Exams, does this ring a bell? Those in the lower sixth had better get used to it, there are more to come next year, whether it be retakes or the A2s. I have yet to meet anyone who would willingly admit that they were looking forward to their exams (me included), yet grudgingly we accept it as a part of life, no different to taxes and school bills for our parents. The question is, why all the fuss?

There are the obvious answers. We need them to get a place in University, where we meet new people, have the best three years of our lives, and at some point it is hoped that we learn something to pass, guess what, even more exams at the end of each year. After that, even then there is no guarantee that there will be an end to them, as some demand tests to be taken either at the start or part way during the beginning of your career. Since ancient times, especially in Imperial china, exams have been used to sort out the likely from the definite no’s. I don’t speak for all, but this is truly a frightening prospect, as adults still have nightmares about exams!

Of course, they are useful in assessing your abilities. At least, that is the excuse anyway, with horribly descriptive marking criteria for GCSE which require as much hoop-jumping as a dog at a pedigree show. In some respects, this is of course true, looking at the entry tests for places such as Oxford, Cambridge and the aptitude tests for courses such as Maths. This is often the best and only way for an external invigilator to have a grasp of your abilities, as for the time being they are unable to look into your mind and see how (and what) you think. Essentially, short of breaking an essentially unwritten human right and delving into the domain of the mad scientist, it is all they can do to see if you fit the bill.

But, cry some, surely there are other ways, such as interviews, coursework et cetera. Indeed, these are very good at spotting your skill. There are of course short comings here as well. For those who have trouble vocalising ideas, or lack the ability to speak coherently, interviews could be unfair for the brilliant minds that aren’t good with the words. Of course, if this is the case, then applying for university or jobs is the least of their worries. As for coursework, it would be a perfect idea, as it gives enough time to plan a coherent argument, word it correctly and correct any errors that would otherwise cause embarrassment in an exam. It also gives enough time to find an excellent essay online and tweak it to look like yours. In the end, it looks like exams are all we have.

In conclusion, exams are unfortunately a necessary evil. That, or get Dr. Evil to use a large ominous device that beeps a lot to take a look into your most private thoughts. Personally, I would go for two hours in a stifling hot room scratching my head in vague panic.