The final countdown: Grade 12 pupils speak about exam pressure and university dreams

AS THE final examinations approach, Grade 12 pupils from Verulam Secondary share their diverse study methods, stress management techniques, and university aspirations.

From mechanical engineering to actuarial science, these matric pupils reveal how they are tackling the last school hurdle before embarking on their future careers.

With the exams set to start on October 21 – a day after Diwali – many pupils said they had mixed emotions - stress, anticipation, and reflection.

Matric is the culmination of years of hard work at school and the final hurdle before pupils embark on tertiary studies or employment.

Verulam Secondary School spoke to the POST recently about their preparation ahead of the exams, which will end on November 27.

- Cayden Packreeappen, 18, of Ottawa, said he was stressed about the exams.

“I prepared well for the trials this month but I am now beginning to feel the pressure of the final exams. But I keep reminding myself that I only need to do my best for myself and no-one else. My favourite subject is maths and I am currently the top pupil for the subject, so I hope to do well in the finals.”

He wants to study mechanical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 

- Nkubonga Mnyandu, 17, from Ndwedwe,  said she had three papers left for the trial exams before she could think of the finals.

“I study by using past papers to gauge what sort of questions I could be faced with in the finals. There are times when I feel overwhelmed. For the trials, some of the papers have been tough. But I try to move past my difficulties quickly and strive to do well the next time. My favourite subject is accounting and I am hoping it will be my best paper.”

Nkubonga wants to study for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Cape Town. 

- Aiden Chetty, 17, of Brindhaven, said he was not stressed for the final exams.

“I am not feeling any pressure because I have already studied well for the trials. Now it is just a case of revising for the finals. I concentrate on learning my theory, and I read to understand rather than to memorise. I enjoy maths, especially geometry, and I expect to do well for the trials as well as the finals. My favourite subject is IT.”

He wants to study computers and application design at Varsity College. 

- Chloe Govender, 17 of Mountview, said she would never truly feel ready for the finals. 

“You can never be fully ready for the final exam. I start with understanding my theory while listening to music. I like to work practically, so doing past year papers is my go to study method. I do feel pressure to do well but that is because I want to do my best. I am worried about the finals - but only for English because it is not my best subject. My favourite subject is life science which I know I will do well in.”

Chloe wants to study computer science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 

- Bianca Ndlovu, 17, of Waterloo, said she was excited to finish school. 

“I am ready to be done with school. I cannot wait to leave and start a new chapter in my life. I do well in maths and it is my favourite subject so I already know the direction I want my life to go in. My family is very supportive and have been with me through all my late night studying sessions. I do not feel stressed knowing I have a good support system standing in my corner. I am looking forward to my life sciences paper during the finals.”

Bianca wants to study actuarial science at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The POST