NYAKALLO TEFU
THE year 2020 has been a roller-coaster not only in the workplace but for learners as well, especially matriculants who are expected to start preparing for final exams due in a couple of weeks.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has assured parents that the 2020 academic year will be completed despite the disruption caused by COVID-19.
On September 14, the Class of 2020 sat down for their first prelim examinations.
Prelims are expected to end on 14 October 2020.
Inside Education spoke to learners about how they are coping with their trial exams:
NAME: Inam Tsoanyane
SCHOOL: Voortrekker High School
PROVINCE: KwaZulu Natal
How have trial exams been so far? Are you coping with the workload?
It has been rather difficult but I think so far I am coping with my prelims. Despite the pressure
What has been the most challenging part about studying during this time?
There is not enough time to study as we write one paper after the other with no breaks in between.
How are you balancing everything, to ensure you are well rested and ready for your exams?
I study at the library for about 2 hours. Then go home, eat and start studying again. I rest when I’m done studying, I do sometimes wake up early around 3am to continue with the work I left out the previous night.
Do you feel prelims are preparing you for finals, are they helpful?
Yes. I do feel they are helpful because some of them are past papers from final examinations.
NAME: Kabelo Mabusela
SCHOOL: Settlers Agricultural High School
PROVINCE: Limpopo
How have trials been so far? Are you coping?
For me they have been fine. I’m not struggling as much as I’d expected considering the circumstances.
What has been the most challenging part about studying during this time?
Lack of sufficient time to study adequately and honestly, we have so many things to do and write with so little time.
How are you balancing everything, to ensure you are well rested and ready for your exams?
Self-discipline. It’s so hard to actually tell yourself to sit down and study instead of letting the pressure get to you and be distracted. Also, I avoid late study sessions at all costs. I’d rather wake up early in the morning than cross-night. Hydration is also important. Keep your mind alert.
Do you feel prelims are preparing you for finals, are they helpful?
Definitely. They prepare you for what’s to come and that’s super important. Your prelims let you know if you are ready for finals depending on your marks and how you can improve to ensure that finals are a breeze.
- The Department of Basic Education announced that final exams will commence on 5 November, ending 15 December 2020.
