Almost 900 000 Grade 12 learners writing their National Senior Certificate (matric) exams face a psychological test as demanding as the academic one, according to counsellors who have released an eight episode vodcast for learners and parents.
Dr Lauren Martin, a registered counselling psychologist and dean at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), said learners needed a plan for coping with their emotions as much as a study timetable, as exams that began on 13 October run to late November. “So much of the challenge of Matric exams is psychological,” Martin said. “It’s a time loaded with expectations, hopes and dreams, and that comes along with fears, anxieties and stresses.”
The Psychology of Matric is hosted by radio presenter Celest Anthony, who takes on one topic in each 10 minute episode with an expert. Episodes cover exam fitness with Dr Latifa Firfiray, procrastination with Martin and exam anxiety with wellbeing coach Jasantha Singh, as well as confidence, results and parenting.
Kirsten Harrison, a registered counsellor and programme coordination manager at SACAP, said sustained pressure could undermine even a well rounded learner, particularly as strong learners compared themselves with peers and prepared to leave school for places where they may no longer stand out. “It’s not unusual for hidden insecurities, such as imposter syndrome, to surface during the Matric exam experience,” Harrison said. “Suddenly, you find yourself feeling like you’re not as capable as others think you are or that your achievements are somehow down to luck.”
Denisha September, a registered counsellor and programme coordinator at SACAP, said families needed strategies to manage expectations at home through to results day, as the focus on marks could leave learners believing that their future and self worth depended entirely on one set of results. “Of course, results are important,” September said. “But they don’t define your potential, your worth or everything that you can become.”
The series does not replace the study schedule, however, and the experts said sleep, nutritious food, brain breaks, daily exercise and limits on social media and devices mattered as much. The first episode went live on 23 September and the full series is available on SACAP’s YouTube channel. The exam timetable is available from the Department of Basic Education.
“Feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you are one,” Harrison said. “Confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself; it’s about learning to trust your abilities.”
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