should there be such focus on exams?

I think that exams are only useful as they can be standardised and compared and they only test preparation instead of actual knowledge and understanding. Exam seasons have also been shown to have a negative impact on pupil's wellbeing, and for many it can be overwhelming to revise for the sheer amount of exam papers they need to take. While exams are a less than perfect system, they are one of the least time consuming for markers and bias can be virtually eliminated. They are particularly useful for students who for whatever reason haven't been taught correctly, with exams they can revise and learn on their own terms. It should also be noted that the exams have very specific specifications and the dates of the exams are released well in advance, which gives people time to prepare. I think the flaw of coursework is that its a lot more prone to bias. For example, if you were to have teachers who you didn't get on with, or vice versa, there is no doubt in my mind that they would fully put their impartiality aside. Even if it was done anonymously, in the age of AI that we live in, I would be willing to bet that a large number of people would cheat on the coursework. Some exam boards give you a grade based on both coursework and assessment, which might be a good way to do things. Additionally, having less 'final exams' and splitting them up between years or throughout the year could be beneficial as it wouldn't put so much pressure due to having so many exams at the same time. Interested to hear what you have to say!

I think that exams are only useful as they can be standardised and compared and they only test preparation instead of actual knowledge and understanding. Exam seasons have also been shown to have a negative impact on pupil's wellbeing, and for many it can be overwhelming to revise for the sheer amount of exam papers they need to take. While exams are a less than perfect system, they are one of the least time consuming for markers and bias can be virtually eliminated. They are particularly useful for students who for whatever reason haven't been taught correctly, with exams they can revise and learn on their own terms. It should also be noted that the exams have very specific specifications and the dates of the exams are released well in advance, which gives people time to prepare. I think the flaw of coursework is that its a lot more prone to bias. For example, if you were to have teachers who you didn't get on with, or vice versa, there is no doubt in my mind that they would fully put their impartiality aside. Even if it was done anonymously, in the age of AI that we live in, I would be willing to bet that a large number of people would cheat on the coursework. Some exam boards give you a grade based on both coursework and assessment, which might be a good way to do things. Additionally, having less 'final exams' and splitting them up between years or throughout the year could be beneficial as it wouldn't put so much pressure due to having so many exams at the same time. Interested to hear what you have to say!

I'm not saying do away with exams completely for things like STEM or IT they definitely have their place. but i feel subjects like art or photography could be 100% portfolio assessed Dram and music should probably be assessed 100% by performances. Do courses like humanities really lend themselves to exams you could just as easily assess those with course work shouldn't you i also feel while STEM courses should still have exams they should also have a practical elementto them.
What do you guys think should there be less focus on exams for subjects that don't nessecerally lend themselves to them?