The Class of 2022 whose schooling has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown and loadshedding are optimistic about the exams.
Nearly 65 000 pupils will write English paper one on Monday to as matric exams begin. The last exam will be written December 7.
This is the first matric group to write their exams post-Covid restrictions. They have also faced the worst round of loadshedding the country has experience in a decade. But despite these challenges many matrics aim to excel in their exams.
“I am a bit nervous, this is my first full-scale exam since Covid, but I know I can do it,” said Faye Kirsten Muller, 17, from Rocklands Senior Secondary School in Mitchells Plain.
“Since Covid (infections subsided), everyone came to school every day, so there are (high) expectations.”
Faye added that she had faith that the hard work this cohort of matrics put into their studies would pay off despite all the obstacles they had faced.
“Load shedding is a challenge. Some of us have online classes and in my case, I use the internet to go through past exam papers. Load shedding is a real disadvantage,” she said.
Faye, whose first choice is to study to become a forensic anthropologist, said she also learnt the importance of a back-up plan.
“I am also aiming to become an entrepreneur.”
Courtney du Plessis, 18, from Claremont High, said studying during load-shedding has been a challenge.
“You need to be able to manage your time, but sometimes it does become overwhelming and stressful. Especially (when you) travel from school and you get home it’s load shedding so you have to work around that.”
However, Courtney remained confident that they would be able to push through.
“I think it is also the feeling of the unknown, even though we have been studying and doing mock exams, you don’t know what to expect, but I know we will be okay, just like we have when it was Covid.”
Courtney, who wants to study humanities next year, concluded with a message to her fellow matric pupils.
“Don’t give up, I know it sounds clichéd because we always hear it. But remind yourself you are in the final stretch and all of this will be worth it in the end.”
A teacher who spoke to the Weekend Argus had faith that the learners hard would pay off.
“They were introduced to the rotational timetables in Grade 10, it carried on through Grade 11 and mid-Grade 12. Then they had to go back to normal again.
“It isn’t easy to adapt. But they did it, so we have faith in them.”
Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier said despite load-shedding concerns, practical exams which took place in the beginning of the week were completed without incident.
He added that while load shedding is less of an issue for the written exams, they were aware of the bigger impact on studying in the evenings.
“During written exams venues are required to have natural light, and if there are any problems, learners can be shifted to another venue to write.
“Our districts monitor the situation closely and deal with any problems that arise on a case-by-case basis.
“The biggest impact at the moment is on our matrics’ ability to study in the evenings.
“These exams are already stressful enough for them, without having to worry about whether they will be able to put a light on to study.”
Maynier said other concerns were disruptions, such as protests or transport strikes.
“This is why we have appealed to all residents to make our matrics the VIPs of our province for the exam period, and to not do anything that could undermine our learners’ promising futures.
“We know that this is a stressful time for our matrics, and many of our candidates face difficult circumstances at home and in our communities, on top of exam anxiety.
“We urge any learner struggling to cope with the pressure to approach their teacher for help, or to contact the Safe Schools hotline on 0800 45 46 47 (toll free).”