Matric mid-year exams just as crucial as finals

AN education expert has encouraged Grade 12 learners writing mid-year exams not to underestimate the importance of this round of assessments.

The General Manager of the Independent Institute of Education, Peter Kriel, said learners must remain disciplined and focused right to the end.

‘Grade 12s will have noticed that the ante has been upped in these exams and it will be their first real encounter with the high expectations they will need to meet this year.

‘Once the going gets tough, as is bound to happen, the temptation might be there to dismiss these exams as no big deal in the greater scheme of things, in the mistaken belief that the real challenge lies ahead when the finals arrive.

‘But that would be the wrong approach, as the mid-year exams play a crucial role not only in the matriculant’s preparation for the final exams, but also on their prospects after school,’ Kriel said.

He warned that these marks really do count and learners ‘must do everything they can to perform as well as possible’.

‘At this stage, there is still enough time left to make a concerted effort to improve your performance, and doing so will put you in a much better position for the rest of the year and beyond,’ he said.

Kriel said the mid-year exams also provide learners with insight into where they need to focus their attention and efforts in coming months.

‘It will provide information about your ability to handle the extreme pressure of the exam room, the efficiency of your study methods, your ability to focus on and handle large numbers of academic material, as well as your grit and resilience.

‘In addition, it will provide early warning if you need to get additional help on certain subjects,’ he said.

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