For many young people, success in school is measured by how they perform compared to others, says Isaac, 17, from Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College.
Many students today see education as a competition rather than just a way to learn. In schools across the country students often compare test scores, grades and class rankings.
This can make learning feel like a race to be the best instead of a chance to understand new ideas.
One reason for this competition, I believe, is the pressure to achieve high exam results. Important exams such as GCSEs can affect which colleges or courses students can attend later along the path. Due to the importance of these results, many students feel they must compete with classmates to achieve the highest grade.
This social pressure can make school feel really stressful.
Another reason is the influence of parents, teachers, and society. Adults often encourage students to aim for the highest grades achievable. Schools may often reward high-ability students with prizes, awards or public praise. While these rewards can motivate students, they can also place pressure upon those who feel as though they are “losing” for not performing well enough.
Social media can also increase the sense of competition. Students sometimes share their results or achievements online which can make others compare themselves. Seeing classmates celebrate high grades can make others feel as though they must work even harder to keep up.
While competition can encourage students to be further motivated to work harder, it is also important to remember that education should be focused on learning and growth, and helping every student reach their individual potential.
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