Matric is a stressful time in general, but during this lockdown it can be even harder to stay on track with your studies. Don’t panic Choma, these online tools and tips have you covered.

Department of Basic Education Website

On the Department of Basic Education website, you can find links to study-at-home resources for you and your parents, past papers to practice on and updates on how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect your matric schedule. 

Siyavula

Visit Siyavula to get access to free textbooks that break down your work and contain helpful explanations and exercises. Here are the subjects they have available for matric:

Mathematics

Maths Lit

Physics and Chemistry

Information Technology

Computer Applications Technology

YouTube

Did you know YouTube is not just for entertainment? You can find full tutorials and lessons on YouTube on most subjects by simply searching. A few good ones to start with are these 5 channels for Physics and Chemistry, and these channels for Mathematics. You can also find full-length audiobooks by searching for the title of the book and “audiobook”.

Planning apps

If you’re struggling to stay organised with your studies, get a planning app on your computer or phone. Many of these apps are free for Apple and Android phones, such as Any.Do. 

Look for online options

There are online options for study help you’d usually get in person. The first one you should know about is online tutoring sites like SkillUp Tutors, and the other is free learning sites such as KhanAcademy and Mindset.

Be proactive

Choma, it’s normal to feel a bit lost and helpless during this time but remember that the best way to empower yourself is by being proactive about your studies. This means taking your studies seriously, using the internet to find solutions to the problems you’re facing, and asking family, friends and your teachers for help. Doing this will make you feel in control of your studies, and it will save you from a lot of stress once school starts again.

Make an online study group

Just because you are not seeing your friends face-to-face anymore doesn’t mean you can’t keep each other motivated and share helpful information online. Create a Whatsapp or Facebook group, or have video chats together once or twice a week. Remember to keep the conversation all about your studies, and encourage everyone to share the tools, tips and study notes they’ve got. 

You can still succeed in matric and get the marks you were hoping for. Don’t let the lockdown make you feel defeated. Keep on studying hard and you’ll do great!

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).