The Truth About Exam Stres

Amo Mono and Ilde Gricius

Exams. Just hearing the word can make your heartbeat faster. Your hands may feel sweaty, and suddenly, you forget all of the things you studied the night before. Here’s the truth: exam stress is actually normal, and almost every learner experiences it.

Many people think exam stress means that you are not ready but that’s not the case. A little bit of stress can push you to study and stay focused. The problem starts when the stress becomes too much.

Sometimes, learners place too much pressure on themselves. They think they must get perfect marks, or they will fail in life. But one test cannot measure your full potential, your talents or dreams.

So, what can you do about exam stress? Start by preparing early – DO NOT wait until the last minute. Talking to a friend or teacher can make you feel better. Most importantly believe in yourself, you are more capable than you think.

Vir die graad 8’tjies, was daar wel ‘n groot onsekerheid wat deur die atmosfeer gesweef met hul eerste toets reeks in die hoërskool. Met moeiliker en meer ingewikkelde leerwerk, is die nuwe stres verstaanbaar. Die graad 8’s het genoem dat dit vir hulle ‘n groot aanpassing was. So, wat presies het hulle geleer?  Dat dit belangrik is om jou tyd reg te spandeer en om sekere skoolwerk te prioritiseer.

Tog, het dit darem nie te sleg gegaan nie; met behulp van oulike en entoesiastiese onderwysers het die toetse verby gevlieg - of dit nou wiskunde, Afrikaans of natuurwetenskappe was. Alhoewel die rapporte dalk bietjie anders mag lyk, is dit ‘n goeie wakker skrik ervaring en gee hul tyd om uit hul foute te leer.

Hoërkool is soms oorweldigend, maar ons nuwe bloed het vinnig hul voete gevind en ingetree om hard te leer en te fokus in die klas. Ons almal hou maar duim vas vir goeie punte!