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While a certain degree of stress can actually have a positive effect on testing results, too much stress can have devastating consequences.

When I say that some stress is positive, I am thinking about normal exam nerves. After all, if we are too complacent about exams, then we are not likely to do well at all. A small amount of stress can motivate us to prepare for tests, and to take them seriously.

However, often stress gets out of hand. In education today it seems that there is such an emphasis on achieving the highest grades possible - basically the message is given to pupils that gaining qualifications is the be-all and end-all of existence. Of course this is not the case at all. I don't think children get told his enough - we certainly didn't. This has the effect that children start to panic about exams - as a result they can't concentrate, they can revise properly, and inevitably test results are compromised.

Children need to be told that while exams can be important, they are not THE most important thing in life. Children need to know that qualifications can open up to them many opportunities in life, but that all they can do is their best. If a child does their best (whatever the test result), then that is a success.

There are ways for people to deal with stress leading up to tests - eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and sleep, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.

It is absolutely tragic when we hear stories about young people who have taken their lives either prior to exams (which they don't think they can cope with), or after exams, as they worry that they have not achieved the results that are expected of them (often pushy parents and teachers have contributed to this). This is so sad, as there is just no need. What is the good in getting A+ in all exams if at the end of the day you are dead (sorry to put it bluntly)?

Not all children are academically minded. Hopefully things are improving today in the UK, with more emphasis being put on vocational qualifications. For many children the stress which is put on them to achieve in tests which are really not suited to them is just not necessary.

Of course stress can affect adults in test environments too....just look at driving tests in the UK. Most people do not pass first time, and this is down to nerves caused by stress, and also the fear of failing. Possibly some if this might be due to that fact that children in the UK are just not taught how to deal with stress effectively.

The simple message I am trying to get across is that stress can have a serious impact on testing results. Someone in an exam who is so worried about failing that they are close to having a panic attack is just not going to achieve to their full potential. There are alternatives - other ways to test children without stressful exam conditions. However, I think the key is that children need to be taught that academic success is not the most important thing in life. At the end of the day, what use are load of qualifications if you're not happy?

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