Grade 12 learners across the country have embarked on their final examinations, marking the culmination of years of hard work and academic perseverance. With months of preparation behind them, these learners face their last hurdle in a crucial test of knowledge, skills, and resilience.
Educators and former learners have called on current matrics to give their all and believe in themselves as they start a new chapter in their lives.
Khumalo Sunye, the deputy principal at Manyaku Secondary School in Limpopo urged pupils to revise and work hard ahead of their agricultural examinations.
Study tips for the exams
“Review crop production, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics. Practise past paper questions, focusing on case studies and essay questions.
“Develop your analytical skills for agricultural systems and resource management. Stay updated on current agricultural trends and industry developments,” he advised.
Tumelo Ngakanyane from Ganyesa in Vryburg, North West, who finished grade 12 last year, said those writing their examinations should think about their future and what they want to achieve in life.
“Every decision you make [on] the day you start your exams will be with you for the rest of your life. All I can motivate you with is to say, study hard, focus, [and] ask [for] help if it’s difficult.
“Believe in yourself that you can make it. Importantly, do not forget to call God in every paper you will be writing and ask Him to come through for you,” he said.
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Ngakanyane said no matter the obstacles or the challenges the pupils face, they must believe they have equipped themselves with everything they need to succeed. “Keep pushing forward, one exam at a time, and know that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.
“While the exams represent a significant challenge, they also serve as a celebration of the hard work and dedication that has defined the grade 12 experience,” he said.
Agricultural studies teacher at Hoër Landbouskool Boland in Paarl, Johan Moolman, motivated learners as they prepare for their papers in the coming weeks.
“Stay organised, make a study schedule and stick to it. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and take short breaks in between. Practise makes perfect, practise past exam papers and sample questions. This not only helps with understanding the format but also builds your confidence.”
Focus on the end goal
“Healthy mind, healthy body – ensure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Your brain needs fuel and rest to function at its best,” Moolman advised.
Moolman said pupils must remember that exams are just a part of your journey. “Give it your best shot, and no matter the outcome, be proud of your efforts,” he said.
Hugo Coetzee, an agricultural teacher at Augsburg Landbougimnasium in Clanwilliamtown, said pupils must get old question papers and work through them.
“It will be important for them to form study groups, previous question papers are usually the best way to start; when you have them you will be able to summarise,” he said.
Meanwhile, basic education deputy minister Dr Reginah Mhaule said they have full confidence in the class of 2024 and are rallying behind them.
“Your hard work and determination have brought you this far. Believe in yourself, stay focused and give it your all. The future is yours,” she said.
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