Throughout our lives we find a point when some sort of exam is needed. They may not be referred to as exams but any form of test is just that. An examination of our knowledge or ability to carry out a task we have been training for. When we are at school, then the end of term tests used to be the indicator of success achieved, or otherwise. The dreaded test papers would be alluded to by the teacher and we would be encouraged to revise, revise and revise again for hours a day. These tests were gradually replaced by the statutory achievement test system in schools at various keystages. Up until the mid 1960s, the only way to get into the grammer school was to pass the first seriously important test – the 11 plus. This was the one thing that could make or break your future but at the time, not enough importance was given to the subject!
Later on we would be asked to show ability in our jobs – proving we had attended those mandatory training courses about how the firm is run and how not to defraud the public or HM Government! And . . . one very major ‘exam’ would be the driving test. Currently if we pass that in our teens, and do not blot our copy book as it were, we can drive a car for the rest of our lives without ever having to revisit the test centre – now that seems very slightly scary doesn’t it!
