New challenge for teachers

Teachers aiming to improve their understanding of the pressure faced by students have taken on a new challenge.

According to the Times Educational Supplement, a number of teachers have chosen to sit exams alongside their pupils.

This, they believe, has helped them think of new ways to help their students tackle the assessments.

Lead physics teacher at Shoeburyness High School in Essex Mark Smith told the publication that his experience sitting biology and chemistry AS-levels made him consciously consider "what makes learning stimulating".

"I think teachers' depth of knowledge to talk around a subject and be able to answer awkward questions is really important," he added.

And head of English at Cumbria's Millom School Alison Smith, who took the subject's key stage three test, noted that it made her realise that she needed to give her pupils speed reading lessons.

Teachers marking exams raised concerns this week when they failed to receive some papers, sparking fears that some had gone missing.