Sir John Adamson High is ready for matric exams

Covid-19 has interrupted life in general for the past two years and schools’ curriculum was not spared.

COURIER spoke to three matric learners from Sir John Adamson High School about their readiness and how they feel regarding their upcoming record exams during the lockdown.

Tamryn Brown, Muhammed Tai and Eneto Maluleke took us along their journey. They say they are ready for the preliminary exams.

Muhammed is the head-boy and he is looking forward to obtaining distinctions at the end of the year.

“It has been tough from last year and the rotation system caused us to miss a lot of work. This year we have to do the same amount of work in a limited time.

“This situation has taught us to study alone at home. You are now more independent and we can but say thank you to all the teachers, especially those who provided extra lessons in the afternoons and sometimes over weekends.

“The atmosphere is different in schools in general. You cannot hug your friend or play soccer with your mates, you constantly have to look after yourself.

“We are ready for our examinations and we realise they are important. The teachers played their part and now it is our turn to do the same. Not all schools are the same, so it is up to an individual to show his or her ability.

“We worked hard from day one and we look forward to being top South African matriculants,” he said.

Tamryn, the head girl, said they missed a lot of work in Grade 11.

“We need to accept these interruptions. They affect us both academically and psychologically. We need to plan and adapt.

“We are now playing catch up with work that was supposed to be done in two years but that is done in one. Thanks to the teachers we are managing, their efforts are showing in our work.

“These situations have taught us how to study on our own and focus, however, we also need some stress reliever as we no longer play sport at school. I think one has to find something else to do other than just studying.

“My goal is to obtain seven distinctions and I know it is possible as we are working hard to achieve our goals,” said Tamryn.

Eneto said the lockdown has also impacted the parents.

“Parents now need to make sure you have data as we do most things online. They take care of us now more than before these interruptions.

“Although at times we feel anxious, we need to be careful and take care of our lives. We had Covid-19 cases at school and I was one of those who contracted the virus.

“Misinformation about the virus added to the anxiety. I thought of my three siblings, my cousin and my mother. The fact that I could lose them was terrifying. I lost two weeks of schooling, however, as time goes by you find a way to deal with it.

“I must say our class has shown much improvement and growth because we enjoyed the support from one another and our teachers who constantly tell us we will manage. Self-discipline helps a lot.

“I want to do better and even get distinctions in physical science, mathematics, life sciences and geography,” explained Eneto.