Year 11 Student Tackles Mock Stress And Society – Ezekiel Bertrand, Glyn School

15-year-old James Davis takes part in an out-of-school Drama performance, and he admitted the stress he harboured.

“On top of revising for ten exams,” James said, “I was also having to try and learn lines, choreography, songs, and dances for an out-of-school drama performance which resulted in having to learn in a short period of time which did become very stressful at times as I had to prioritise on or the other which became a tough decision.” 

While many students carry the stress until the exam is over, James Day admitted that he “coped with the stress by balancing everything out equally.” He also said that he took constant breaks like “seeing [his] friends, playing football, and doing exercise.”

Schools are becoming more forthcoming about mental health issues over time. Although many believe it should not be discussed, more people than expected struggle with it, especially during exam seasons. 

“Year 11 will be the worst year for many students as the GCSEs shape our futures and it is a lot to learn but, on top of that, knowing that we will not see a lot of people from school ever again is a sad thought,” James Day confessed, “Also, in an all-boys school, the school will try and make men talk up if they are feeling bad, but, in today’s society, many men still feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about it and seek help, so it can be very hard, especially with the pressure teachers and parents can accidentally put on us.”

Results were given back to James recently, and, due to his system of balancing school and creative arts, he was “proud” with what he received and is “prepared for the final mocks before the GCSEs” in February.