South Africa – As matriculants across the nation embark on their final exams for the year, both parents and students must bear in mind that seeking academic assistance is an option which is always available. Tutors not only provide aid in tackling challenging subjects but also offer invaluable support in managing anxiety and stress during this pivotal juncture in their academic journey.
Despite the feeling of isolation students may experience, it is worth remembering that we have all been in their shoes before. We have all weathered the intense pressure of matric and understand the demanding nature of exam preparations.
At times, the memory of how stressful and overwhelming this period can be keeps us awake at night. No matter how confident a student may feel, unmanaged emotions can lead to lapses in memory as they turn over their question sheets.
One minute, you are fully prepared, deciphering answers on the exam paper, and the next, you draw a complete blank on question three. It is a common occurrence which can happen to the best of us.
However, Yasmeen Bhatti, from Concore Academics, firmly believes that with proper guidance and support, students can overcome these challenges, enhance their understanding of their coursework, and ultimately boost their performance in the exams. Despite the support a tutor provides, the significance of parental involvement and support remains as vital as it has always been in this period.
“The best advice I could offer is for parents to listen to their children. They may be stressed but let them know that they have this and to believe in themselves.”
Creating a Positive Support Network for Matriculants
Parental presence, guidance and support during a child’s school journey are often overlooked and neglected. Some parents delegate their responsibilities entirely to educators, while others believe that their involvement, having been consistent throughout the year, can take a backseat during exam time.
Although school exams are typically solitary endeavours for students, as stated, it is essential to recognise that success during the exam period is not solely an individual pursuit.
In this regard, the support structures within the family play a pivotal role in alleviating the anxiety and pressure experienced by their children. A strong support network involving parents, teachers, and peers can be a source of encouragement and motivation, fostering students’ focus and dedication to their studies.
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The Consequences of a Lack of Support for Matriculants
Unfortunately, the reality is that many students need more support, not only during exams but throughout the academic year, as the consequences of this absence of support are significant.
Some students may struggle to retain knowledge from earlier grades, potentially affecting their later ones. In contrast, others may encounter difficulties with specific subjects, such as maths, physical science and even second additional languages.
Nonetheless, Bhatti offers reassurance by suggesting that these gaps, resulting from a lack of support, motivation, and enthusiasm, can be addressed with the right tutoring. She added, even though exams are already underway, tutoring can assist students in revisiting and better preparing for their exams.
“Tutor support is beneficial [up until the last moment], because it allows you to tackle what you will be facing in the exams right now.”
Therefore, Bhatti encourages students and parents to identify areas of difficulty and comprehension issues in specific subjects, as these can significantly impact the overall exam performance.
