An address to the school in Assembly – 20 May 2023
Deputy Head: Academics, Mrs J Finnie
Good morning Gentlemen, please listen to what I have to say this morning, I will not keep you long, but it is very important.
As you know, we are precisely one week away from your mid-year examinations. Exams are not merely hurdles to overcome or boxes to tick off. They represent an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that you have acquired during the first 6 months of the year. It is time now for you all to rise to the occasion with determination and resilience.
You need to understand that the ball is in your court now. You are accountable for your results, and it is your responsibility to do your best.
It is easy to get caught up in the attraction of shortcuts and quick fixes. Stories of instant success, but unfortunately true achievement is the result of persistent effort and discipline. I understand that preparing for exams can be demanding and at times overwhelming. However, you must take up this challenge. Your success will not only be measured by the final results that you achieve, but rather by the effort you put in, the self-discipline that you exhibit, and the growth that you experience in the process. Remember that success is not only about ability, but it is the willingness to put in the necessary effort over an extended period of time.
You have everything that you need in terms of knowledge, skills, and support from your teachers and mentors. They have guided you and encouraged you, but the rest is up to you, they cannot do this part for you.
It is your responsibility now to revise your lessons, review your notes carefully, and to seek clarity on any areas of confusion. Do not hesitate to ask questions to reinforce your understanding.
In the time that remains, organise your time effectively, and create a study plan that allows you to cover all your subjects. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks, with regular breaks to refresh your mind and your body.
You must make use of the resources available to you – the textbooks, notes, online resources, and most importantly, the guidance of your teachers. Use past exam papers in your preparation, as they will assist you in covering the material you have studied in a practical way. You will also get a deeper understanding of how you need to pace yourself to ensure you complete a paper within the required time. You will get used to the stress of being faced with problems and questions in different formats and the way that papers are structured, as well as practise in applying your knowledge to new situations.
Some of you may feel that the mid-year exams do not really count very much, and that the November exams are the ones that really count. However, these exams are vitally important in tracking your progress this year. They are an opportunity to see what you are capable of and to stretch yourselves to achieve at your best. For 2nd to 5th Form, they are the only meaningful preparation that you will have before your final exams in November. For the 6th Form, they are an opportunity to test your skills and knowledge before the all-important Trials exams.
Remember gentlemen, success is not a single event; it is a mindset. Work hard, prepare thoroughly, and seize this opportunity to shine. You need to perform at your very best whatever that may be, you should only be competing with yourself, and your goal should be to be better than you were before.
I wish you every success, and I hope that your efforts are rewarded.