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How to ace your matric exams

The Department of Basic Education has released the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable; this means that exams are around the corner. Exam season can be an incredibly stressful time for all learners, especially with the weight of expectation in these economically challenging times. How are learners supposed to cope? 

Students

The Department of Basic Education has released the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable; this means that exams are around the corner. Exam season can be an incredibly stressful time for all learners, especially with the weight of expectation in these economically challenging times. How are learners supposed to cope? 

According to Dr Bernadette Aineamani, Director at Pearson South Africa, many learners feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they are required to retain.  

“This problem is particularly where a lot of material is covered, learners may not know where to start, and endless amounts of content available simply doesn’t mean that information gets adequately retained or remembered when needed,” says Dr Aineamani,   

 Dr Aineamani recommends ten ways in which learners can tackle their exams with confidence: 

  1. Be at your exam venue at least 30 minutes before your exam starts. 
  2. Stay calm and do not panic. Approach every question in a calm way, take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed.  
  3. Read the instructions and entire question paper before starting the examination.  
  4. Read each question carefully to ensure that you understand how to best answer the question.  
  5. Write neatly.  
  6. Adhere to the mark allocation of each question. Refrain from giving too much or too little information. 
  7. Show your workings and calculations in brackets if required.  
  8. Do not use correction fluid or tippex.  
  9. Do not leave questions out – even if a question looks unfamiliar, at least try to provide some answers.  
  10. Remember you are competing with yourself. Do not start panicking when another learner completes the question paper before you do.  

“I also encourage learners to take time off to rest and recuperate when needed. It is vital that mental health is looked after because stress and pressure are in abundance while calm and focus are the key to examination success,” advises Dr Aineamani.  

Supporting students during the exam waiting period: tips for teachers

Waiting for exam results can be extremely stressful. The anxiety and pressure that most students are feeling leads to worry and fear of uncertainty, and while these emotions are normal, it is important to let your students know that they are not alone.

Students Interacting

Waiting for exam results can be extremely stressful. The anxiety and pressure that most students are feeling leads to worry and fear of uncertainty, and while these emotions are normal, it is important to let your students know that they are not alone.

Here are 6 tips for how you, as a teacher, can help your students during this exam waiting period.

1. Maintain calm amongst students

It is easier said than done to ask someone to remain calm in a stressful situation. These are words that will make your students’ eyes roll but really, during this stressful time, it is imperative to remind your students to try to relax. Have your students take a deep breath before you announce exam results in class to help them feel less overwhelmed. Also, soothing words will help simmer the bubbling nerves by providing comfort and encouragement.

2. Get students moving

Exercise is a good way to relieve stress. Encourage your students to go for a walk or a run, play a game of soccer with their friends. The release of endorphins during exercise can help alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms.

3. Reward students

Exams are over! That is something to celebrate. Your students have studied hard, so now it’s time to reward them with something they’ll enjoy. A field trip to the beach and perhaps a movie in class are simple rewards that your students will be sure to appreciate. Students will be sure to stay relaxed and calm with these fun activities.

4. Look out for your students

Stress can lead to fatigue, emotional exhaustion and even depression. Look out for your students during this time. If you notice that they are irritable, suddenly change their behavior, or isolate themselves, encourage them to talk to someone about how they feel. They can talk to you, a family member or a counsellor in the community. See below for a list of professional people your students can talk to.

5. Encourage students to get results directly from their school

It’s advisable not to receive exam results via SMS, online or looking in the newspaper, rather students should go to school. Students who did poorly or failed only a few subjects can discuss their options right away with the principal. They could even request a remark or apply to write the supplementary exam.

6. Remind students to stay positive and formulate a plan of action

Make sure that your students remember that success is not always about achieving the highest results. Instead, success is about how you accept challenges, solve problems and continue with determination to succeed. Instead of worrying, try finding the root of the problem and discussing ways to solve it. Help students to decide on their plan A and formulate a backup plan in case their first plan doesn’t happen. Discuss with them the possibility of taking a gap year and working or finding an apprenticeship while they decide what to do next.

 

Who can I talk to?
Here is a list of organisations students can contact. They offer free telephone counselling.

SADAG (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group)
To contact a counsellor between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday:

Call: 011 234 4837 / Fax No: 011 234 8182

For a suicidal emergency contact us on: 0800 567 567

24Hr helpline: 0800 456 789Learn more at: https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1897&Itemid=101

Childline South Africa

Childline National Office:

Tel: (+27) -(0)31-201 2059

Fax: (+27) -(0)86 511 0032

Learn more at: https://www.childlinesa.org.za/contact-us/