Covid-19: Managing matric during a pandemic

For the majority or learners, matric is the most challenging year of their school careers, even under normal circumstances.

The current circumstances facing the Class of 2020 have caused massive upheaval and uncertainty on top of the challenges they would ordinarily have faced.

Also read: Schools pushed to contigency plans

“When some speak about the year being a ‘write-off’, it is easy to be even more anxious.

“What they are trying to communicate is how difficult it is going to be to assess progress normally,” said Wonga Ntshinga, senior head of programme for ICT at the Independent Institute of Education.

Also read: ‘I am always driven to find ways to solve problems using technology, it’s who I am’ – Hains

“The amount of support available to matrics before classes can resume is very varied.

“Even those who are able to get high-quality online, paper-based or televised support, need to work without the security and presence of their teachers and peers,” he said.

Ntshinga added that the Department of Basic Education was aware of this and there is little doubt that the matric group will be the first to be allowed to return to school.

Also read: Covid-19 Lockdown: 7 tips for parents to help them assist their children with schoolwork

“Time will be created to ensure that they can catch up, even if that means moving examinations into December.

“Any individual student is not alone and can at least draw comfort from the fact that the decision-makers are as worried as they are,” Ntshinga said.

He urged learners to make the most of what they have.

Ntshinga said there is plenty of advice available on how learners should be coping and what they should be doing.

These include a healthy daily routine of learning, revision, exercise and sleep.

Also read: Parenting in the time of Covid-19 and lockdown

While trying to do everything could add to anxiety, Ntshinga said learners should keep their eyes focused on small victories and goals.

“Identify the one or two things you can do every day that will mean success for you, and strive to then get these done.

“Aim for small successes every day, which will help to make sticking to routine the next day progressively easier as you go along.

“Don’t beat yourself up if you are struggling to get to grips with this new way, it is challenging for everyone, and there is a lot of empathy and understanding for that, also on the part of your teachers,” he said.

He added that learners should make the most of online or televised classes by showing up, engaging and preparing as they would have for contact classes.

Ntshinga said that learners who do not have access to resources from their schools, should find out about the ones that are generally available, such as classes broadcast via SABC or through the platforms of some telecoms providers.

Learning resources:

https://www.sabceducation.co.za/

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).