Theory of physics paper
MATRIC pupils wrote the theory of practical physics exam on Friday. The paper was written by pupils in schools that fall within one of the KZN Department of Education’s local districts.
POST spoke to pupils from Ridge Park College in Overport shortly after they completed the two-hour paper and also chatted to them about their preparation for the upcoming trial exams.
ATTIYAH KADWA, 19, of Esplanade, described the paper as “good”.
“It had its challenges, but overall it was manageable.”
Speaking generally about the year so far, Attiyah said she had given up stressing.
“At one stage when I was stressing it became too unbearable. I then decided to do things to calm myself down, like reading or occasionally watching television, or just staring at the stars.”
She hopes to pursue a career in genetics and has applied to study towards a BSc degree at UKZN.
SAFFIYAH PATEL, 18, of Berea, said she “was stressing for nothing”.
“I am expecting a distinction in the paper.”
Saffiyah said her greatest challenges had been time management.
“I am a procrastinator and I love my TV. But I still end up doing well.”
With numerous distinctions in her cap, Saffiyah hopes to pursue a career in mechanical engineering or astronomy and astro physics.
AZRA ISMAIL, 17, of Clare Estate, cited physics as her favourite subject.
“The paper wasn’t as bad as I had expected. I make sure I understand everything that is being taught to me in the classroom and if I don’t I go back to the teacher to explain to me.”
When asked about her readiness for the trial exams, Azra said one could never be totally ready.
Azra hopes to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering and astro physics.
SAMANTHA MFEKA, 17, of Southgate, said her biggest challenge had been balancing sport and academics.
Not only does Samantha, the school’s deputy head prefect, play softball, soccer, hockey, basketball and volleyball, her head is in her books so that she can secure a place to study aviation.
Speaking about the practical exam on Friday, Samantha said she had been expecting it to be more difficult than it proved.
“What’s helped me this year were the classes offered by the school after hours and on a Saturday.”
LAILA BERA, 17, of Bonela said: “In all honesty, I was expecting the physics exams to be much more difficult, but the teachers have prepared us well.
“A majority of the stuff that has been done was tested, but obviously there were a few trick questions.”
Laila found Afrikaans challenging, but she has been preparing “from day one”.
She plans on studying medicine.
Trials will begin on August 29 and end a month later. The final exam will begin on October 26 with English.