POLOKWANE – Primary and high school learners are currently writing their mid-year examinations, and Review asked Jabez Christian Academy learners how they prepared for their examinations.
“I fold a page in half, on the one half I make summaries with coloured pens using key words. The work I have studied then gets to be revised on the other blank side of the paper so I can see what progress I have made. Sometimes I make use of pictures or sketches if the subject requires it. We have extra classes at school if we ask for them,” said Kiara Jones, a gr. 7 learner.
Mfanelo Rikhtso, who is also in gr. 7, said he made use of short summaries and used highlighters to colour his summaries in different colours.
He said by using this method in mathematics for example, he would spend at least an hour and a half studying before he took a break. He would then recap his summaries later in the evening before the next day’s examination paper.
“Our marks determine whether we will have extra classes or not,” said Mfanelo.
Gr. 12 learner, Janco Erasmus said he made use of the “study and summarise” method, which he spent between two and three hours on. “For me, the best time to recap on my studies is the following morning, then I wake up early and make sure I understand everything I studied the previous day,” said Erasmus.
Thabiso Sekobane, who is in gr. 10, said his methods of studying differed depending on the subject he prepared for.
“For example, if I prepare for my physics examination, I make use of summaries, whereas in maths, I practise the work I have learned, especially the parts I may have found difficult. I spend on average between two and three hours studying, but allow breaks in between so that I can re-energise for the next study session,” said Thabiso.
Samuel Hyera, a gr. 11 learner said he preferred to read through his work and then make summaries to see how much he could remember.
“I then revise my summaries just to make sure I understand everything. I study according to the timetable and I prefer to study in the evening because it is quite and there are less disturbances. During the day, I am busy attending extra classes, so I prefer to study in the evening.”
Azwidali Nekokwane, who is in gr. 12, said she enjoyed to study for the easer subjects which were life science and Afrikaans. She said her mind was very active in the evening and that was the time she preferred to study.
Azwidali added that she liked to read through her work and to summarise it.
She said with mathematics, she tried to commit herself to practise every day, although it did not always work out that way.
Grace Thapana, who is also in gr. 12 recently received a Dux Award for her commitment and excellence in her subjects.
“I refer to my studies as mind maps, where I write the various summaries wide apart from each other. I then try to memorise as much as possible, and so far it has worked for me. I am not a morning person, but it is better to study early when I am refreshed. By early, I am talking about 02:30 in the morning. I will study for about two hours, go back to sleep and wake up at about 06:00. I will then recap on my work from earlier on my way to school. My strongest subject is maths, because it is my favourite.”
