How To Reduce Your Stress During Matric Exams

ADvTECH Group • October 26, 2021

5 Tips to Help Reduce Stress During Exams

A woman is sitting at a desk in front of a window.

The Matric year is one of the most important years in a learner’s schooling career. The pressure to achieve good marks is one of the main reasons why the majority of students stress and worry about exams. Succumbing to negative stress doesn’t do any good and creates doubt in your ability to do well.

Stress and anxiety for final matric exams is completely normal. It’s your body signalling to you that it needs to remain on high alert for the significant event. Stress only becomes a problem once it starts crippling you. Some examples of exam stress symptoms are procrastination, struggling to sleep, excessive worrying and restlessness.

Put your fears aside and trust in your ability to do your best. If you believe that you have studied well and are feeling confident, you should have nothing to worry about. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, practice these 5 tips to help reduce stress during exams.

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’”

Audrey Hepburn

1. Create a work space and routine

Having your own personal work space allows you to feel at ease in your environment. This is your space to study and revise. It also tells your brain that its work time, not break time. It’s also important to set up a study routine to stay organised and focused. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Keep a calendar of when your exams are coming up and plan which days will be allocated for studying. Once you’ve done this, stick to your plan.

2. Give yourself study breaks & get enough rest

Studying continuously without breaks overstimulates the brain. When this happens, you tend to not retain the information that you are trying to absorb. It won’t hurt to take a 15 minute break so that you can give your mind a rest. You can even set up a reward system for yourself. If for example you finish one module, reward yourself with a treat.

Don’t brush off getting a good night’s sleep. Did you know that our brains transfer what we learn into long term memories while we sleep? (source) Now you have an even better reason to catch up on some much-needed rest.

3. Find alternative ways to burn off stress

Overcoming exam stress can be done in many ways. Exercising and moving your body promotes circulation and is an excellent stress reliever. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise, it can be as simple as taking a walk or dancing to shake away those pre-exam nerves.

4. Be prepared (past paper)

Depending on how you study, you would have created study notes to help make your life a little easier. Revision helps reduce exam stress. Another way to stay on top of your revision process is to test yourself regularly. Do past papers and score yourself on how you do. Not only does this test your knowledge, but it also helps you identify any pitfalls.

5. Have a positive mind-set

It’s easier said than done, but it really comes down to your mindset. You are your own motivator and the effort you put in is generally the result you get out. Staying positive and kind to yourself is essential during exams, you don’t want to over exert yourself. Believe in yourself, keep revising and give yourself those deserved study breaks.

Here at Trinityhouse, we would like to wish the Matrics of 2021 good luck for their final exams. Remember what you have learned throughout the year and give your absolute best no matter what. Read through the papers carefully and take your time. Good luck!

If you would like to learn more about Trinityhouse and what we stand for, click here. All future applications can be submitted here. Please submit all enquiries here.

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Helping your child make smart subject choices: a guide for South African parents

September 10, 2025

One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”