There’s a lot of evidence that exams actually help children learn if they are properly designed and executed. The problem at the moment is that there are far too many exams and what’s being tested is far too narrow. I think we should set more real tests in our exams, using ‘real-life’ facilities. For example, let pupils use the internet in English exams, but ask them to write a real feature article, a real blog, a real advert. Let them write their own short story. But make them do these tasks under some kind of pressure like they would in real life.
I was speaking on Radio 5 Live about this issue on the Livesey show with a primary school teacher who was very anti-exams. His arguments were valid to a degree; that the exams were too narrow and prescriptive, but his feeling that children shouldn’t be put under pressure wasn’t something I agreed with; a little pressure does no harm. I think teachers, parents and pupils should put the exams into more perspective and not get too hysterical about them.