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LIBRARIES, TV & ONLINE PROGRAMMES

 

 

Libraries 

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 It is much more interesting to study any subject by reading about it and getting more info ! 

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Ma Afrika Tikkum on 16 th avenue, in Alex, has a library where you can work. They also run homework classes. info: 087 741 1020

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 Borrow  books and  use the computer room (wifi) for free at the Sandton library – Nelson Mandela square (open until 5 pm on Sat)

Membership card is free and available in the other libraries in Alex : you need a proof of residence (cell phone bill, principal or counselor's letter) or a ID. You can pick up a book in Sandton and give it back at Alex library.  Access to computer, wifi (+printing for a low cost) on the ground area.

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TV programme can be found here - https://www.mindset.africa/pdfs/live_schedule.pdf

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Online programmes will also help you to improve your marks.

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This website sums up all the available resources on the internet: 

www.education.gov.za/Examinations/PastExamPapers/tabid/351/Default.aspx

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For Grade 11 and 12, past exam papers in Maths and science: www.siyavula.com or www.everythingscience.co.za/

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To improve your marks in Maths and science: http://mathsandscience.com

(you need to register to access their material)

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Mindset : http://learn.mindset.co.za/ or www.learn.co.za (Grade 8 to 12 past papers, video lessons with supporting notes).You need to create

an account on the mobile version ( not on The website version) account. You can access the content even if you haven't logged in

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Tenfold mobile app & website (https://www.tenfold.africa)-  Grades 10-12 -requires one to be logged in to access the content

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Download the free “Don’t Fail” App with all past matric exams paper and corrections (Google Play - iTunes).

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Watch the videos of Khan Academy (lessons in various subjects).

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This website gives you important tips to organise your studies : https://howtopassmatric.co.za/time-management-tips-for-matric/

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Free online Maths programme: https://learn.olico.org/  -can be used without data

 

Online Maths tutor, just whatsapp “hi” to 073 923 9021

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10 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOU STUDY SKILLS

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The following tips are from some of our top Matric learners, including Lebohang Ramokonopi, Shatadi Maake and  Khathu Mashiane

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“They say hard work pays, well I say add smart work do that 10 times more. Matric can be hard, but it can also be fun and interesting, it all depends on your perspective of it. Not only do you have to work hard and smart, the most important thing is BEING CONSISTENT IN YOUR STUDYING” Khathu Mashiane (6 distinctions, 2018)

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1. STAY FOCUSED

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                                                                                    1. STAY FOCUSED

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If you have a positive attitude, you will be better at remembering what you study.

“Create a list of all the things you want to achieve. Paste them where you will be able to see them every day to stay motivated. Aim high but be realistic. When you procrastinate, remind yourself of your goals." Kamogelo Tswai (7 distinctions, 2016)
 

"My teachers, a schoolmate and Church helped me a lot to resist peer pressure. Because I did not want to go out with my friends, they called me names. Even if it was hard to study in a shack, it paid off." Mbonjwa Sabelo (3 distinctions, 2013)
 

"In Gr 8 and 9, I was hanging out with friends who were smoking and involved with girls. Thanks to one of my teacher, I realised that I was with the wrong guys. So I made friends who care about school and started to get good marks." Mitchell Manamela

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"In grade 9, most people, including our teachers, were telling us about how Physical Sciences was the toughest subject.  I got level 2 but decided to do it anyway and at the end, achieved a distinction in physics among others", Khathu Mashiane (6 distinctions, 2018)

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"Stop procrastinating and keep healthy competition between you and your friends and your classmates. And most importantly make yourself proud and always appreciate what you have. Don’t let failure hold you back but learn from it", Lebo Ramokonopi, 6 distinctions in 2018

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2. GET ORGANISED

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• Do a summary of each lesson during the year.

• Start studying at least 2 weeks before exams.

• Draw up a study schedule and tick off what you have done.

• Take breaks in between study sessions. The brain tires after one hour and concentration can become difficult.

• Do a 10 min revision before studying something else.

• Balance out your subjects. It won't help to pass one subject with flying colours but fail others.

• Practice past papers.

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  "I started working as soon as January when others thought it is still early. I did all my tasks on time, i was able to deal with procrastination, the thief of time", Shatadi Maake 4 distinctions 2018

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"Sticking to your own study plan needs a lot of determination.” Brillant Moyo

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"It is the small things that count, listening during lessons, asking questions if you don’t understand, writing class and homework and keeping notes and having mock tests. Having a study method that fits your personality" Lebo Ramokonopi

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3. GET ENOUGH REST

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"I studied from Monday to Monday, but I had squash practices every Tuesday and constantly made time to take a break and take a walk" Lebo Ramokonopi

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"In the week before an exam, plan how you will spend each hour. Sketch on your bedroom wall when you will sleep, when you will study what subject or topic, and when you will relax." 

