – particularly in primary schools where it will be a monumental challenge to get five-years-olds to socially distance – or wash their hands for that matter.

But, from an entirely selfish point of view, I am more interested in the next phase of Mr Johnson’s plans for education.

With my two in Years 10 and 12, they both face returning to school “at some point” before the official end of the summer term.

When schools closed at the end of March I remember just hoping that with both having key exams next year, they would get at least some time back at school before the summer break. I felt it was crucial if they were to achieve their full potential that they could not afford to lose more than a term of schooling.

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However, as the weeks have progressed and support from the school has improved, I wonder if returning is the right thing for them.

They both attend a large comprehensive so even with just two year groups back we are talking nearly 600 pupils plus staff.

If they were likely to get a month of meaningful education then, in my view, it could be worth the risk of returning. However, it does have to be meaningful and not just a political sound bite.

As we have fallen into a routine and the meltdowns have all but disappeared when it comes to school work, it could possibly be more disruptive to return to a school which they hardly recognise.

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I do recognise, however, that there are children who haven’t had access to technology or parental support and who will be falling behind. For them, a return to school – even for a short while – could be critical.

Whatever happens, these two groups of teenagers must not be forgotten. The prospect of them sitting mocks in December and exams next spring seems unfathomable. While rightly government has concentrated on the current Years 11 and 13, next year’s GCSE and A-level students must not be forgotten. For them 2021 could be as much if not more of a challenge than 2020.

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