Hazel Shearing, a BBC Education correspondent, shares her expertise on navigating exam results. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of results day and offers practical advice on managing nerves and understanding grade boundaries. The conversation dives into options for students who miss their grades, emphasizing alternative pathways like apprenticeships. Listeners gain insights into university clearing and personal statements, as well as helpful recommendations for student accommodation. It's a supportive guide for anyone feeling the pressure of results day!
Students should utilize coping strategies to manage anxiety leading up to results day, including planning, sharing feelings, and seeking support.
After receiving results, students have multiple pathways to explore like clearing, apprenticeships, or resitting exams to ensure future opportunities.
Deep dives
Unlimited Mobile Plan Offer
Boost Mobile is promoting its nationwide 5G network by offering an affordable plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data for just $25 per month. This offer is designed to attract a wide range of customers, including those who may start families or face life changes over time. Customers can maintain this pricing as long as they stay active on the Boost Unlimited plan, although speeds may be reduced after the first 30 gigabytes of data usage. This long-term deal emphasizes affordability and reliability, appealing to individuals seeking uninterrupted communication.
Exam Results and Managing Nerves
As exam results day approaches, individuals may experience heightened anxiety and uncertainty about their performance. The discussion emphasizes various coping strategies, such as planning and preparation, to help manage nerves leading up to results day. Sharing experiences with friends and focusing on actionable next steps can ease tension, like researching options if results don't meet expectations. Presenters highlight that acknowledging one's feelings and having a supportive network can help navigate this pivotal moment in a student's life.
Navigating Options After Results
After receiving exam results, students are encouraged to consider a variety of pathways, regardless of their grades. Options include applying through clearing, exploring apprenticeships, or taking a gap year, which broadens the possibilities beyond just university. Those disappointed with their results can appeal or resit exams, and it's vital for students to be proactive by contacting universities to discuss potential offers. This perspective reassures students that there is life beyond exam results and encourages them to focus on future opportunities.
If you or someone you know has found out how they got on in their exams - then this episode is for you.
We’ll guide you though your next steps as exam results land for students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Plus BBC Education correspondent Hazel Shearing answers all of your questions.
You can listen to the latest episode of Reliable Sauce anytime on your smart speaker by asking Alexa for “Reliable Sauce on BBC Sounds”.
Producers: Keiligh Baker, Julie Ball and Natasha Fernandes | Editor: Ben Mundy | Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.
00:00 We’re in the “celebrity” newsroom
01:05 Live on TikTok
04:00 Dealing with nerves
05:10 What’s a grade boundary?
06:25 Kirsty brings the “2000 vibes”
07:00 Covid’s lasting impact on learning
08:00 Exam results day explained
09:20 All you need to know about clearing
11:05 What if I just miss my grades?
12:00 How to re-do your exams
13:00 How do I cope with a feeling of failure?
15:05 Kirsty and Jordan share their exam experience
18:30 Accommodation recommendations
21:45 Need more help? Here’s what to do
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode