Matric pupils from Orient Islamic School in Greyville shared their experiences regarding the English Paper 3 examination, noting that the topics were generally manageable. They also discussed the various forms of support—from family, teachers, and peers—that helped them manage the stress associated with the exams.
Students commented that the subject matter covered "something for everyone" and that the difficulty level was lower than anticipated.
Suhail Ally, a student from Newlands West, mentioned that English Paper 3 was the initial paper out of fourteen required for the final assessment. He observed that the themes were current and did not require extensive deliberation on content. Ally, who serves as the school's head boy and intends to study civil engineering, stated that his preparation involved utilizing past examination papers and resources provided by his instructors. He emphasized the value of rigorous preparation during trial exams and noted the significant backing he received from his family over recent months. He mentioned receiving well-wishes from six aunts that morning, acknowledging the high expectations placed upon him. Furthermore, teachers offered assistance through supplementary classes and materials prior to the start of the exams. However, he cautioned that the most intense period of pressure was still ahead, as the following week would involve mathematics, physical science, and accounting.
Husna Desai, representing Musgrave, found the topics engaging and superior to those in previous English papers. She reported managing the preparation well through trial examinations. Desai highlighted the support system comprising her friends, family, and teachers. She attends private tutoring sessions, and her parents actively encourage her studies. She prefers studying early in the morning to maximize absorption when feeling refreshed, contrasting this with nighttime study when fatigued. To mitigate stress, she incorporates exercise and takes regular breaks, as she plans to pursue a career in diagnostic radiography.
Atiyyah Amojee, from Greyville, admitted to feeling anxious on her way to school that morning. As the school's head girl, she felt that the numerous calls from relatives and well-wishers were both reassuring and contributing to her morning pressure. She managed this by reminding herself that it was merely another test and focusing on answering the questions. Amojee found the paper to be more challenging than the provincial tests. Her family participated in the trend of providing matric exam gifts, which included snacks, footwear, and a new chair. She credited her family, teachers, and classmates for being a major source of support. When feeling overwhelmed, she practices relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. The matric gifts served as motivation, demonstrating to her that loved ones cared about her well-being during this time. She also noted that her school friends provide mutual support, helping them navigate the challenges together, as she intends to study to become a chartered accountant.
Sidra Mahomed, from Overport, found the day's test manageable and less demanding than expected. She agreed that the topics offered variety. Mahomed suggested that segmenting the workload aided her learning process and encouraged others to adopt this strategy. She also mentioned that her classmates are collaborating by working through past papers together. Her family has joined the matric gifting trend, providing her with food and snack baskets, drinks, and stationery. Mahomed, who plans to study psychology next year, advised fellow matric students to work diligently to pass while simultaneously avoiding undue stress.
Ziyaad Parak, from North Beach, expressed gratitude for the support received from his teachers. He contacted his educators several days prior to request assistance and was subsequently provided with a one-on-one lesson to enhance his readiness for the exams. Parak urged students to consult their teachers if they feel inadequately prepared, stressing that asking questions is essential for learning.