Buddy system is great tool

TEAM EFFORT: MATRICULANT AND HIS WHATSAPP GROUP HELP EACH OTHER MASTER MATERIAL

‘If you know you struggle on your own, a friend or group will challenge you.’

Promise Khosa, a matriculant from Kwabhekilanga Secondary School, says studying in groups during his final year benefitted him.

The 18 year old lives in Alexandra, in a one-room informal building which was converted to a study room when he was studying for his final exams.

Khosa said the pandemic had messed up his study techniques and he resorted to studying alone when he was not with the friend he lives with.

“The pandemic was difficult for my friends and I because we studied in groups [and] families became reluctant for their children meeting other pupils and possibly being exposed to other people. I could also study on my own and another advantage was that I live with my friend [so] we were constantly learning from one another.”

Although the pandemic had created pressure for pupils at school, he thrived under pressure.

“During the hard lockdown, we were home and missed out on a lot of the term’s work, but I work well under pressure.

“During Level 5, we used WhatsApp as a means of studying and communicating; and how we did this was we summarised what we understood from a textbook and sent voice notes for people who needed a clearer understanding of what we were talking about in the group.”

When he did not study at night, he was discussing school with his friends because studying during the day was impossible due to living near a tavern.

Khosa added he expected at least four distinctions.

“I am expecting a distinction in business studies, Xitsonga, [life orientation] and English.”

Studying in groups had often helped because there were always

It was difficult for my friends and I

other people willing to help.

“The advice I would offer a pupil is, if you know that you struggle studying on your own, find a friend or group that will help you study and challenge you in a positive way, that will help prepare you for your tests and exams.

“It’s important to surround yourself with people who will encourage you to do your best.” –

Picture: Nigel Sibanda EYE ON THE PRIZE. University of Johannesburg Metropolitan Academy matriculant Ahmed Nanabhay said he faced many challenges during his final year at school during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shaman Bhattcharyya, 18, a competitive matriculant from Parktown Boys’ High School, says the pandemic did not affect his study methods. ‘I only study notes which I summarise, due to the lack of studying time.’ Picture: Supplied

Picture: Supplied Ammarah Vawda, a matriculant from Parktown High School for Girls, understands the world has had to adapt to a new normal and there are good reasons why their matric dance and valedictory are cancelled, to her dismay.

Tshepang Malefane, a University of Johannesburg Metropolitan Academy matriculant, says he worked extremely hard under trying circumstances to get through his matric. Picture: Nigel Sibanda

Picture: Supplied Reading textbooks to relieve the boredom of being at home helps Lebone Legodi. The Parktown Boys’ High School matriculant says: ‘Online classes looked easy but it was difficult retaining the information.’

Picture: Nigel Sibanda RISING TO THE CHALLENGE. Kwabhekilanga Secondary School matriculant Promise Khosa pages through a textbook at his home in Alexandra.