With just under six weeks to prepare for the final matric exams, the clock is ticking for Grade 12 learners. Matrics can leverage their preliminary exams to consolidate everything they’ve learned over the past two years, boost their year mark and secure a place at their chosen university.
Rebecca Pretorius, country manager for Crimson Education explained that these preliminary exams are often pitched at a slightly higher difficulty because they’re the only objective benchmark to determine a learner’s readiness for finals. “Many underestimate the importance and value of these exams; these are the marks that determine whether you get into the university of your choice,” she said.
Pretorius offered the following advice to learners in the lead up to finals:
- Review your study timetable: After the preliminary exams, you should have a good idea on how much time you’ll need to dedicate to prepare for each subject. This will help you draw up an accurate and realistic timetable. Remember to allocate time for study breaks and exercise too.
- Find your focus areas: When your results come in, you’ll be able to determine which subjects you’ll need to focus on. Build your confidence in sections you struggled with during prelims, it is likely that the material will appear in your final exam.
- Consolidate your study methods: Summarise work which you feel more comfortable with, and alternate revising these areas with more difficult subjects by tackling past papers. Find alternative study methods like podcasts and YouTube videos that show practical application and interesting case studies for your chosen subjects.
- Get a tutor: Approach university students or private tutors for extra lessons. Often the insight and assistance of someone who is not your regular teacher can provide a fresh perspective and approach, which you may not have been aware of before.
- Stay healthy: Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet is vital to managing stress and energy levels while studying and writing exams. Drink plenty of fluids, take frequent breaks and make an effort to exercise during this time.
“Learners who have worked consistently throughout the year should be adequately prepared for finals. Those who haven’t been as diligent, will need to hit the books – the next few weeks in the build-up to finals will be crucial in determining their success,” concluded Pretorius.
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