Tips for matric success

With less than a month to go before the final matric exams, pupils are burning the midnight oil, but experts warn that studying hard is not the only ingredient for success.

Getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthily and having supportive parents are also vital for good results, psychologists said yesterday.

Grade 12 pupils start their National Senior Certificate exams on October 17, with the practical Computer Application Technology paper.

But most matrics will start their exams on October 24 , writing the English home language, first additional language and second additional language papers.

Pretoria-based educational psychologist Lizette Erasmus said pupils should prepare by doing old exam papers and recreating exam conditions.

"Don't go on Mxit for three hours. Switch off your cellphone and tell everyone not to knock on your door," she said.

Erasmus said Grade 12s had to eat well and get enough sleep - a recommended eight hours.

She said matrics needed to exercise daily to lower their stress levels and advised them not to waste time on Facebook.

Dietician Anja Strydom said Grade 12s should stay away from fatty foods such as take-aways and should rather eat salads, fruit and vegetables, as these foods would strengthen their immune systems and make their brains "sharper".

"Energy drinks to keep awake during late-night study sessions should be avoided. Rather snack on fruit, popcorn and yoghurt," Strydom said.

Pupils should not suddenly start using energy supplements and syrups just before exams as they could have the same effect as energy drinks, she said.

"You must not take a chance and introduce something new. You don't know how you are going to react."

The support of parents also played an important role, Erasmus said, adding that matric exams were meant to be a team effort.

Clinical psychologist Pauline Mawson said parents should be careful not to put too much pressure on their children.

"Don't be over-critical. Show support and be available if they need to talk to you about the pressures they face."

She said parents should be aware of warning signs that their children were not coping with exam stress.

Parents should talk to their children or seek help from a psychologist if their children become withdrawn, spend a lot of time alone in their rooms or experience drastic mood changes which last for about two to four weeks, Mawson said.

Basic Education spokesman Panyaza Lesufi said the department would today issue a "detailed statement" on the country's readiness for the exams.

Lesufi refused to answer questions yesterday.