With trial examinations done and dusted, Amanzimtoti matrics will soon turn their focus to one of the most stressful times of their lives – finals.
“Our last trial exam was history on Wednesday,” said Amanzimtoti High School head of department for grade 10, Hein Kapp.
“We are done with the syllabus for the year. There is a lot of stress on the children this time of the year but all is in order for finals.
Our practical assessment tasks (PATs) were finished in the third term, which is ideal as it leaves more time for the matrics to study.
We expect good results this year. Our aim is a 100% pass rate, like we achieved last year. It is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of. We challenge the matrics to make it their aim to achieve 100%.
To all Toti matrics, buckle down, make good use of your time and extra lessons, and ask your teachers for assistance.”
One of Amanzimtoti High School’s top pupils is head girl, Katie Dawe. She wrote trials for seven subjects, plus additional maths at Durban Girls’ High.
“Add maths was hard and tough – hopefully I did well,” said Katie.
“I battled with my focus and nerves for next year during trials.”
Katie hopes to study medicine at Stellenbosch University but has a back-up plan to study biological science if she does not get in. “If I do well in finals, there is still a chance I may get in.
Maths and physics were difficult in trials. I’m normally fine with maths but this year’s paper was tricky.
I did well in geography and biology.
I need to do a lot of work for physics ahead of finals.”
Katie’s goal is five As. “All As would be great but I will be happy with five.
My worry is Afrikaans and physics. I will take master science classes and work through past papers to prepare for physics.”
Kingsway High School’s Kivaan Naidu aims for seven As in finals, an extraordinary feat he achieved in trials.
His closest competitor to be named the school’s dux at the end of the year is long-time rival Vashurin Pillay.
“I battled with the life orientation final exam I wrote during trials,” said Kivaan.
“I will put more effort into my preparation for the maths and science final papers. In finals they are usually the toughest, so I will work through past final papers to prepare.
I will also focus on English and Afrikaans. I received top marks for both the whole year but I’m not just aiming to do well in maths and science.”
Kuswag Skool’s head boy Lance Potgieter has his work cut out for him to excel in the 10 subjects he will write. His additional subjects include business studies, history and tourism.
“My trials went alright but not as good as I had hoped. With my additional subjects, my exams were crammed but it will be better for finals,” he said.
“My extra subjects ate into my preparations for my other subjects. I battled with my maths two and science two papers, which were difficult, so I will focus more on those two subjects for finals.”
Lance will aim for nine or 10 As.
“For the rest of this term and next term we will finish off the syllabus and address whatever problems the matrics have,” said Kuswag grade 12 HOD, Helmi White.
“We are up to standard for the final exams. We would all like another year to prepare but we are on track and excited for finals to begin.”
