During such a difficult time, many people have and will continue to be affected by this pandemic we have been situated in. It has came to our attention that the current year 11 and 13 students have been acknowledged and as important as their year is for new chapters in their lives, it is almost certain that the government will ensure that they receive the grades that they deserve. So, speaking on behalf of all students that have only slightly been mentioned; specifically year 12 students across the nation, we understand that the governments priority’s currently will be focused on overcoming COVID-19. We also recognise that there are other important matters at the moment, such as ensuring the safety and well being of the country. However, despite all of the chaos, we as students are still left to focus on our futures and try our best to continue to do well within regards to our education. Not only do we believe it is unrealistic to do so during such a substandard period, there are many factors to why we think that something needs to be done to give our year the opportunity to fulfil our full potential.

For example, every household is different. For many students, sixth form, college or school is their safe haven. It is important to take that into consideration as this means that many students could potentially miss out on the family support that others may have. Similarly, others may not be able to physically work in their houses whether it’s due to family issues, younger siblings, lack of equipment (such as laptops, WIFI, printers), as well as some students being young carers. Moreover, for a lot of cultures and households, as students we are still expected to balance house errands and chores along side trying to teach ourselves courses that we have potentially never been faced with before. These elements will not only clearly affect ones education and progress but also the possible mental well being and state of those impacted. Additionally, one in six people, aged seventeen to nineteen suffer from mental health disorders. This clearly demonstrates how many people already suffer with their mental well being, this, along with the stress of finishing assignments and work up to their usual standards but without the teaching would clearly not be a beneficial period of time. The notion that people also use socialising as a method in feeling somewhat mentally well should also be acknowledged as this means that during the social distancing those that do suffer, will be more likely to be struggling with their mental well being without their coping mechanisms which would ultimately affect their work. Granted of social pressures continue to proceed amidst those struggling, mental health suicide rates are more likely to increase dramatically; for some people, they might feel like that is the only way out of their given situation – but it doesn’t have to be!

Additionally, it is highly reinforced by the government, schools, colleges and sixth forms of the significance of attendance and how it can negatively impact ones grades. Not only this, but it is also emphasised a lot by teachers that having work sent out, for one to go over themselves isn’t as efficient as being taught in the classroom. This somewhat makes it seem that the government and all that believe that online classes are as equally as beneficial to face to face learning, are undermining the importance of physically attending college. If it is believed we can do just as well at home, with limited teacher support, doesn’t that some how contradict all that has been emphasised in the past within regards to the importance of attendance? If not, how is it expected that we do just as well at home, again with restricted teacher support? Another element is the notion that, A Levels as well as extended diplomas and BTECs are quite very demanding and extremely difficult without the situation we have been put in. Furthermore, due to the inconvenient time of COVID-19 apart from small baseline assessments, we haven’t been able to complete any form of mock examination which leaves us as a year group with the fear of the unknown. Year 13 is already seemingly meant to be a difficult and fearful year, a year which almost determines what the future holds. Our year group will not only be going into year 13 without any mock examinations, so only the slightest idea what to expect in the upcoming year. Not only this, but once we do eventually go back to normality, it will be more than likely we are faced with our mock examinations then, which will more than likely be based off the content of which has been self taught which signify that those mocks will be of a lower standard of what we may usually perform at. In addition, along side mocks, and online lessons, we are also faced with the inability to do our work experience which ultimately affects our university applications as well as future employment.

Another factor that I thought should be considered, is the fact that despite this putting a strain on us as students, it too must be difficult for teachers. I have teachers with small children and keeping children occupied during this pandemic is already difficult without the responsibility that teachers withhold. Finding the time to set work, mark work, as well as prioritising their own children would be extremely strenuous. Realistically, not just for students but teachers too, home is a general distraction. Home is typically ones happy place, where they are most content and comfortable, to transform that into a place of work is far fetched. In addition, although it may not actually be accurate but it genuinely feels like we are being set more work than what would usually be set in a standard lesson; without enough time in the next year to revisit old content, all what we learn during this period of time will forever be content that not everyone is confident in but will be examined regardless. One of the most important elements, we are in the middle of a pandemic. Loved ones are being lost, jobs are being lost, family’s are being teared apart, it’s hard to get the essentials, but we are still expected to complete assignments up to our usual standards. Considering the circumstances, it isn’t fair. I believe that if we all come together at such a difficult time, in this cold world, we will overcome this as a nation but please consider us too. We have no intention of being selfish, we aren’t just ‘the kids’, we’re the future.