Matric prelims 2025 begin: Tips to stay sharp, focused, and confident

South Africa’s matric class of 2025 is entering one of the most important stages of their school journey. Preliminary examinations kick off this week, serving as a crucial trial run before the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams later this year.

When and where prelims are happening

Prelims are rolled out provincially, with different start and end dates:

• Eastern Cape: 25 August – 23 September

• Free State: 2 September – 2 October

• Gauteng: 29 August – 26 September

• KwaZulu-Natal: 8 September – 2 October

• Limpopo: 2 September – 26 September

• Mpumalanga: 2 September – 30 September

• Northern Cape: 29 August – 30 September

• North West: 27 August – 25 September

• Western Cape: 5 September – 26 September

A message of encouragement from DBE

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube urged learners to view the prelims as a chance to sharpen their readiness for finals. “Manage your time wisely, revise past papers, and study in focused sessions,” she said.

She also reminded pupils to avoid burnout. “Take short breaks, stretch, and refresh your mind every two hours. Balance is key. Your future is bright, and you must approach these exams with confidence.”

Practical study strategies from experts

Education organisations and teachers are reinforcing the importance of smart, balanced preparation:

• Plan your studies: The Zero Dropout Campaign recommends breaking subjects into manageable sections rather than cramming.

• Active recall works: Quiz yourself, explain topics aloud, or summarise them in your own words instead of passively rereading notes.

• Use past papers: Practising real exam papers builds confidence and improves time management.

• Pomodoro method: Study for 25–50 minutes, then rest for 5–10 minutes to keep your brain alert.

Programme director Merle Mansfield also highlighted the role of families. “Students perform better when they feel safe, seen and supported,” she said.

Keep calm, trust your preparation

Lionel Botha, education liaison at Inspired Education South Africa, urged learners to stay calm and confident. “Trust the work you and your teachers have put in. Success is built on consistency, effort, and mindset.”

Botha advised pupils to combine study routines with healthy habits. “Take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and include light exercise. Physical activity reduces stress and keeps your mind sharp.”

He stressed that prelims should be seen as a stepping stone, not the final destination. “These exams are important, but they don’t define your entire future.”

Final takeaway for parents and learners

For learners, the prelims are a chance to test strategies, refine knowledge, and build resilience. For parents, it’s a time to offer encouragement, celebrate effort, and remind pupils that exams are one step in a bigger journey.

As the matric prelims 2025 get underway across the country, balance, confidence, and consistency remain the winning formula.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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