The time has come for Grade 12 learners in South Africa to write their final exams.
Over a million candidates across the country are gearing up for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which kick off next Tuesday, 21 October 2025.
As a student, this period marks both the last chapter of your secondary education and the first chapter of your life as a young adult. Suffice to say, this may be a stressful time for you, as the pressure – whether it be from your family or self-induced – is on for you to pass the NSC exams.
STUDYING TIPS AND TRICKS
Before Tuesday arrives, it’s important for you to use this time to go over your study materials and comb through past papers so that you can arrive at the examination venue feeling prepared and confident.
While studying, the Department of Basic Education recommends the following tips:
- Gather all your materials together, including your textbooks, notes, stationery and paper to write on.
- Divide the course content into manageable, 15-minute chunks. This makes it easier for you to maintain focus and absorb the information effectively.
- Practise repetition, as this helps your brain hold onto information for much longer, especially when it comes to studying sections that you may find more difficult than others.
- Use mind maps, images and colours to help you break down and retain information.
- Reward yourself with five-minute breaks. This can mean taking a walk outside, grabbing a bite to eat or drinking water, all of which can keep you recharged and motivated and boost your focus levels.
FINAL EXAMS: HOW TO STAY CALM AND PREPARED
When the day of your first exam arrives, it’s understandable to feel a bit nervous despite all your preparations.
To help you keep those jitters at bay, use the following checklist:
- Take several deep breaths. This lowers your heart rate and relaxes muscle tension, allowing you to feel less anxious and calmer.
- Double-check that you have a valid copy of your South African ID or passport and your admission letter on your person so that you can gain entry into the examination venue.
- Likewise, ensure you have brought the stationery you need to write the exam. These include pens, pencils, a sharpener, an eraser and a calculator.
- Arrive at the venue at least one hour before the exam. This gives you time to go through your study notes, use the bathroom, chat with your peers and do a relaxation exercise beforehand to reduce your anxiety.
HOW TO ACE WRITING YOUR EXAMS
Finally, it’s time to sit down and write your exam. All your hard work and preparation have brought you to this moment – now, all you can do is demonstrate what you know to the best of your ability.
Here’s how you can successfully write your exam:
- Read the instructions and questions carefully during the allocated reading time. That way, you can better understand what’s being asked of you and plan your time effectively.
- Underline key question words such as “analyse”, “discuss”, “provide” and “name”, as these indicate how you should answer the questions.
- Check how many marks have been allocated to the questions. This indicates how much time and information you can dedicate to answering each question.
- Don’t linger too long on questions that you’re unsure how to answer. You can always move on and, if time allows, come back to these later.
- Tackle the easier questions first, as this enables you to leverage the information you remember the most. Knowing that you’ve effectively and efficiently answered these questions can give you a confidence boost and lower your anxiety levels.
LET THE FINAL EXAMS BEGIN
With the NSC exams on the horizon, it’s paramount that you stay prepared for each and every exam that comes your way.
By the same token, remember to take it easy on yourself in-between and recharge yourself. This means getting a good night’s sleep, eating a hearty meal, keeping yourself hydrated and rewarding yourself with a break or a fun activity. After all, if you want to perform at your best, you have to feel at your best, mentally and physically.
Good luck!