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"If you like music, use it to get motivation. If you like to watch movies, find educational movies.” Busi

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"Many of you will stay up all night and try to push the last bits of information into your head. Bad idea. You need a good sleep, first of all, and cramming leads to forgetting. You should be planning which sections of work to study in advance, and go through each section carefully and calmly. Do not leave everything to the last minute. Cramming is not Learning." (Prof. Jonathan Jansen)

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4. STUDY WITH FRIENDS

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"Befriend people who can help you to overcome your weaknesses.” Kamogelo

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"We used revision books and discussed the subjects together. As I studied much harder than them, I would explain what they did not understand. It helped me a lot, because what I had learnt would stick to my memory.” Tshepo 

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"Don’t be intimidated by others in study groups, help out where you can. My group had specialists for each subject.” Busi

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5. BE ACTIVE

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Use active learning methods.      

 

If you are a visual person (you learn best by seeing things):

• headings, highlight keywords in bright colors, look at the teacher when she or he talks while writing things down as you will remember easier that way.

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If you are an auditory person (you learn best by hearing things):

• recite things , make up about your subject matter, your notes with your cellphone and play it back to yourself.

 

If you are a tactile person (who learns by touching things):

• walk around the room, chew gum or even squeeze a ball while you are studying, use role-playing with another learner or teach him/her what you have just learnt.

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"When I was reading life sciences or economics books, I told myself I was reading a wonderful novel. I would write notes, do summaries during the year. To remember well, I would repeat like if I was teaching a class.” Busi

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 "Whenever I studied, I would look at myself in the mirror, this helped me remember.", Lebo Ramokonopi

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6. BLOCK OUT DISTRACTIONS

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Switch off your cellphone, TV and other sources of distraction when you study. If it is too noisy at home, study at your school or local library. 
 

"If there was too much noise, I would use earplugs that i bought at Clicks.” Tshepo.

"From Prelim, I told my girlfriend I had to focus on my studies.” Mitchell

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7. STAY AWAY FROM STRESS

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"It is important to stay away from things that upset or disturb you in these final days before you write. This is not a good time to pick a fight with your parents or boyfriend or girlfriend. Your job is to stay calm at all times."(Prof. Jonathan Jansen)

 

Do not panic:

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"The key is to remain calm and rely on what you already know and your preparation in the various school subjects since Grade 10. If you panic, you are likely to forget important information because when you are stressed you cannot think or recall clearly. Listen to music. Find a Trevor Noah DVD and have a good laugh the night before the exams." (Prof. Jonathan Jansen)

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If you suffer from panic attack (rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, shaking, sweating, etc.), do something easy like writing your name backwards, breath deeply and do some physical exercise. Your panic will pass. If you are feeling overwhelmed, call Lifeline on 0861 322 322.

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8. STAY HEALTHY

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   "I made sure that I eat a fruit at least once a day and I drink enough water" Lebo Ramokonopi

• Avoid heavy meals and junk food that make you feel tired and sleepy. Have small, frequent meals to maintain blood and brain sugar levels.

• Drink lots of water, to keep your body steady.

• Avoid sugary soft drinks (it might be more difficult to concentrate) and stimulants, including coffee (they only give you a boost for a short time, followed by a “crash”).

• To help you sleep, drink a glass of milk at bedtime.

• Writing exams is exhausting. To prepare for this, you must try to work for 3 hours at a stretch. Practice past papers in simulated exam condition (without memos, breaks, music, water, etc).

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9. WRITING THE EXAM...

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• Sleep well the night before!

• Eat a good breakfast and drink water.

• If you fell anxious, balance your breathing several times (breathe in for 7 seconds, hold and breathe out for 7 seconds) and your mind will start to relax.

• Read through all the instructions and each question, understand well the question before answering: this is the most important factor!

• Write down key words on the response to the question or draw a quick mind map.

• Start by the easiest questions: it builds up your confidence and make it easier for you to tackle the more difficult questions.

• Often your intuition will lead you to answer the questions you don’t know.

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10. KEEP PERSPECTIVE

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"If you do poorly in the exams, it is not the end of the world. Many of my best students took an additional year before they started a degree. One examination can never be a judgment on your worth as a human being." (Prof. Jonathan Jansen)

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Good luck! Be smart!

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