The first few weeks of a learner\u2019s final school year is like a roller-coaster ride.<\/p>\n
There is a lot of excitement, a little bit of fear and a good dose of disorientation.<\/p>
While the start of the matric year can be overwhelming, learners are encouraged to use these slightly less hectic few weeks to set in place a strategy and roadmap for the months ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cMatric is a short year compared to previous school years, and before you know it, you\u2019ll be sitting down for your final exams,\u201d said Dr Gillian Mooney, dean and academic development and support at The Independent Institute of Education (IIE).<\/p>
\u201cThe good news is that in January you still have time on your side to put in place a strategy for not only working harder than before, which you definitely should be doing but also working smarter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to the demands of preparing for the most important exam in their school careers, Grade 12s also have a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime events coming up.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo right now you need to consider everything that will require your time and attention this year, and figure out exactly how you will make provision for all these demands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taking care of the life and academic admin now will free up precious energy allowing learners to focus on the task at hand when the time comes.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Teen suicide: What signs to look out for and how you can help<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cRemember that the better you perform, the higher your chances of landing a spot in the higher education institution and programme of your choice.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will, in turn, have a knock-on effect on your career prospects.<\/p>\n \u201cCompetition is tough, and every mark that you can earn this year could be the difference between going the route you want right away, or having to spend more getting where you want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Gillian and the IIE, learners should create a single calendar incorporating all the important matters they need to attend to in the coming year, which include the following:<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Academic year<\/strong><\/p>\n Note down the dates of all the important tests and exams, and draft your study and revision timetable.<\/p>\n \u201cA year sounds pretty long, but in matric, the year is shorter and the final exams sooner than you are used to, so the best time to start revising is right away,\u201d said Gillian.<\/p>\n \u201cConsistency is key, and by doing your bit every day, you won\u2019t need to deal with a seemingly insurmountable volume of work ahead of your exams.<\/p>\n \u201cInstead, you\u2019ll be able to use revision time to solidify concepts and complete old papers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Social events<\/strong><\/p>\n While it is obviously exciting to look forward to and plan your matric dance, 40 days-celebration and so forth, you can\u2019t afford to spend too much time and energy on this during the year.<\/p>\n So note down the important dates, note down when you will take some time out to plan for them, and then let it go until the time arrives.<\/p>\n \u2022 Future plans<\/strong><\/p>\n On top of all the academic, social and life demands matrics will face this year, they also need to decide what they are going to do after school.<\/p>\n The world of work today looks completely different to the way it looked when your parents, guardians and teachers left school, school leavers have to do their own work research.<\/p>\n \u201cNew jobs are being created all the time, and by the time you finish your studies, there will be careers that we can\u2019t even predict right now,\u201d Gillian explained.<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving the decision about higher education until later means you won\u2019t have time to properly research your options.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why we suggest learners do a bit of work on their future plans every week so that they can thoroughly investigate what is on offer at both public universities and private.<\/p>\n \u201cBy doing online research, visiting campuses, and speaking to people who work in their prospective fields or who have studied at one of the institutions on their shortlist.\u201d<\/p>\n Learners should timeously narrow down their options, they can avoid the rush when everyone else wakes up.<\/p>\n ALSO READ:\u00a0Back to school safety tips for children<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 Extra-curricular activities<\/strong><\/p>\n Sport and cultural activities, volunteering and part-time work are important for maintaining balance in your matric year but can take up a lot of time. Try not to add more to your plate this year. Take these activities into account in your start-of-year planning, and if you find yourself too squeezed for time later, consider lightening the load on your schedule.<\/p>\n \u2022 Other milestones<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cMany learners will turn 18 during their matric year, which means there is some additional life admin to be done,\u201d Gillian explained.<\/p>\n \u201cFor instance, those who turn 18 before the country\u2019s general elections in May, need to ensure that their ID is in order and that they are registered to vote if they intend to do so.<\/p>\n \u201cSome may also wish to obtain their driver\u2019s licence, which means some time needs to be factored in for lessons and the actual test.<\/p>\n \u201cThink about which other issues you want or need to sort out this year, and note that down in your year-at-a-glance calendar as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Too many learners arrive in matric and think they\u2019ve reached the finishing line.<\/p>\n What will set you apart from your peers, when applying for further study and applying for your first position, when matric marks are still very important, is if you resolve to keep your head in the game now.<\/p>\n There is a lot to be said for choosing an approach of delayed gratification during this year.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you use your time wisely and maturely, you will be able to both enjoy this significant period in your life, as well as optimally position yourself for future success,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n