IN THE RACE FOR MARKS, DON'T LOSE THE LEARNER

Academic achievement matters, but not at the expense of a schoolchild's resilience

- BY MICHAEL GUZDER | Special to Gulf News

Every year, as the CBSE Board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 approach, tension builds in familiar ways.

Classrooms grow quieter, homes more tense. Some young people seem confident, even relaxed, but many others are anxious and uncertain. They fear failing, disappointing their families, or not meeting expectations, sometimes without fully understanding them.

There is no denying it — achievements matter. They reflect the effort, preparation, and dedication learners put in, and they play a role in shaping future opportunities, including college admissions. Yet, marks should never define a pupil's worth or overwhelm their poise.

Too often, we hear of learners becoming overwhelmed by stress, before, during, or after assessments. These stories remind us that academic pressure, if unchecked, can affect far more than grades. No examination, no outcome, is worth such a cost.

Which is why this period calls not for panic, but for perspective.

There is still time to make a difference

The good news is that there is still time. How we use it now can make a real difference. Make every day count, but do it wisely. Pace yourself, take breaks, and rest when needed. Balanced, consistent effort now will pay off far more than frantic last-minute work ever could.