Matric pupils at Chatsworth Secondary School share their preparation strategies ahead of the trial exams

MATRIC pupils at Chatsworth Secondary School are navigating the pressures of the upcoming trial exams with discipline, support from teachers and family, and personal sacrifices. They are striving for a hundred percent pass rate.

Aaraa Sayed, 17, of Malvern, said she had prepared a study time table at the start of term one, and had altered her sleeping routine to allow more time to study.

“I decided that if I wanted to pursue a career in neuropsychology next year, I would have to push myself to do my best. I came up with a study timetable and changed my sleeping patterns. I love sleeping, which made that change particularly challenging for me.

“From January, I stuck to the study timetable and my new sleep schedule. I study till late at night and I feel like I am prepared for the remainder of the June examinations, and the trials, which will start early in the fourth term,” she said.

Although she felt prepared for her exams, Sayed said she sometimes felt overwhelmed with the mounting pressure of the final year of her schooling.

“I feel overwhelmed at times, but I remember that I also need to relax my mind. Playing with my cat and reading helps me to unwind. 

“So far, I have been coping with the tests, and my parents have been supportive. They encourage me to study hard but to also rest. Our teachers have also been supportive and the school has offered us extra classes during weekends to help improve our marks. This has been of great help,” she said.

Liv’e Mile, 17, of Malvern, said he was thankful that he had the support of his family and his teachers to help him through the year.

“The extra classes help us to prepare and assists us to improve our overall performance,” he said.

Mile said he was inspired by his teachers and his sister, also in the profession, to pursue a degree in teaching, next year.

“I want to teach primary school children, and help shape their future. I will be dedicated, and follow the example of our teachers at Chatsworth Secondary.

“My teachers ensure that we have the resources we need and at home, I am thankful to have the support of my family, who ensure that I am not overwhelmed. To achieve my goal of achieving good results in matric, I stopped playing soccer for the Escombe Football Club, and have given that time to studying. I encourage matric pupils to make the sacrifices they need to make, to ensure that they achieve success this year, as good results will pave the way for a better future,” he added.

Thisha Moodley, 18, of Bayview, who hopes to pursue a career in architecture said she too was thankful for the matric intervention programmes.

“Tuition is expensive. These extra classes at school have helped us obtain higher marks. We spend every Saturday at school, and focus on one subject. Things we missed in class are taught again and we were able to catch up and improve our marks,” she added.

Moodley said in term one, she had not performed at her best, but after the extra classes, she was happy with her results.

“Pupils should not be deterred when they stumble. They should continue to work hard. Failure is a chance to reflect on your study methods,” she said.

Phumelela Ngcobo, 17, of Welbedacht, said “the pressure was mounting.”

Ngcobo, who also wants to be an architect, said: “We are doing what it takes to pass this year with good marks, which would enable us to pursue our respective careers next year.

“We have had excellent support from our teachers and I have had great support from my parents. They push me to study but also ensure I make time to do the things I love. However, I still feel a huge amount of pressure.

“I think it is natural to feel overwhelmed, as this is a tough year, and it decides what happens for the rest of our lives. I remind myself that these feelings are normal, and I try to clear my mind by listening to music,” he added.

He said he studied early in the morning and late at night when the house was quiet.

“It is quite a gruelling journey but  I know that one day, I will be an architect and build community houses that are modern and affordable for everyone,” he said. 

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