CAPE TOWN-With matric examinations just a few weeks away a group of candidates are going the extra mile with their studies by spending nights at their school as they prepare for finals.
The more than 40 matrics of Christel House South Africa (CHSA) are using the school’s multi-purpose hall, which has been transformed into a safe dormitory and study hub for the exam season, said school spokesperson Megan Losper. CHSA is a non-profit organisation based in Ottery.
This initiative is called the Matric Intensive programme, Losper added. “In this period matric learners stay on campus, away from distractions and environments that may compromise their ability to concentrate. Here they have everything they need to succeed.”
As part of the initiative the matric class of 2025 are offered nutritious meals to keep them energised, on-site tutoring from dedicated teachers for last-minute revision, peer support that encourages them to stay motivated and distraction-free, safe space where they can focus on their studies.
“This initiative not only removes the stress of daily travel and home pressures,” Losper said, “but also fosters a strong sense of community and shared determination. With round-the-clock support and a calm, focused environment, our (learners) can give their very best when it matters most.”
People’s Post spoke with a trio of matriculants who are hard at work with their studies.
Saskia Petersen hails from Mitchells Plain and lives with her mom, stepfather, grandmother and younger sibling.
She says she usually arrives very late at home after school and is tasked completing chores and caring for her siblings, leaving her very little time to study at night.
She did fencing previously and now mentors and hopes to coach fencing learners. “After classes I freshen up and give myself time before moving onto studying,” she explains.
“I also space study times per subject out and go to sleep early when I can.”
Fellow learner Kuhle Javu from Philippi says her township is quite noisy which makes its quite challenging to study meaning she has to stay up very late with her studies.
Javu lives with her mom, stepdad and two younger siblings.
She expressed interest in pursuing a career in technology. “I’ve always suffered from insomnia, but now I can use this to my advantage and use night time to study.” She said she listened to gospel music to cope with the stress and said her favourite subject was mathematics.
Another learner Tristan Kuvido from Bridgetown says he shares home with 10 relatives and says he often has very little time to study with all the noises in the household.
He is the eldest of five siblings and enjoys dancing and playing guitar.
He said he enjoyed business economics and hoped to be a corporate lawyer one day. He first joined CHSA in Grade 11 and said he was happy to find his time became more structured with the support from his teachers and peers. “They all say Matric Study Intensive enables them to reach out to peers if they are struggling, and teacher and social-services support helps,” Losper said.
Asked for sage words of advice for her fellow matrics, Javu said: “As a matriculant, it’s really tough. There is a lot of pressure. We want to matriculate and do well but we know that this is the last time we will have this school experience. So live in the moment. Reflect and appreciate yourself for making it this far.”
