Try GOLD - Free

The final countdown: Grade 12 pupils speak about exam pressure and university dreams

Post

|

October 01, 2025

AS THE final exams approach, Grade 12 pupils from Verulam Secondary share their diverse study methods, stress management techniques, and university aspirations.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

From mechanical engineering to actuarial science, these matric pupils reveal how they are tackling the last school hurdle before embarking on their future careers.

With the exams set to start on October 21 - a day after Diwali - many pupils said they had mixed emotions - stress, anticipation and reflection.

Matric is the culmination of years of hard work at school and the final hurdle before pupils embark on tertiary studies or employment.

Verulam Secondary School pupils spoke to the POST recently about their preparation ahead of the exams, which will end on November 27.

Cayden Packreeappen, 18, of Ottawa, said he was stressed about the exams.

“I prepared well for the trials this month, but I am now beginning to feel the pressure of the final exams. But I keep reminding myself that I only need to do my best for myself and no one else.

“My favourite subject is maths and I am currently the top pupil for the subject, so I hope to do well in the finals.”

MORE STORIES FROM Post

Post

Post

AFCON quarter-finals spark outrage, prompting CAF’s misconduct probe amid outcry

THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a thorough investigation into incidents of misconduct that marred the closing moments of two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal matches.

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Post

From Batohi to Mothibi: a critical turning point for the NPA

President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of advocate Lekgoa (Andy) Mothibi as the new national director of public prosecutions has sparked controversy following Shamila Batohi's problematic tenure.

time to read

11 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Post

Koepka rejoins PGA Tour under new rules for LIV players

FIVE-TIME major winner Brooks Koepka announced his return to the PGA Tour on Monday under a new progam that creates a pathway back to the tour for stars who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Setting the record straight: Naidoo family break silence on legal proceeding

FIRST and foremost, we extend our sincere condolences to the Ramiah family for the loss of Julian.

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

What lies beyond the hype of matric results

SUCCESS in the high stakes National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams is regarded as the gateway to a better quality of life in South Africa.

time to read

4 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Why SA teams must ditch the ‘guest’ mentality to conquer Europe

THE honeymoon phase is officially over.

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Rosenior plots long Chelsea stay as Arsenal loom

NEW Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior said Monday he would love to be at the club for six years or longer as he prepares for a blockbuster League Cup semifinal against Arsenal.

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Post

The biggest January mistake: doing too much too soon

EVERY

time to read

2 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Post

Mother reveals son's final moments before kidnapping and murder

Syndicate headed by a 16-year-old allegedly targeting e-hailing drivers in Phoenix

time to read

5 mins

January 14, 2026

Post

Funeral industry clash: the fight for shrouded cremation rights

HEALTH RISKS

time to read

4 mins

January 14, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size