4 Leadership plays a crucial role in reducing assessment anxiety among both learners and teachers-especially during high-stakes exams like Grades 9 and 12 national assessment. Some keys ways leaders can help
1 Foster a Support School Culture
. Promote the idea that assessment are tools to learning not punishment.
. Encourage teachers and students to view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
. Celebrate effort, improvement, and resilience, not just final grades.
Provide Clear Communication and Transparency
. Offer orientation sessions for learns and parents to identify national exams.
. Regularly update teachers and learners on progress and available support .
Promote Continuous and Formative Assessment
. This normalizes testing and helps learners build confidence before major exams.
. Encourage teachers to use low stake assessment (quizzes, peer reviews, feedback sessions) throughout the year.
Lead by Example
. School leaders should model calmness, confidence, and empathy.
. Avoid last-minute policy changes or punitive remarks.
. Publicly recognise teachers and learners for their efforts, not only their results.