Five clever ways to maximise your matric mid-year break

Schools closed across the country last Friday (14 June) but the mid-year break should be taken for some downtime but also a time for matriculants to get a plan going into final exams. 

This break should be used to strategise their approach in the next coming months leading to their final exams according to education expert Dr Gillian Mooney, dean of academic development and support at the Independent Insititute of Education.

She said, “It is important to take a breather after the stress of the exams, but demands are high this year, and the holidays provide the perfect opportunity to tackle one or two areas of your life which will enable you to show more for your break than just good memories and an impressive knowledge of the latest developments in your favourite TV series.”

Mooney provided these steps that should help matrics  in the next few months:

1. Strategise: Learners should reflect on what their plans are for the next few months and focus on their most challenging subjects. “If the goal is to get an A-aggregate at the end of matric, work it back and figure out what you need to do every day to reach that goal. What is the thing or things that you need to do every day, in terms of process, to get to your outcome?”
2. Get ahead: Start reading up on new work you will be covering in the last two terms. “By doing this, you will already be familiar with the new work when it gets presented next term, so you’ll effectively be starting your revision earlier, which leaves you with more time to consolidate all you have learnt well ahead of you being tested on it at the end of the year.” There are also some great YouTube channels that learners can find where work is covered in a fun and accessible way.
3. Get higher education applications out of the way: Matrics who know what they want to do should look into institutions offering their chosen qualification and apply as many places as possible.
4. Get work experience: Interning, job shadowing or volunteering for even a few days will give you valuable insights into the working world or a career you are interested in.
5. Get fit: Start walking, running or utilise YouTube fitness videos to get your heart rate going. “Exercise will help you gain the physical and mental stamina which will see you through some of the most challenging few months of your life to date.”

This break is a great way to evaluate your goals and recharged so when finals come you are well prepared.

Related articles:

Matrics interested in studying abroad in 2020 should prepare now

EduCating the matrics of 2016