As the excitement from the class of 2024 celebrations fades away, a fresh batch of students is now facing a situation they know all too well: gearing up for their last year of school and anxiously waiting for their results.
A recent study highlights that the emotional toll of anticipating results can trigger feelings of hopelessness and despair, overshadowing months of hard work.
According to Dr Corrin Varady, an education analyst and CEO of the Institute for Dynamic Educational Achievement (IDEA), this moment is indicative of the broader challenges facing students.
Dr Varady highlights that balancing effective study strategies with mental wellness can make all the difference in coping with the challenges of matric.
Developing healthy study habits and skills
“The first step should be establishing good study hygiene—creating a routine, environment, and mindset that minimise distractions and promote focused, uninterrupted learning,” he explains. “This could mean adhering strictly to your designated study time, just like any other appointment, and silencing your phone while keeping it face down to avoid distractions.”
For students struggling with certain subjects, Dr Varady recommends breaking content down into manageable chunks. “Whether it’s solving a complex math problem or structuring an English essay, tackling each element individually helps prevent feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.”
While private tutoring may not always be financially accessible, he highlights that South African learners have access to many useful resources, including past exam papers and online materials.
“Effective exam preparation goes beyond memorisation. Practising with a variety of exam papers allows students to understand the different ways topics can be presented in papers.”
Dr Varady also emphasises the need for realistic goal setting. “Rather than aiming to boost your marks by 50% overnight, set smaller, realistic personal goals—such as improving by 10%. This will help build confidence and momentum without the frustration of expecting too much too quickly. Cultivating a growth mindset is also key; when you believe in your ability to succeed, you are already halfway there.”
Parental support is paramount in the final stretch.
“Parents should engage actively with teachers to obtain constructive feedback on their child’s performance and identify areas to improve,” he suggests. “If your child is struggling, a polite inquiry to understand the problem areas is crucial.”
As matric is one of the most demanding experiences for students, Dr Varady adds that parents need to help their children balance academics with downtime. “Make sure they are getting enough rest, exercise, and time for extracurricular activities. This helps to prevent burnout and cultivates critical and creative thinking skills.”
Results day and beyond
In the lead-up to results day, he advises that learners reflect on their practice tests and prelim results to set realistic expectations and plan practical next steps.
Additionally, Dr Varady shares that while some students may have a clear career path in mind, many don’t. “For those still figuring out their future, aiming for marks that keep a range of options open is the best approach, allowing them flexibility if they change their minds or discover new interests.”
“Most importantly, remember that matric is not the end—it is just the beginning. If things do not go as hoped, there are plenty of other avenues to success,” he stresses.
“Matric can be challenging, but with the right preparation, perspective, and support, students can succeed in their final year of school and be ready for what’s next,” concludes Dr Varady.