Parents can help minimise exam stress by focusing on three areas: effective study habits, such as a quiet study space, early planning in small chunks and short breaks; healthy sleep and eating, including a consistent bedtime, regular meals and water instead of stimulants; and relaxation, such as exercise, packing the night before and positive visualisation.
Successful teachers set clear objectives, keep high expectations while making it safe to fail and bring a positive, energetic attitude to the classroom. They are consistent, reflect on their teaching, enjoy their subject, adapt to learners’ needs, embrace new technology, use humour to keep learning engaging and support learners’ emotional wellbeing as well as their academic progress.
On exam day, tell your child to eat a slow-release breakfast, arrive early, use the toilet beforehand and avoid negative people. In the exam, they should breathe deeply, skim the paper, underline key words, answer easier questions first and focus on their own pace. Most importantly, remind them your love does not depend on their marks.
Grade 12 learners should start preparing for final exams early in the year, because the Matric year is shorter than others. Set aside one to two extra hours of revision each week, use mind maps and notes, revisit Grade 10 and 11 work, take trial exams seriously and practise with National Senior Certificate past papers from the education department’s website.
