Gauteng gov recommends '5-4-3-2-1 technique' as Matrics return to exams – Hypertext

The Matric class of 2026 got a welcome break in the form of a long weekend recently, with Monday 11th November, designated a non-examination day by the government. Intended to help with studies, as well as recovery, the Matrics are back in exam halls across the country today.

The Gauteng Department of Education has been providing a slew of advice over the course of the exams so far and, for the return of the Matrics from the long weekend, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation – Lebogang Maile – recommends the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.

In a post made on social media, the department and the MEC explain the method as follows:

• Notice Five things you can see,
• Notice Four things you can feel,
• Notice three things you can hear,
• Notice Two things you can smell,
• Notice One thing you can taste.

The point of this exercise, according to the post, is to avoid panic and spiralling during the intense pressures of Matric exams. While we’re not sure of the efficacy of this technique, it’s good to have another tool in the toolbelt for dealing with the stress of these final exams.

Finally, one final bit of wisdom is supplied:

“A tip to ace your exams. Read questions carefully: During the exam, take time to understand exactly what each question is asking before writing your answer,” the post concludes.

Today is the 17th day of the Matric 2026 examination timetable. Students in the 09:00 block will write Home Language Paper 2 (isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati and isiNdebele), First Additional Language (FAL) Paper 2 and Second Additional Language (SAL) Paper 2. Following this, students in the 14:00 block will write Electrical Technology, as well as Nautical Science Paper 1.

Barring any changes to the official schedule, the examinations will be complete come 26th November. Following this, the government should supply details about estimated marking times and provide a date for the release of results.