Story audio is generated using AI
The final countdown has begun for more than 71,000 Western Cape matric pupils who are preparing to put 12 years of schooling to the test when the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations begin next week.
A total of 71,302 full-time NSC candidates in the province are registered to write their final examinations, which begin on October 13 with the Computer Applications Technology practical examination and conclude on November 25.
A further 13,834 part-time and repeat NSC candidates are also expected to sit for the examinations.
With just days remaining before the first papers are written, education officials and mental health experts are urging candidates to remain focused, get enough sleep and avoid the temptation to sacrifice their wellbeing in an attempt to cram at the last minute.
Western Cape education MEC Jaco Londt said the examinations would take place over seven weeks, with no papers scheduled from November 2 to 5 because of the local government elections, or on November 9 due to Diwali.
He urged matric candidates to use the remaining preparation time wisely.
“We appeal to matriculants to use their time wisely and not let anything disrupt their studying.
“For those who wish to vote, I encourage you to consider applying for a special vote, as this could prevent you from potentially spending hours in long queues, wasting precious learning time,” Londt said.
Eligible matriculants who want to vote can apply to cast a special vote at their voting stations on November 2 or 3. Applications for special votes close at 5pm on October 12.
Londt thanked grade 12 teachers, tutors and education officials who worked with pupils during the spring break to prepare them for the examinations.
The Western Cape education department (WCED) has also made a range of matric support resources available to candidates, including previous examination papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides, subject-specific academic support and study tips.
Resources covering funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support and free internet services through Western Cape government eCentres are also available.
The department has urged pupils struggling with their mental health, as well as parents and other adults concerned about a matric candidate, to seek assistance. Schools can contact the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47, which can connect pupils with support from government departments and NGOs.
Stellenbosch University counselling psychologist Mari O’Reilly wrote in an article that candidates should resist the pressure to spend every available hour studying, warning that effective preparation also requires sleep, exercise, proper nutrition and breaks.
She advised pupils to draw up realistic study plans based on the amount of work they need to cover and the times of day when they are most productive.
For pupils who struggle with rigid timetables, she recommends a more flexible approach, setting daily goals for the chapters or sections that must be completed while allowing some flexibility about when they are tackled.
The most important part, she said, is sticking to the plan.
O’Reilly said self-discipline was particularly important during the final stretch.
“Decide what needs to be done, and do it. Waiting until you feel ‘motivated’, ready or ‘in the zone’ might be unrealistic and unproductive,” she said.
Sleep should not become a casualty of exam preparation either.
O’Reilly recommends between six and eight hours of sleep a night, saying sleep plays an important role in helping the brain consolidate information learnt during the day.
Cramming throughout the night could therefore be counterproductive.
She advised pupils to maintain relatively consistent sleeping patterns rather than studying into the early hours on some nights and expecting to fall asleep much earlier the next.
O’Reilly recommends pupils consider consuming slow-releasing carbohydrates such as oats, sweet potatoes and wholewheat or low-GI bread, together with healthy fats, vegetables and fruit.
She advised candidates to limit highly processed foods, sweets and sugary or energy drinks, which can cause spikes in blood sugar followed by fatigue.
Staying hydrated is equally important, while candidates should continue exercising and making time to relax and socialise.
“You can socialise during the exams; it’s good for your mental health, but schedule socialising in advance, and stick to it,” O’Reilly said.
She recommends at least 20 minutes of physical activity a day, saying exercise can improve concentration, help with information retention, promote better sleep and reduce stress.
TimesLIVE
Yoliswa Sobuwa
www.timeslive.co.za