There are several tips you can implement in order to succeed in matric and it’s not too late. [Picture: Ahmed Hijazi]
The holidays are usually thought to be a casual, carefree break from the tedious routine that is school and the hustle that comes with it. After all, hardly much else can compete with the thrill of shutting one’s notebook – or laptop – and vowing to make any school-related matters next term’s problems. But for matric students, the holidays are barely a breather.
This week, for the first time, I connected with a classmate all the way across the country over Zoom. Juandi Botha lives in the seaside city of Durban, my former hometown. But this week was also an important one for the rest of our classmates – we hadn’t gone far into the Term 1 break when universities opened applications. It’s a stressful time.
Not surprisingly, Juandi’s opening line was that she had just concluded a session of intense studying (or revision, whichever you call it).
If you think of it, we’ll return from the Easter break and before long, we must prepare for the June exams. A breath or two and we’ll be preparing for prelims. Before anyone has a chance to blink, we’re at the desk of an exam centre with the most important piece of paper in our entire school careers so far. Sounds dramatic, but that’s how it felt so far.
“It is very stressful,” says Juandi as she lets out a deep sigh. “Just waiting for my [Term 1] marks was soul crushing. I think the stressful part is more about not knowing what is going to happen.”
So how do we best prepare? It is a process, one that takes time and effort. It requires dedication, focus, and effective systems that must be put in place on Day 1. Festina lente. Make haste slowly, as Augustus expected of his commanders.
“It’s a lot about goals that we want to achieve. I always put a goal on my mirror or a goal where I can see it. It’s to get me into the right mindset.”
Ideally, we ought to have begun preparations waaay back at the beginning of Grade 10. But for sleepy-joes like myself, who only really woke up when we realised universities demand Grade 11 final results in applications, luckily it’s not too late.
Here are ten tips to help you succeed in matric from Anne Eadie, a former maths teacher and founder of The Answer Series study guides.
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1. Start today, if you wish to succeed in matric
“Whether you’re in grade 11, or facing the last stretch before your matric exams, now is the time to begin,” says Eadie.
She suggests it’s best to stop worrying about what should and could have been done. It is time to get going. It is time to act. This is the first step you need to take in order to succeed in matric.
“Taking a proactive approach is key, so don’t focus on what you haven’t done in the past. Put that behind you and get going.”
2. Find the best routine (one that works)
Routine is as important as anything else you can do to gear yourself up for the final exams. You must know and understand that routine is a tried-and-tested formula for success, practised by the greats over centuries upon centuries.
However, you should note, “there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach”. For Juandi, she finds it difficult to chisel herself off of her bed in the morning and sometimes finds herself attending lessons in jammies and only in the afternoon can she actually focus on revision. For others, the early morning – or night – is their best study time. You do you.
“Figure out whether you’re more productive in the mornings or afternoons, then try to allocate the tasks which need the most brain power to those slots,” says Eadie, adding, “Also, decide on the best way to boost your energy levels. It could be a healthy snack, a jog around the block or a 20-minute power nap”.
3. Plan ahead
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. That’s just how it goes. And that is why it is crucial that you take the time to plan in advance. We’re not saying fill in your 2024 calendar already, but at least have the week ahead covered.
Planning also involves writing down what you need to cover for each subject and mapping it out in a timetable. It is a simple, effective way around procrastination – that all-too-familiar devil!
“Motivation shouldn’t be a problem once you’ve done this, because you will see that every slot is important,” says Eadie.
4. Don’t study all day
Balance. Balance, balance, balance! Many of us would have been grinding through the holidays – as Juandi and I admitted in our conversation – but taking time not to study is just as critical as actually studying.
On this point, Eadie stresses the necessity of a well-rounded schedule that allows chunks of your time to be spent doing things other than studying rocks or crying over alternating currents.
“Make sure your schedule has time allocated to exercise, chats to friends and even watching an episode of your favourite series. Getting the balance right and enjoying your time off will help you be productive when you do sit down to study – with no distractions.”
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5. Communicate
Often, the biggest disasters in history can be attributed to miscommunication. The Titanic found its destination on the seabed of the North Atlantic Ocean, not the east coast of America, because of this. Rome fell because somebody left a gate to the city ajar and nobody reported it before it was too late.
It should not be much different for matric students who are trying to absorb stacks of content but end up grumpy when we can’t. Communication is key when you are trying to succeed in matric.
“Tell your family about your timetable. Paste it on your door or send a photo of it to your family WhatsApp group, so that no one disturbs you,” says Eadi. “Your parents won’t nag you once they see you taking responsibility and doing your best,” she assures.
6. Take notes
Every afternoon, Juandi sits down to summarise the day’s content. But the actual work, she says, begins in the classroom when her teacher is explaining it. That is when her pen inks out key aspects.
“When I’m finished with school, I also make summaries and take down some key notes.
Says Eadie, “Don’t just read through your work. Study a section and then write down everything you can remember. Knowing that you’re going to do this makes you study in a logical, alert way. You are then left to learn only a few things that you left out.”
7. Do one thing at a time
The quality of your revision is compromised when you try to cram for an exam. When studying, it is always best to avoid this. Instead, work on one section at a time.
“Doing past papers is excellent preparation for any exam. However, working on one topic at a time is the most effective strategy, particularly as you build your confidence.”
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8. Practice makes perfect
Three P’s: Practice, practice again and practice again. For as long as you need to. Only then will you stand a chance of getting those grades you dream of.
“Try each problem on your own first, no matter how inadequately, before consulting the solutions provided in … study guides.” And do not be afraid of making mistakes – it is part of the process.
“The best way to learn is from your mistakes – you need to be able to pinpoint them first, and then understand what to do next time,” says Eadie.
9. Stay positive
It can be easy to become agitated when you do not see immediate results. After all, this is a process and the magic does not happen overnight. The results you seek will come soon enough, but you need to maintain a positive attitude all the while.
“The most important thing of all is to remain positive until the exams are done and dusted. Sometimes this will be tough, some exams will be tough, but in the end, your result will reflect all the hard work you’ve put in,” says Eadie.
10. Have a game plan
You must be prepared for whatever comes your way this year. It is possible that things might go off course, for good reason, but you need to adopt a system that allows you to get back on track ASAP.
On this, Eadie shares a mini checklist to make sure you are set up to do your best when exam time finally arrives:
- Double check that you have everything you need before you leave home.
- Don’t arrive too early and allow yourself to be upset by panicking friends.
- Plan your time in the exam well, allowing some time to check at the end.
In the end, remember that matric is an important year and these things take time. It might be easiest to shut your books when you get tired, but remember you have a goal that you are working towards and trust the process if you want to succeed in matric.
Over the course of the next few articles, we will be looking specifically at tips on how to study effectively, the university application process and other information you need to know. You can subscribe to Salaamedia’s weekly newsletter to be sure not to miss it.
