AI as an important study tool of matric Class of 2025
As the Class of 2025 gears up for finals, AI is emerging as the ultimate study partner. From personalised summaries to custom practice tests, experts say tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot could transform exam prep, and equip students for the digital future beyond the classroom.
As South African matriculants approach their final exams, the pressure to prepare effectively has never been higher, but in 2025, exam preparation looks very different from the methods used just a few years ago.
According to Amoré Pretorius, director of academics at Centennial Schools in Sunninghill, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform how students study, and even shape how they adapt to a fast-changing world.
“Education can no longer be confined to outdated models that produce students ill-equipped for the demands of a digital economy. Matriculants must not only be equipped for exam success, but also for a future in which digital literacy will determine employability.”
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Pretorius believes AI-driven platforms, such as ChatGPT, POE AI, Perplexity AI, and Microsoft Copilot, open up personalised, interactive learning pathways that traditional textbooks simply cannot offer. She is quick to caution, however, that these tools should not be viewed as shortcuts.
“AI can sharpen thinking and boost confidence, but it does not replace the discipline of learning. Used wisely, it becomes a powerful study partner.”
For Pretorius, the bigger picture is about preparing learners for life beyond the exam hall.
“If schools limit AI to a revision tool, they miss the opportunity to prepare students for life, not just for exams. Exams are a milestone, but they are not the end goal. The real measure of success is equipping students with the critical thinking, digital fluency, and resilience to thrive in an uncertain future.”
As Centennial Schools’ first matric class prepares for their finals, the institution’s focus on embedding AI and emerging technologies across all grades is proving pivotal.
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Pretorius shares five practical strategies for how students can use AI to study smarter:
• Summarise notes: AI can distill long chapters into structured summaries. For subjects like history or life sciences, this helps students focus on understanding core ideas, rather than memorising details,
• Explain tricky concepts: Complex topics can be reframed in simpler terms with step-by-step reasoning and analogies, building stronger comprehension,
• Create practice questions: AI can generate mock quizzes and exam-style problems, giving students instant feedback and identifying weak areas,
• Adapt to learning styles: Whether a student prefers visuals, audio, or repetition, AI can tailor study aids to suit individual needs, and
• Build revision timetables: Scheduling tools powered by AI can balance workload, prevent burnout, and foster effective time management.
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