Matrics: Use your holidays to recover and prepare for exams

MALALANE – Matrics have survived their mid-year exams, but the last few weeks of school and final exams still lie ahead.

During these three weeks off from school, it is important to not only relax, but also work on your future plans and start preparing for your final stretch in school.

Dr Gillian Mooney of the Independent Institute of Education encouraged matrics to use the extra time they have to bulk up their applications for higher education institutions or CVs.

She advised them to commit to using 10 to 15 per cent of their time to focus on one or two of the following:

• Start strategizing

Reflect on how your mid-year exams went and draw up a plan on how to do better or repeat your performance.

Book extra classes, do previous papers or watch an online tutorial daily to help you with your most challenging subjects.

Decide on the marks you would like to get and ask advice and follow your plan to reach it.

READ: Tips to keep matrics on track during the final exams

• Read through new work

Start reading up on the topics that will be covered in the last half of the year by going through your textbooks and other study materials. This will ensure that you are already familiar with the work when the teacher presents it.

Trying out a new study method can also help you remember more of your work. Browse the internet for videos or additional study materials, especially if you are struggling with the work.

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• Make sure all your applications are handed in

Do not wait until last minute to hand in your applications for university, college or short courses.

Make sure you investigate all possible qualifications in your field and chat to professionals about courses or jobs you may not know about.

Make sure that you also find out about practical experience included in the course or what you can do to get the extra experience required by employers. It is a good idea to put together a portfolio of your work and experience to submit to potential employers.

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• Get work experience

If you are not completely sure if your chosen career will be a good fit, arrange to do job-shadowing, interning or volunteering for a short time. This will give you insight into the practicalities of the job and what skills you may need to polish.

This will also look great on your CV and you will have extra references to give testimony on your work ethic and suitability for a job.

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• Get active

If you had to hit the books hard, the holidays is a great time to get back into shape. Go walking or running with friends or family or check out the great workout videos on YouTube.

Being active also helps keep your brain healthy and will help you think clearer when you have to study intensively again.

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