As Matric Prelims officially kick off across South Africa today, thousands of Grade 12 learners are stepping into what is arguably the most critical phase of their academic journey. Seen as a rehearsal for the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, prelims play a crucial role in determining university eligibility and bursary opportunities.

Contents

Why Matric Prelims Matter More Than You Think
Key Tips to Stay Focused During Matric Prelims
Final Words of Encouragement

The Department of Basic Education has reassured learners and parents that schools are fully prepared for a smooth examination process. However, academic success doesn’t just depend on preparedness at school; learners need focused, strategic study habits and strong mental resilience.

Why Matric Prelims Matter More Than You Think

While prelims don’t carry the same weight as the final NSC exams, they often mirror the format, time constraints, and pressure of the finals. In many cases, they also serve as predictors for matric results, influencing conditional offers from tertiary institutions.

For more on the school calendar, see our guide: When do Term 3 School Holidays Start?

According to the Department of Basic Education, learners should “treat prelims as a vital part of their exam journey,” noting that early performance can guide final preparation strategies.

Key Tips to Stay Focused During Matric Prelims

1. Manage Your Time with a Smart Study Timetable

Time management is essential. Break down study material by subject, prioritise challenging topics, and set achievable goals for each session. According to Merle Mansfield, Programme Director at the Zero Dropout Campaign, learners should:

“Break down subjects into manageable chunks, use past papers, and avoid cramming the night before.”

Consider applying the Pomodoro Technique: study for 25–50 minutes, followed by a 5–10-minute break to reset your brain.

2. Study Actively, Not Passively

Memorising notes is not enough. Engage with content by:

Explaining concepts aloud,
Quizzing yourself or a peer,
Using flashcards or mind maps,
Practising with past NSC exam papers.

As recommended by the DBE, this kind of active recall strengthens understanding and long-term memory retention. Access official past exam papers via the DBE portal.

3. Focus on Health and Wellness

Stress is inevitable, but manageable. Experts at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) advise learners to protect their mental health by getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and incorporating light exercise.

“The minute you start neglecting your mental health, the brain cannot function properly,” says Lebohang Mokoena, SADAG Volunteer Coordinator .

Short walks, breathing exercises, and switching off from screens before bed are all practical steps to help ease anxiety.

4. Use Past Papers to Your Advantage

One of the best ways to prepare is by working through previous exam papers under timed conditions. This familiarises learners with the exam structure, helps with time management, and highlights areas needing improvement.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube recently encouraged learners to “revise past papers and manage your time wisely,” urging them to view prelims as a dress rehearsal for finals.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Reward Yourself

Setting small, measurable goals keeps you motivated and prevents burnout. Reward yourself when goals are met—whether that’s a quick snack, a short walk, or 30 minutes of downtime. This builds a positive reinforcement cycle, helping sustain motivation through weeks of studying.

6. Don’t Compare, Stay in Your Lane

It’s tempting to compare your progress with friends, but this often leads to unnecessary stress. Focus on your own preparation and celebrate the improvements you make daily. Everyone learns at a different pace, and comparing your journey to others only distracts from your goals.