High school teachers can be incredibly frustrating. As a grade 12 student, my grades are crucial for my future, but it feels like the teachers grading my work don’t realize this. It’s disheartening to see myself and my classmates get low marks when we’ve put in the effort.
I had aspirations of getting into Western Med Sci, but thanks to the way my teachers graded us, I’ve had to lower my expectations. One of my high-achieving friends—who usually scores in the high 90s in calculus without studying—still got a disappointing mark in physics. I received a level 2- while he ended up with a level 2. It’s like they come up with these grades at random.
I ended up dropping that class after feeling completely overwhelmed, even though the material wasn’t that hard.
Then there’s my English teacher. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to break that 85% barrier. I spent three hours on an essay with another English teacher and still didn’t do well. It doesn’t make sense. I do well in math, but this feels unfair. Only five people in the class reached the 90s, while most of us were stuck around the same score.
Speaking of math, my Advanced Functions teacher went on leave—something that seems to happen every semester—and I ended up with a substitute who just wasn’t effective. Despite the good teaching, my grades don’t reflect that: I scored 64% on two unit tests. The idea that “the tests will be easy if you do the homework” is misleading because even one mark off can drastically affect your grade.
Biology has been my saving grace this year. After a challenging day, I look forward to that class—it’s where I really shine.
This semester has its ups and downs. I struggled on my first calculus unit test, getting only 66% on what I thought was a straightforward topic. In chemistry, I did a bit better, scoring 74% on the electrochemistry test, which put me above the class average. How is it that only one person managed to score above 90% when it seemed relatively easy?
This whole situation feels frustratingly complex, as if someone needs to come up with a clearer equation to explain how it all adds up—or doesn’t.
I totally get where you’re coming from. It sounds like you’re really frustrated with the grading and teaching styles at your school, especially when your future is on the line. It’s tough when you feel like your hard work isn’t being recognized. It’s especially disheartening when it seems like certain teachers have their own biases affecting grades, which can feel really unfair, especially when your friends are experiencing similar frustrations.
It’s great to hear that you found a light in biology, though! Having a subject you enjoy can be a real motivator, especially during times when everything else feels chaotic. As for the math and physics challenges, it might help to look for extra resources or study groups to give you that extra edge or perspective.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way—many students go through similar challenges, and it can really feel overwhelming at times. Just keep pushing through, focus on what you can control, and don’t hesitate to seek support from peers or even a guidance counselor if you need to talk things over. You’ve got this!