As many face stress due to work and general impending doom, Grade 12 pupils and their parents have another issue to deal with: the dreaded final matric exams.
Pupils participating in the final examinations have a few months left to prepare for their first exam.
This may sound like enough time, but in terms of preparing for one of the biggest exams, it really isn’t.
Not only is it a major academic milestone and checkpoint, but it often comes with emotions running wild for both parent and child.
Dr Linda Meyer of The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, says parents strive to ensure their children’s success, even with the challenges brought about by this time.
FOR PUPILS
Meyer has listed a few tips for parents and pupils so emotions don’t run too high over the next few weeks.
• Establish a routine and plan your study schedule. It also helps to break down your subjects into sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Allocate more time to subjects you find challenging, but also incorporate short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Study techniques to try include testing yourself regularly instead of passively reading, making use of mind maps, and teaching or explaining a topic you are studying to someone else.
FOR PARENTS
Parents can provide meaningful support in the following ways:
• Draw up a comprehensive view of the exam timeline. While it sounds obvious, it could aid in creating a balanced study schedule.
• If possible, mimic actual exam conditions at home. This does not only help pupils become familiar with the conditions of the physical exam environment, it could also help identify areas that need further focus.
• Encourage autonomous learning. There is no denying that being available to address questions is important. Pupils also need to think critically and find solutions by themselves, as you won’t be there to help in the exam room.
• Remember hobbies and fun stuff. The next few weeks should not be all about studying. Integrate activities such as meditation or short walks, or if pupils aren’t into that, try their favourite hobbies to mentally rejuvenate them. They also need adequate rest, a healthy diet and to avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, which are known to give fake highs.
It is also important for both pupils and parents to realise that while Grade 12 exams are huge, they’re just one part of the educational journey.
So while it’s important to do your best, there will be other opportunities for growth and learning.
– IOL
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