15 Jul 2014

A primary school in Lancashire sent its leaving year-six pupils their end-of-year test scores, accompanied with an inspiring message telling them that their scores “will not tell you everything”.

Soon you will put your pen down, hand in your last paper and play the almighty waiting game while your results are painstakingly analysed and critiqued.

A series of professionals in their field will scrutinise your answers and in turn provide a result compared to that of your fellow peers.

Although somewhat accurate in separating those who truly understand from those who don’t, it has been brought to my attention that most believe these results are a reflection of your worth, ability and willingness to succeed.

I’m here to tell you that assumption is a load of rubbish.

The problem with placing results on a pedestal, is we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and in turn preparing for failure. How ridiculous to think a result in a written exam can prove your worth to that of the person next to you.

Is your Shakespearean monologue a stronger representation of skill than that of your screen writing classmate? Does your knowledge of the second World War mean your are more intelligent than that of the eccentric poet at the back of the class? The answer, I hope, is no.

There’s a saying going around that you shouldn’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree nor should you base an exam result on your ability to succeed.

You must remember these exams are marked upon specific criteria–generally speaking there is either a right or wrong answer. You either get it or you don’t. AN-A-LYTICAL.

These markers have no idea of your ability to throw a cricket ball, sell ice to an Eskimo nor solve problems other cant as creative flair has no place in a chemistry exam and photographic memory has little use in a photography.

This is not to suggest you shouldn’t prepare for your exam and provide the correct answer but more to suggest you take a breath and not stress yourselves too much with your results, as seen here. There is a path for each and every one of you, whether that be obvious or not.

Remember, you have a skill that is unique and powerful–something you may or may not realise. Find that and make it your own.