Ritual puts pressure on young teachers: “Instructors make it clear that it is expected”. Some schools now provide examiners with coffee or tea as a collegial gesture of hospitality.
The Education and Science Union (GEW) is aware of this curious custom. Do perhaps deter young people from taking up teaching? “No, because you usually only find out as a teaching profession because you don’t want to mess up the exam,” says Yvonne Walters.