Preparing for those matric results

The instant relief and excitement that sets in once you write the final word on your exam paper, is a feeling that every Matric experiences.

Then you had the holiday and still wish you could have Rage all over again.

But after all the Christmas food and family time you start to think about those all important results that will supposedly make or break your future.

The class of 2014’s Matric results will be announced on January 5, 2015 and it can be a very stressful time for parents and children alike.

While some may be certain about their results, others may not achieve the results they hope for in order to study their dream degree.

Educational psychologist, Felicity Tonkinson who works at San Hall in Ballito said although she has not particularly received cases where a low mood was associated with poor matric results, she’s had clients where underperformance culminated in them not getting into a course or residence they desired.

“This can impact negatively on their wishes and aspirations,” said Tonkinson who deals with matters relating to school.

“I have also had clients who have dropped to Maths Literacy and then the course they wish to study requires Maths Core as a pre-requisite,” she said.

“Children may experience mixed emotions like disappointment, anger, frustration, hopelessness and even depression,” said Tonkinson.

She said there are reports of suicide when disappointing matric results arrive.

“Whilst there will be disappointing or even shameful reactions from some parents, it is imperative to remain calm and supportive.”

Tonkinson said emotional support from people around the matriculant is vital, and if need be psychotherapy to help them gain a sense of perspective and to find a solution or plan of action.

“Bear in mind that a learner is unlikely to sit exams with the intention of failing and therefore laying blame is unproductive,” she said.

“It is more important to sit down and brainstorm solutions and instill feelings of hope. A sense of control is essential so as to be able to make a rational decision about how to proceed,” she said.

Tonkinson said parents need to ascertain from their teenager what they would like to do regarding their future.

“This will help determine which options are the best,” she said.

She explained that establishing what may have caused their poor grades may give parents an indication of their teenager’s capabilities.

Tonkinson said there are a few suggestions that can be considered.

This includes upgrading their qualifications by writing supplementary exams, re-writing failed subjects or even repeating the year to better their marks.

“Be realistic about the goal you have set and ask yourself if you have been overly ambitious,” she said.

She also suggests considering enrolling on a different course that does not require a matric as a pre-requisition.

“When your first choice no longer exists exploring a new range of possibilities opens up a new range of options.”