Matric exams: Experts reveal what pupils should focus on now

As matric pupils prepare to sit their final exams on October 13, 2026, education experts are urging them to steer clear of last-minute cramming, especially in subjects like Mathematics and Physical Sciences. With the final weeks of preparation upon them, the experts emphasize focused revision, past papers and addressing areas of confusion could help improve outcomes.

Mathematics and Physical Sciences continue to pose difficulties for many students. While the national matric pass rate was 88% in 2025, only around a third of students opted to take Mathematics. The pass rate for Mathematics dropped to 64% in 2025, compared to 69% in the previous year, and nearly a third of those who attempted the subject failed. In Physical Sciences, fewer than 30% of candidates achieved 50% or higher.

Teneo Online School's Tracey Clayton, a phase head, advises pupils to use the remaining time wisely rather than spreading their attention evenly across all subjects. "It's tempting to give every subject the same amount of attention in the final weeks, but that isn't the most effective use of your time," she explains. "While all subjects are important, they don't all require the same level of revision."

Clayton recommends considering current marks, career aspirations and identifying areas where additional effort could lead to better results. She warns against expecting to make significant improvements in Mathematics and Physical Sciences by merely re-reading notes in the last few weeks. "The subjects pupils struggle with the most are the hardest to turn around in the final weeks," she notes.

"Understanding in these subjects is built over time, so you can't fix earlier gaps by simply re-reading your notes or trying to relearn everything three weeks before the exam."

Education expert Hendrick Makaneta echoes this advice, urging students to prioritize revision, practice exam questions and seek help from teachers when needed. "Consistent preparation is key to prevent last-minute panic," he says. "Learners should work through problems, understand their mistakes and learn from them rather than just memorising solutions."

According to Makaneta, past papers can help students develop application skills, time management and exam technique. He suggests using mistakes made during past papers to identify weaknesses and then tackling similar questions. Clayton also stresses the importance of practising past papers under timed conditions and learning from errors. She advises students to focus on areas where they can still gain marks and ensure they're getting enough sleep.

Makaneta cautions that insufficient sleep could actually be detrimental. "Adequate sleep and a healthy routine are very important," he advises. "We don't want a situation where pupils may sleep in the exam room."

The experts also highlight the issue of unequal access to academic support, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Private tutoring may not be an option for every family, and the impact of additional support is often more pronounced when provided consistently throughout the year rather than just in the final weeks. Clayton emphasizes that not all students have equal access to extra academic assistance.

Makaneta adds that this disparity in support contributes to performance gaps, particularly in these challenging subjects.

He suggests that the government should intervene earlier by providing stronger foundations for struggling students to level the playing field. Clayton concludes that the final weeks should focus on strengthening existing knowledge rather than attempting to repair an entire year's worth of gaps. "The last few weeks should be about reinforcing what pupils already know, not trying to fix an entire year," she states.