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I find the continual focus on exams at school is misguided and can be harmful. Of course, we need a measuring system, and for many careers there needs to be a way of ensuring the person has the appropriate knowledge, as shown in exam passes. But many kids don't do well at exams, even if they have the knowledge, or have not done well at school because they don't fit the learning style, or the subjects do not suit their interests
But schools continue to push that if you don't pass your GCSE or A level exams you will be a failure at life. It causes huge mental stress and I know of one kid who got bad exam results and immediately went to his room and killed himself. There has to be a balance between encouraging kids to be the best they can be, to work hard, but also support kids who don't fit the exam model.
Due to automatic sorting of CVs for jobs, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for bright kids, with poor exam results (or none) to be given opportunities to shine. We need a better balance.
Which subject failed? E is still pass grade S and U then fail.