![](/media/mdxn2nvn/npe-blog-header.png?width=350&v=1db051360ca9bd0)
Here are just a few examples of the questions posed:
- What is the value of 3² + 4²?
- What is the median of the following set of numbers: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11?
- A farm has 30 cows and 80 sheep. If 15 cows and 58 sheep are sold, how many animals in total were sold?
- If a bag contains 5 red balls and 3 blue balls, what is the probability of drawing a red ball at random?
- If "a" is 10% more than "b", what is the ratio of "a" to "b"?
While these questions may seem manageable at first glance, many adults found them challenging. It serves as a reminder of just how far education standards have advanced and the growing expectations placed on our students.
Emma Slater, Senior Product Manager at Access Education, commented on this trend:
More students than ever are facing the challenge of resitting their GCSE exams – this underscores the increasing difficulty of today's exams. GCSE grades are not just a stepping stone to further education and career paths but can also impact students' overall wellbeing, social development, and confidence.
As educators, we know that these exams play a critical role in shaping the future of our students, and their impact goes far beyond the classroom. At Access Education, we are committed to supporting both educators and students in navigating this demanding environment. Our innovative tools, like Access GCSEPod, are designed to enhance learning by making revision more effective and engaging. These resources help educators tailor their teaching to meet the individual needs of students, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Our latest 2024 Knowledge Gap Report, which analysed GCSE results across the UK, provides valuable insights into where students are struggling the most. The report shows that an average of 27.9% of students had to resit their maths exams in 2023, with areas like Merseyside, Shropshire, and the West Midlands being particularly hard-hit.
These figures highlight the ongoing need for targeted support in our schools. Educational tools, like those provided by Access Education, are key in addressing these gaps. Short, engaging content bursts allow for easier learning retention, and adaptive teaching methods help students progress at their own pace. This can make a significant difference in closing the gap and boosting exam performance.
As we move towards the new academic year, it is crucial that we continue to innovate and provide the necessary support to both students and teachers. By leveraging technology and educational resources, we can help students overcome the barriers of these increasingly challenging exams and set them on the path to success.
For more insights and to explore how Access Education can support your school in preparing for the upcoming exams, head to our Curriculum & Assessment software.