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Exam tumble a chance to embrace challenges and seek opportunity
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
For most students of Sri Lanka Advanced Level exam results determine their path to higher education and a career.
A few hundred thousand high scorers earn admission to state universities, while for others, the choices are confined to different higher education routes.
For some, the exam outcome can bring disappointment and uncertainty.
For some, the exam outcome can bring disappointment and uncertainty. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Experts often say that exam failure can indeed lead to higher risks of psychological problems, but it is essential to recognise that it is not the end of the road.
Failing an exam can trigger a range of negative emotions, including disappointment, frustration, and even a sense of inadequacy.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Senior Psychological Counsellor, Esharma Kariyakarawana said students may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder as they grapple with the implications of their results. The pressure to excel academically, coupled with societal expectations, can exacerbate these feelings, leading to a significant toll on mental well-being.
Parents, peers and teachers should remember that it is crucial to acknowledge the student’s psychological impact of exam failure and address it with empathy and support, Mrs. Kariyakarawana said.
While academic success is undoubtedly important, it is not the sole determinant of one’s worth or future prospects. It is essential that students who have faced exam failure must recognise that there are alternative paths to success and fulfillment.
“Rather than dwelling on past setbacks, they can channel their energy into discovering their passions, interests, and strengths. This process involves self-reflection, exploring different career paths and opportunities that align with their values and aspirations,” noted Mrs. Kariyakarawana.
She said rebounding from exam failure requires resilience and determination. Students should see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
“They can use these hardships as motivation to work harder, set new goals, and pursue excellence in their chosen endeavours. It is essential to adopt a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve,” she said.
Moreover, students should focus on developing their skills and expertise in areas that genuinely interest them. Whether it is through further education, vocational training, or hands-on experience, they can carve out a career path that plays to their strengths and passions. Success is not limited to traditional academic achievements; it encompasses personal fulfillment and making a
positive impact on society, Mrs. Kariyakarawana said.
Principal of Lumbini Vidyalaya, Colombo, Ven. Divithure Samantha thera said, developing resilience is essential for overcoming exam failure and overcoming obstacles in life. This entails building a network of mentors, counselors, friends, and family who can provide direction, inspiration, and emotional support.
There are organisations with state registration that provide free educational counselling services, Samantha thera noted.
Samantha thera said students ought to make the most of the time available between the A/L exam ending and the announcement of results.
“While they await results, enrolling in diplomas or certificate courses in subjects like English language, information and communication technology, and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) credentials that would best help students in skill development,” he suggested.
Since they have sought skills development, which is essential in the corporate sector, these students, most of the time, do not mentally lag.
National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) Chairman Ruchika Amarasekara told the Sunday Times, that the NAITA offers a range of programmes.
Vocational training opens up
alternative career pathways that may not require traditional academic
qualifications. Students can explore vocational options that align with their interests and strengths, Mr. Amarasekara said. In 2003, about 80,000 NAITA students passed out.
Mr. Amarasekara said courses including hospitality management, nursing, caregiving, early childhood development, automotive technology, and craft engineering. There is more demand for these courses by those who intend to go overseas to work.
3NAITA is also working to offer in-demand courses like modern agriculture and software engineering.
Director (Training) of NAITA, Nilantha de Silva said vocational training focuses on developing practical skills for specific industries, or professions. “NAITA can provide students with skills directly applicable to the workforce, potentially leading to better job prospects regardless of academic performance,” he said.
Mr. de Silva said NAITA is discussing additional courses in interior design, solar training, retail, and telecommunication.
Recognising the challenges that students face when they do not pass critical exams such as the G.C.E. A/L, chairman of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) Pasindu Gunarathna said that failing a national exam can be a significant setback, but it should not be seen as the end of the road. On average, 35-40% of GCE A/L exam candidates do not qualify for university entrance, and even among those who do, only a small fraction gains admission.
The NYSC is the main government organisation responsible for supporting and empowering the youth.
“Our mission at the NYSC is to transform this adversity into opportunity by providing access to vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and mentorship. We operate 55 training centres nationwide, offering NVQ courses in a wide range of fields, from bakery and beauty services to automobile/electrical engineering,” he noted.
He said that the NYSC is introducing courses in smart agriculture. “Our programmes also include career development opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and musicians, as well as language courses and training
for overseas employment,” Mr. Gunarathna said.
“We are committed to ensure that students can discover new paths to success and approach their future with confidence. By offering these resources, we emphasise that failure is merely a stepping stone to greater achievements. Through our support and training, we aim to inspire youth to realize their potential and achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter,” he assured.
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