Some Results Day words of wisdom

On GCSE Results Day, here are some words of wisdom from Tim Bayliss, experienced teacher and senior leader: for those students who are delighted, those who may be feeling disappointed, and for all the teachers who have supported their students on their GCSE journey.

The delighted

If that smile’s making your face ache, then huge congratulations on reaping the rewards for all the hard work put into results that no one can ever take away from you. Enjoy the moment but think also of those who helped get you there – for example, the teachers, relatives or friends who, when it really mattered, went an extra mile too. You’ll know what they contributed and so now’s the time to let them know how much it mattered, was appreciated, and won’t be forgotten.

The disappointed

If there are tears and regrets today, then don’t forget that it’s not exams that define you, or your future, but all those personal qualities that make you who you are – your love, values, honesty, trust, generosity and so on that others appreciate beyond measure. It may be a frustrating cliché, but setbacks now, and how you respond to them in the long run, are what make you stronger, more determined, and more prepared for the future. There’s no point in regrets, just honest reflection on efforts perhaps not sufficiently focused, or advice ignored, or time expended inappropriately... you get the drift. Dismissing entitlement, pointlessly comparing yourself to others, seeking blame and so on will get you nowhere. But determination to put it right next time will get you everywhere and attract the admiration and respect of all those that really matter. Meantime, talk to your most trusted teacher about retakes or alternative opportunities. And don’t beat yourself up – after all, if you had a friend who didn't get the results they wanted, would you be hard on them?

Teachers

The tummy-turning anticipation and anxiety of early summer is hopefully now relieved by yet more reminders of why this is the most demanding and important profession of them all – defining young lives, shaping futures, and setting the values, examples and memories that end up passing down generations. And if that includes a happy smile or a ‘thank you’ or ‘well done’ from a student, parent or boss, then savour the moment. It’s deserved.?

This article was?written for OUP Education by Tim Bayliss, experienced Geography teacher and Senior Leader, Chartered Geographer and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, widely published author and Series Editor for Oxford Revise, Geography published by Oxford University Press .

22 August 2024

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