Your Matric 2019 survival guide

The 2019 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, known as the matric exams, take place from 23 October to 28 November with some practical examinations (such as the Computer Application Technology exam) starting on  16 October.

In Gauteng alone, there are 1,007 centres registered to administer exams, 667 of which are schools and 11 at correctional services facilities. 

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Click below for the full NSC exam timetable: 

The IEB’s matric exams timetable can be found below: 

NSC matrics can find past exam papers on the Department of Basic Education (DBE)’s website, as well as various subject guides. 

Among the tips provided for matrics by the DBE count: 

• Break up your learning sections into manageable parts. 

• Keep your study sessions short but effective and reward yourself with short, constructive breaks.

• Your brain learns well with colours and pictures. Try to use them whenever you can.

• Sleeping at least 8 hours every night, eating properly and drinking plenty of water are all important things you need to do for your brain. 

Depression and anxiety become a reality for many in this time - the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has a number of resources to equip both matrics and their families. Their ADHD helpline number is 0800 55 44 33, and their suicide crisis line number is 0800 567 567. 

The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) notes that there is a number of ways parents can help nurture mental health in exam times. These include: 

1. Make your child’s emotional well-being a priority

2. Promote and enable proactive stress management

3. Promote and enable healthy living

4. Make sure expectations are realistic

5. Model the emotional well-being you want for them