With the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams starting next week, the nerves are kicking in for
thousands of Western Cape learners preparing to write their final school exams.

People’s Post spoke to some matric learners about how they are feeling ahead of the big moment, what they are most nervous about and, as they prepare to close this chapter, what they will miss most about school.

About 71 300 full-time matric learners in the province will sit down for the exams on Tuesday next week, 13 October, and run until Wednesday 25 November, marking the final stretch of their school careers.

Final chapter

For Zubair Domingo, an Excelsior High School learner, the nerves are starting to set in but so too is the excitement of reaching the end of his school journey.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous and stressed because it’s such an important time, but I’m also excited to finally finish this chapter of my life. I’ve worked hard to get here, so I’m just trying to stay focused and do my best.”

Domingo said it is also a bittersweet moment.

“I’ll definitely miss the people, the laughs and all the memories we’ve made over the years. I’ll miss seeing my friends every day and just having that familiar school environment. Even though I’m ready for the next chapter, school has been a big part of my life and I know I’ll miss it.”

For Kealán Smart, a Milnerton High School learner, this phase of life feels like a “rollercoaster”.

“I am both nervous and excited at the same time. It’s twelve years of school all coming down to a few weeks of papers, so the pressure is definitely on. But mostly, I’m just excited to cross the finish line.”
When asked what she will miss most about school, she said, “the safety net of the school environment”.

“I’m going to miss those favourite teachers who always went the extra mile to support us, and the energy of school sports days. And of course I’ll miss my friends. Next year we’ll be scattered across universities, some working.

“I am going to miss just hanging out at break laughing over nothing and seeing the same familiar faces every day.

“It’s the end of an era, and stepping out into the real world feels exciting, but definitely bittersweet.”

Late last month, Western Cape Education Minister Jaco Londt outlined the plans to support learners and ensure the province is ready for the examination period.

He said the province will have 485 examination centres in operation, comprising 477 high schools, seven primary schools and one correctional services facility serving as a designated centre for part-time learners.

About 2 600 community invigilators and 3 857 markers will be involved in the examination process, with 123 examination papers scheduled to be written.

Londt said Grade 12 teachers, tutors and officials across the province had been working hard to ensure matriculants were prepared for the final chapter of their school careers.

More than 31 000 matric learners attended #BackOnTrack winter-school classes during the mid-year school holiday.

Revision classes also took place during the recently concluded third-term school holiday.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has also made a range of support resources available to Grade 12 learners.

These include examination question papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides, subject-specific academic support and study tips.

Learners can also access information about funding for further studies, health and well-being support as well as free internet and related services through WCG eCentres.

Stressful time

Londt acknowledged that the examination period could be stressful for learners and encouraged those who were struggling, or adults concerned about a learner’s mental health, to seek help.

School staff can seek guidance from district support teams, while the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47 can connect learners with support from government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Londt called on parents, guardians and communities to give learners their support as they enter the final month before the examinations and wished the learners well.

“This is your moment,” he added.

He encouraged learners to remain disciplined and focused, adding that “there would be time for celebrations later. For now remain disciplined and focused, your hard work will pay off.”

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