A message for Matriculants

Madam – All the best to the Matric class of 2015 with their exams.

As Miss Mamelodi Sundowns semi-finalist 2015, I would like to wish the Matric class of 2015 the best for their final exams. Matric/Grade 12 is a stepping stone to a better future. When you are still in Grade 11, most pupils wish that they were already in Grade 12 and by the time they receive their end of the year results saying that they have passed, their wishes come true.

I matriculated in 2010 at Sekusile High School and I would like to share my experience of what it felt like when I was writing my final exams.

Firstly it is upon your honours to make sure that your notes and textbooks are in order, but most importantly is that you read your timetable very carefully.

When it comes to your exam timetable, it is best to also write it down in a bigger font, paste it at the back of your bedroom door, fridge door and most importantly is to share the dates with your family.

This will help you not to make the mistake of forgetting your exam dates and/or mixing them up, as we all know that we respond to stress and pressure in different ways.

When studying, do not panic, use a study method that has benefited you before; it is advisable not to use new study methods as these might confuse you. If studying in a group helps you, do it but also have some time to yourself.

Try by all means to study while you still have time, this will allow you to identify any gaps that you have and then you will be able to ask for help while you still have time.

Practising using past question papers also helps. Do not take any subject for granted, put in equal effort for all your subjects because when applying to a higher institution, all subjects make up your entry points.

Now coming to the real deal, the exam day and exam room. Follow the basic instructions like not having your cellphone on you during an exam; this will help you to avoid unnecessary distractions.

Praying is important, before and after writing your exam. When you receive your question paper and find out that the first question frustrates you, calm down, take a deep breath and re-read the instructions carefully and make sure that you are interpreting the question correctly because a small mistake can cost you.

After all has been said and done, results come after that. If you did not make it, do not be discouraged but have courage to try again. Not making it does not mean the end of you, it can be that it just was not your time this year, so you must pick yourself up and don’t give up on your future.

You must know that the fact that you made it this far means that you are strong and have potential, therefore do not let one hurdle leave you lying down forever.

Not making it/not passing your matric is a challenge, but a challenge that you can overcome by trying again.

Never believe in quitting and never make quitting an option.

Dimakatso Dikgweli