2010 has been a trying year for our young learners at school. The Soccer World Cup, exciting and inspirational as it was, played havoc with the school timetables and learning programmes. Added to this, an extended teachers strike put additional pressure on teachers and learners to complete the curriculum in time. Prelims were postponed, teaching days were lengthened and communities rallied around our precious Grade 12’s to help them prepare for the all important “MATRIC“
The first exam takes place on October 25th. By now, all attention is focussed on preparing for this important event.
We at Penguin Tutoring Co understand the pressure and the difficulties that learners and their parents are faced with. For their entire school career, they are told of the importance of this final measure of their capabilities. Their future relies on these results. This is all scary and daunting stuff and in addition to this, many young people are faced with the dilemma of making a career choice - which degree? which university? which residence?
We would like to pass on some tips on making the exam experience a bit easier for both parents and learners.
Parents, try and maintain a consistent environment for your children. Avoid change, crisis and conflict. Be there to support and love. Be available to discuss the post-mortem of the exam if your child needs to share - but just listen, don’t judge. Provide healthy satisfying meals and ensure a restful environment for a good night’s sleep. Make time for family fun and entertainment and encourage your child to keep active and fit. Consider enlisting the help of a tutor. Even at this late stage of the academic year, these young people have the experience and expertise to help your child with exam techniques and study methods. They act as mentors and role models and can defuse unnecessary tension.Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
Learners, try these helpful tips:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exams
- Don’t try and cram the night or morning before the exam
- Arrive early and be ready to write with all the correct equipment
- Check you have received the correct paper
- Read and understand instructions
- Preview the question paper and allocate writing time
- Read the questions and underline key words
- Set out answers clearly, numbering in accordance with the question paper
- Write neatly
- If uncertain of a question, or find you are running out of time, answer at least in part
- Don’t panic
- Review your answers
- Stay till the end of the allotted time
Finally, keep all things in perspective. Keep focused and keep a positive attitude. Believe in yourself, and if things go wrong, don’t give up.
Good luck!
Penguin Tutoring is the leading provider of specialist academic tutors in the country. Our professional management and extensive tutor database will ensure that your children get everything they need and more out of their extra lessons.
