AS us students approach peak exam season it can suddenly hit us when we realise that what we achieve here can shape our future career.

The stress and pressure builds quickly and we can easily become overwhelmed.

At this point in our lives, examinations whether they be GCSEs or A-Levels, are one of the most intensive experiences. The school curriculum has undergone saw extensive changes when since the former Coalition was came into power. One of them is the adjustment to make sure exams had greater sway in a student’s results above coursework.

Whether a supporter of that or not is a matter depending on individual learning styles.

For the youth mental health charity, YoungMinds, the issue of usual stress and pressure on young people is a much greater problem than people realise.

In 2011/12, 39 per cent of calls received were on school-related problems, including revision and exams. The competition amongst schools to score as high rating as possible from Ofsted – and lack of provision for perhaps more pastoral care compared to after-school revision groups – compounds an atmosphere of tension and needless competition amongst students.

The emphasis itself should be on getting the best from individuals without frightening them.

The launch of YoungMinds'’s digital campaign pack, #GettingThroughIt, advises students on the methods to minimise stress levels.

There needs to be a great shift in culture though – and that must start with schools prioritising student support.

JACK WELCH