Expert encourages matric Class of 2025 to plan ahead

Grade 11 learners, who are preparing for their final year of high school in 2025, must find a balanced approach to preparing for the year ahead while managing stress, according to an education analyst.

Analyst Dr Corrin Varady said Grade 11 learners are navigating a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

“With concerns about failure, future prospects and the weight of family and societal pressures, the class of 2025 – and their parents – must find a balanced approach to preparing for the year ahead while managing stress.”

Varady says learners must balance effective study strategies with mental wellness. This can make all the difference in coping with the challenges of matric.

He says having completed their final exams, the Class of 2024 now faces the most nerve-wracking challenge: the anxious wait for their results.

“Research shows that students often experience more stress during this period than after receiving the news of failure.”

“The first step should be establishing good study hygiene – creating a routine, environment, and mindset that minimise distractions and promote focused, uninterrupted learning,” he explains.

Varady says learners should strictly adhere to their designated study time, just like any other appointment, and silence their phones while keeping them face down to avoid distractions.

For students struggling with certain subjects, Dr Varady recommends breaking content down into manageable chunks.

“Whether it’s solving a complex math problem or structuring an English essay, tackling each element individually helps prevent feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.”

He says while private tutoring may not always be financially accessible, he highlights that South African learners have access to many useful resources, including past exam papers and online materials.

“Effective exam preparation goes beyond memorisation. Practising with a variety of exam papers allows students to understand the different ways topics can be presented in papers.”

Varady also emphasises the need for realistic goal-setting.

“Rather than aiming to boost your marks by 50% overnight, set smaller, realistic personal goals, such as improving by 10%. This will help build confidence and momentum without the frustration of expecting too much too quickly.”

He adds that cultivating a growth mindset is also key; when you believe in your ability to succeed, you are already halfway there.
Varady emphasises that parental support is paramount in the final stretch.

“Parents should engage actively with teachers to obtain constructive feedback on their child’s performance and identify areas to improve,” he suggests. “If your child is struggling, a polite inquiry to understand the problem areas is crucial.”

As matric is one of the most demanding experiences for students, Dr Varady adds that parents need to help their children balance academics with downtime.

“Make sure they are getting enough rest, exercise, and time for extracurricular activities. This helps to prevent burnout and cultivates critical and creative thinking skills,” Varady said.

He advises that in the lead up to results day, learners need to reflect on their practice tests and prelim results to set realistic expectations and plan practical next steps. Varady says while some students may have a clear career path in mind, many don’t.

“For those still figuring out their future, aiming for marks that keep a range of options open is the best approach, allowing them flexibility if they change their minds or discover new interests.”

Varady states that most importantly, learners need to remember that matric is not the end – it is just the beginning. If things do not go as hoped, there are plenty of other avenues to success.

“Matric can be challenging, but with the right preparation, perspective and support, students can succeed in their final year of school and be ready for what’s next,” concludes Varady.

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