Newcastle matric learners go digital during national lockdown
Some schools have implemented online classes to help learners keep up with the curriculum.
When the national lockdown was announced, learners were effectively told to pack their books and stay at home. This left many of them uncertain about their future.
The Newcastle Advertiser has spoken to a pair of Grade 12 learners from a couple of local high schools, to hear how they had approached the 21-day period of isolation and their thoughts on not being able to attend school physically.
St Dominics Newcastle matric learner, Michaela Swanepoel said she missed the friendly and exciting atmosphere at school.
“This is a very stressful time for all of the matric learners, and it is very heartbreaking not being able to spend the last few months we have left in school with our friends and teachers. We had no idea how much of a privilege we had to attend school and be in routine on a daily basis, until we had to face the challenges at hand with the Covid-19 pandemic across South Africa.”
Michaela went on to explain how her school had implemented online classes, allowing learners to stay on track with their studies and providing teachers a platform to support and guide their learners.
“We have to submit our schoolwork every day. As matric learners, we have a lot of projects and assignments to complete and there is no time to fall behind, but we are all keeping positive and working together.”
Michaela said her parents were also a big part of her support system. Her advice to matric learners was to stay strong and keep their heads held high.
“We will overcome this and we will finish our matric year. Also remember to check up on your fellow classmates and ask them if they are doing okay, and provide support and comfort to them.”
Ferrum High School learner, Storm van der Merwe said he actually found working on his schoolwork from home more efficient. He explained having schoolwork sent to him was far easier and a more comfortable way to learn.
“If you don’t understand the work, you can go back and watch the videos the teachers have sent and understand it better, and it helps me be more productive and the work gets done faster.”
Storm is confident it will still be a good year for all matric learners if everyone remains calm, and was of the opinion that working from home could still be accomplished.
“We all need to know how to discipline ourselves and stay on track with our studies. Keep things fun and interesting, to not lose interest.”
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