'So stressful' - teachers and pupils say new GCSEs are leading to burnout
Summary
New GCSE rules in Wales now require students to complete many assessments that are not formal exams, called non-examined assessments (NEAs). Teachers and students report that the extra work and frequent testing are causing high stress and burnout.Key Facts
- Up to 40% of some GCSE grades in Wales come from NEAs, which are assessments done during class time but not in exam halls.
- Students may spend up to 26 hours over two years completing these NEAs in some subjects.
- Teachers say the amount of marking and paperwork has increased a lot, causing stress and workload problems.
- Subjects like English Language and Literature require nearly 21 hours of NEAs, religious studies about 12 hours, and Welsh language in Welsh-speaking schools up to 26 hours.
- Pupils say they feel like they are constantly revising and stressed about the amount of weekly assessments.
- A union survey found many teachers feel exhausted and overwhelmed, with some considering leaving their jobs due to stress.
- Head teachers warn the new rules put schools under extreme pressure and called for urgent changes.
- Exam boards in Wales say they know about the problems and are working with schools to help.
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