With less than 30 days to go before the matric class of 2023 sits down to write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam People’s Post reached out to former matric top students to share some study tips.
The exam will kick off on Monday 30 October.
Last year, the Western Cape achieved an 81,4% pass rate.
Athenkosi Khonzani attended the Centre of Science and Technology (Cosat) and was ranked second in the Quintile 3 category last year.
Khonzani scored a 100% in Information Technology, Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
He said drawing up a roster for each day helped him stay on par with his study time.
“The exams can be scary, so I told myself I would take it one day at a time. I used to plan my day by making to-do lists. I would dedicate each day for a different subject.”
Khonzani described taking regular breaks as imperative.
“I used to study a lot, but I would take time out to watch my favourite TV show or just make time to relax.”
The Western Cape Education Department said it has pulled out all the stops to support learners.
The annual Matric Support booklet has been delivered to schools for over 60 000 candidates, and contains past papers in high enrolment subjects, the exam timetable, study tips, post-matric advice and pass requirements.
The booklet also provides candidates and their parents with all the details on when and how the results will be released, the dates for re-mark and re-check applications, and how to apply for supplementary exams after receiving their results if they would like to improve their marks.
David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, said: “We have collected a wide variety of eLearning resources that our matrics can use for revision and exam practise, including video lessons, past papers, subject study guides, study tips, schedules for radio and TV revision broadcasts and links to online tutoring.”
About 18 000 matrics attended Winter School during the July holidays and districts and schools will again be hosting Spring School during the first week of October.
#BackOnTrack classes for matrics at selected schools have been taking place each term.
Maynier said Grade 12 teachers had been working hard to prepare the learners for the exams, despite challenges like the minibus-taxi strike and load shedding.
“We thank them for their hard work and wish them all the best as they continue to ensure that learners are well-prepared for post-school education and employment opportunities.”
He encouraged learners to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.
“This is the home stretch, and the time will fly. We know that this is a stressful time and we urge you to reach out to your school or the Safe Schools Hotline if you are struggling to cope with the pressure. We are here for you and we want you to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
“Use all the support available to you, work hard every day, and we will celebrate with you when the results are released.”
Patricia van der Ross, the Mayco member for community services and health, said City’s libraries offer unique study spaces and resources for matric learners.
“Our libraries are going the extra mile to ensure matric learners have as much resources as possible ahead of their final exams. While libraries provide a safe space to study, some have set aside their halls or other open spaces to ensure quieter areas conducive to swotting. For many learners, the library is the only place where they can study without interference or the hustle and bustle of their daily and family lives.”
Universities encouraged learners to apply early and said most of their applications have closed already.
Lauren Kansley, spokesperson for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), said: “The application window opens and closes sporadically up until the end of the year. We always encouraged people to apply early. Courses that are desired always fill-up first. It is in your best interest to apply on time. While there may be places available it will be in courses with spaces available.”
Elijah Moholola, spokesperson for the University of Cape Town (UCT), said all their ungraduated applications are closed.
To reach the Safe School toll free Hotline call 0800 45 46 47. To access the matric support booklet, visit https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/matric-support
