Amanzimtoti matrics buckle down for finals

Heading to the business end of a year that many would prefer to forget about, spare a thought for Amanzimtoti matrics who sat down to write their first final paper today (Thursday, 5 November). Quarantined for four months of what is one of the most important years of their lives, the onus was on them to keep up with their syllabus through e-portals and communicate with their teachers and classmates through WhatsApp groups.

They deserve a round of applause for stepping up to the plate and being ready to write their final exams this week.
Confidence is key for Amanzimtoti High School learner, Bryan John Krugel, who is excited to tackle the exams. “I am confident that I am ready for finals. My teachers have helped me a lot and I’ve put a lot of time into doing past papers. I did manage to keep up with my work (during lockdown). My teachers made WhatsApp groups with all the students on them, so that helped a lot to manage my work,” said the 18-year-old.

His first paper was Afrikaans on Thursday, 5 November and his last paper, drama, is on Monday, 14 December. “It was easier to stay focused when we returned into our school environment. We did manage to cover all the work we needed and our syllabus was done even before trials. I think e-learning can be successful if all the students have access to the technology needed. I feel confident that I am ready for all my subjects and my teachers are always available to help. I’ve been putting in extra effort for my maths and business exams.”

His classmate, Shana Nel believes that having a positive mindset and being well prepared are the key ingredients for success. “I am ready for my final exams. If you prepare well and start studying long before your exams, there is nothing to stress about. I did manage to keep up with all my school work during lockdown. Everyday I woke up early to complete all the assignments that were expected from me on that day and tried my very best not to procrastinate.”

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Kicking off her examinations with English home language paper one, she will end with Afrikaans first additional language paper three on Friday, 11 December. “I am fortunate enough to have great teachers who covered the syllabus in time before the final exams commence. There was even enough time left for us to do plenty of revision. Mathematics and English are the two subjects I am most worried about. Since they are not my strong point, I am putting in extra prep by working through multiple study guides that my mother purchased for me. I prefer working at home, because I am able to concentrate more.”

Kingsway High School’s Ntuthuko Ncama is also brimming with confidence. “I am more than ready, but I am a bit worried about some subjects, as my trial results for these were not as expected. Physical science was one, but it’s always been a difficult subject for me. But I am working hard through past papers and also attending extra lessons, especially for physical science and maths, as I want to achieve an A symbol for both.”

He wrote his first paper, English language on Wednesday and his last is dramatic arts on 15 December. “I did mange to keep up with my work through the school’s E-portal and subject WhatsApp groups. It was a bit stressful at first (to return to classes) due to the unknown, but the school allayed all any fears and I quickly felt safe and secure. The work was all covered, however, the subject matter was taught quickly and we didn’t have the opportunity to go into greater depth like we usually did. Class attendance with face-to-face teaching is much better (for me), as it allows me to ask instant questions with instant answers. There will always be a need for face-to-face teaching and individual teaching is better.”

Kingsway High School head girl, Minenhle Mshengu believes that with all the hard work and determination she has put into her schoolwork, she has not only prepared herself for finals, but also for the future.  “A wise woman once said to me, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” and that has been my motivation ever since. With all the revision and practice I have done and with God on my side, I can confidently say I am ready for finals.

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Her first paper is English home language paper one and her last is English home language paper three on 9 December. “Having a diary really helped (keeping up with my schoolwork), because it kept my school life in order. It was easier when we returned to class. Our teachers worked extremely hard to cover all the topics and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work.”

Minenhle will put in extra work for physical science, maths and geography. “Surprisingly, it was better to work on my own at home and ask my teachers for help whenever I got confused. I think e-learning can definitely be done successfully, but there will always be a need for classes, as some learners learn better when they interact with other learners and with the teacher present.”

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