Exam results aren't the only thing that define a person

Exams are something we all encounter in life, whether it’s a job interview or driving test, but are there other challenges children can learn from that don’t involve such nerve-racking, pressured environments?

Essentially, exams show that you’re good at remembering things and writing essays. It’s true, good grades open doors, but essential soft skills, such as resilience, have much greater value, giving children the tools to overcome setbacks in life. Focusing on academic performance is not a fair measure of a person’s character and ability. For all the children fearing failure this exam season, we have news for you: failure is often the route to success and personal growth. It’s the being brave and ‘having a go’ part that counts. Digging deep is the backbone to having grit and showing up for yourself. When the going gets tough, push on through. Like we’re taught in the much-loved children’s story, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, you can’t avoid obstacles, you must go through adversity to come out the other side. It’s the grit and resilience that matters.  

As an outdoor Adventure experiences provider, we are flying the flag for resilience and the importance of essential soft skills known as 21st century skills. Students benefit profoundly from strength-based experiential learning programmes. From the excitement of being on a residential with their peers, to overcoming personal challenges, children learn to trust in their own ability, show empathy and collaborate with others, think critically, and measure their achievement in terms of their personal growth.

Whether your child is delighted or disappointed with their academic performance, know that exam results aren’t the only thing that define you. What matters most is strength of character and the ability to bounce-back from failure and more importantly bounce forward because of overcoming challenges. Outdoor learning is at the forefront of character education. It is an evidence-based means to enabling children and young people to grow in resilience, adapt to change, and thrive in life.

According to Kingswood’s Head of Impact, Dr John Allan...

“To put the rapid pace of change young people face into perspective, it is estimated that 65% of them will end up in jobs yet to be invented. The positive adaptive behaviours acquired through outdoor adventure education (OAE) enables young people to cope with disruption, bounce-back from adversity and follow a trajectory of growth (bounce-beyond ability). It’s the lessons learnt outside of the classroom that have the most lasting impact on a young person’s life.”

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