Every year on GCSE results day, schools across the country are filled with an array of emotions. From pride and regret to elation and despair, students experience a rollercoaster of feelings as they receive their grades. Teachers play a crucial role in this process, offering congratulations, support, and guidance to help students navigate the next steps in their educational journey.
However, in Manchester and the West Midlands, a new approach is being tested. The government is trialling a results app that allows students to access their grades online, rather than in person at school. While this may seem like a modern solution, some educators, like myself, see it as a step backwards. The personal touch and support that teachers provide on results day cannot be replicated by an app.
As a secondary school teacher, I have witnessed the impact of results day on students firsthand. Whether it’s comforting a student who didn’t achieve the grades they hoped for or encouraging another to aim higher, teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students through this crucial moment. While the education minister argues for bringing exam records into the digital age, the true value of results day lies in the relationships and support offered by teachers and schools.
Despite the convenience of accessing results online, there is a concern that students may miss out on valuable advice and support from experienced educators. Without the guidance of teachers, students may struggle to make informed decisions about their future or cope with unexpected outcomes. This lack of support could further widen existing class divides, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As someone who has dedicated their career to education, I believe that results day is more than just a list of grades. It’s a time for celebration, reflection, and guidance as students embark on a new chapter in their lives. While technology has its benefits, it cannot replace the human connection and expertise that teachers provide on this important day.
In Scotland, where results by app have been available for years, students still choose to visit their teachers in person after receiving their grades online. This highlights the unique role that educators play in supporting students through both the highs and lows of results day. While the pilot scheme in England offers a compromise by allowing students to access their results at school, the true value of this communal event lies in the personal interactions and support provided by teachers.
Looking back on my own exam results, it’s not the grades themselves that stand out in my memory, but the support and encouragement I received from my teachers and peers. Results day is a milestone in every student’s educational journey, and the presence of teachers and school staff adds a personal touch that cannot be replaced by technology. As we navigate the digital age, it’s important to remember the human element that makes events like results day truly special.
