‘Studying is a step-by-step process’

As matric finals approach, four Grade 12 KZN pupils are gearing up.they are among the more than 150 000 pupils registered in KZN for the national senior certificate examinations, which start on October 24 and end on November 29. Last year, KZN was the third worstperforming province with a pass rate of 69.5%.These four hope to bag distinctions and help boost the 2017 statistics.they talk to Karinda Jagmohan about their feelings

CAMERON PATHER, 18 Eastbury Secondary School, Phoenix: “Preparing for exams means studying every day. It can be nerve-racking, but if you started early, you should have everything under control.you have to spend extra time focusing on your weaker subjects, which entails burning the midnight oil, but refrain from cramming everything into one night. Studying is a step-by-step process.”

SUVITHA LALLI, 17 Seatides Combined School,tongaat: “Preparations are going well because I have been at it since the start of the year and working consistently throughout. For those who have just started studying for the final exams, it’s never too late. Revise your notes and go through as many past exam papers as possible; that’s what I’ve been doing.”

ALIYA SINGH, 18 Heather High School, Pietermaritzburg: “It hasn’t hit me yet that final exams are upon us.we need to get motivated and start working with past-year papers and revise summarised notes. But don’t study 24/7 because you won’t absorb anything. I enjoy baking treats or playing with my dog to calm down.you don’t need to work hard, you just need to work smart.”

QAMAR MOHAMED AISH, 17 Apollo Secondary School, Chatsworth: “The stress factor is starting to set in, but our teachers are giving us the emotional support we need. Plan a study timetable and focus on your goal because this is going to influence your future.”