With matric exams just around the corner, it is time to focus and study hard if you want to get into the tertiary institution of your dreams.
The Department of Education released the dates for the 2022 matric exams, which are set to start on Monday, 31 October and will finish on Friday, 9 December 2022.
This is a very crucial time for the class of 2022, as they not only have to deal with the anxieties of doing exceptionally well to make it to the tertiary institution of their dreams but they have loadshedding to deal with too.
Loadshedding is an South African energy crisis, it is an ongoing period of widespread national level rolling blackouts as electricity supply falls behind electricity demand. Matric learners are advised to arrange their study schedules in line with loadshedding schedules. They unfortunately can’t study whenever they feel like it. They must check with Eskom first so they can prepare their study schedules accordingly.
According to GagasiFM, the Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has expressed confidence that matric exams will proceed without any problems from load-shedding. The minister’s comments follow some concerns raised about disruptions that may occur during the year-end examinations during blackouts.
Eskom loadsheding schedule is currently implementing stage 4 power cuts. The minister urges all learners to constantly check load-shedding schedules to ensure they have enough study time.
According to Mayo Clinic, here are some strategies that may help reduce your exam anxiety:
Learn how to study efficiently
Chances are you have been given study material from your teachers on where to place your focus on when studying. Use that, you’ll feel more relaxed if you systematically study and practice the material that will be on a test.
Study early
Create a study timetable that will help you study smart, do not leave everything for the last minute, that is when your anxiety will be likely to peak, when you realise that you have left all that studying for the last minute.
Establish a consistent pretest routine
Learn what works for you, and follow the same steps each time you get ready to take a test. This will ease your stress level and help ensure that you’re well-prepared.
Talk to your teacher
Your teachers are there to help you through this time, should there be anything that you do not understand, make sure you speak to your teacher before the exams.
Don’t forget to eat and drink
Your brain needs fuel to function. Eat the day of the exam and drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda pop, which can cause your blood sugar to peak and then drop, or caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks or coffee, which can increase anxiety.
Get plenty of sleep
In all the studying that you will be doing, do not forget to sleep just as much. Your body and brain need enough rest for optimal performance.
