It’s regarded by many as common knowledge that A levels can lead to stress, anxiety and apprehensiveness. However, after talking to students at The Green School for Girls, it would seem that this knowledge amongst teachers and other members of staff, perhaps isn't so common after all.

 

Of the nine sixth formers who were asked if they thought mental health was 'paid enough attention to in school', every single one answered no. Similarly, all but one disagreed that teachers were 'accommodating when it came to mental health'. One student commented that “If one person is not ok then the whole class is assumed to be not ok” – a reflection of the attitude that most teachers are not paying enough attention to individual students and failing to take into account different circumstances.

 

It’s a relief to say, however, that feedback was not entirely negative. For example, when students were asked if they felt as though they had at least one person they could talk to about the full extent of their problems, all answered yes - most giving this person to be their mother or an older sibling. Despite this, what must be understood is the lack of connection that was felt towards teachers and other members of staff. When it came to teachers who had perhaps come closer to addressing the issue of mental health and wellbeing, it was felt by many that “they talk about it because they have to.”

 

In light of responses such as these, it is important that students from not just this school but schools all across the country, feel as though they have adults in school they can talk to – maybe ones who will occasionally even care to ask them how their week’s been.

 

Noor Qurashi - The Green School