It comes as no surprise that the people of Nova Scotia are struggling. The Graduating Class of 2021 is a group of people that are facing hardships unknown to many. We have shown resilience and strength despite the difficult outcomes we have faced; However the workload has become over bearing for some students and the inconsistencies within the education system are creating a larger academic gap than ever before.

Students are already struggling emotionally, socially, physically, and academically. We believe that giving us Exams/Final Assessments is not in the best interest of Nova Scotian students. Virtual learning and lack of socialization have created huge barriers for a plethora of students and leaving examinations to the discretion of a teacher is yet another barrier SOME students will have to overcome. It isn't fair some schools and teachers are issuing exams while other schools and teachers are not. Listed below are statements made by different students at different High schools across N.S. They highlight just some of the thoughts, struggles, and feelings they have been facing.

"I just feel like they don't care about us at all this year, specifically grads. Last year they understood how stressful and sad it was so they made sure our grades wouldn't drop and that we didn't need exams. I don't know why it is any different this year."

"Just because we were in a similar situation last year doesn't mean things are any easier for us this year. We shouldn't be expected to have exams if the grads didn't have them last year."

"We are learning so much less than we would be if we were in school. Exams are making an already stressful year even more stressful. Teachers don't understand that they can give out the same information as they give at school, but that doesn't mean that people are taking it all in. Or even a fraction of it. They also can't trust people to do online exams without cheating. It is going to create an academic divide between those who choose to learn and study, and those who choose to cheat. It is unfair."

"Going through school over the years the principals and teachers told us that we could always turn to them, but now we're all at our lowest we've ever been and no one is helping us."

"I'm honestly feeling so defeatedly. I feel as if I'm drowning and every time I come up for air, my head gets pushed back underwater because I can't escape the constant deteriorating homework. I know it sounds dramatic but this is genuinely how I feel. I am struggling and the education system is failing me."

"The amount of struggles we have gone through this year and last year needs to be recognized more. It is unreal; Mental health wise I don't think I've ever been this overwhelmed."
"My exam is still worth 20% of my grade. Grads are suffering and they are brushing it off. "

"I have a learning disorder and even though it is only minor, I struggle to get the help I need. Giving us exams is unfair as is, but it is even more unfair to me and others who suffer from learning disorders."

"No student should feel obligated to do something like an Exam especially in times like these."

"My marks were in the 70's and 80's before online school. I was also in a way better mental state and was basically happy all the time. Now, I have 2 marks in the 50's one 49, and an 80 in a class that is very easy. I am also stressed out and anxious all the time and I am worried I'm going to fail my Grade 12 year. I just want it to end."

"I’ve faced multiple struggles throughout this period of COVID-19 and all of them have to do with school. They are still giving out exams, which we barely know anything about. A lot of students are hands-on learners which makes online learning so much harder. Along with the fact we are still getting given pretty much the same amount of work as if we were in school. However we are not at school. We are at home, constantly in our heads, stressing about what we are going to do about next year, about what’s happening for prom, or even graduation. Then comes the downfalls of the students' mental health."

"I feel exhausted. I’ve been working so hard all year to graduate with honours with distinction and was easily maintaining it until we went into lockdown. I don’t want my teachers to think I don’t care about my grades but with the lockdown, my mental health is getting to a bad place; No one listening or trying to fix our problems. I feel defeated and unmotivated. I feel like the school boards are really letting us down and there’s nothing we can say to show them how hard it is for a lot of students."

Ultimately virtual exams also provide an opportunity for some students to cheat and take advantage of the circumstances. This is not fair to the students who study and work hard every day to ensure their marks are consistent with their goals. 

We ask for your empathy, support, and unity by signing this petition. It is important to show that students can come together even when the odds are against us.