At the best of times matric exams throw the entire household into chaos. As the parent of a 2020 matric student, you’d be forgiven for asking: Why me? Why this year?! Matric is such an important rite of passage for both teens and their parents, and the global pandemic has played havoc with this special year in your child’s life. It can be incredibly hard to hold the space for your matric’s anxieties, disappointments and stresses, while dealing with your own fears, expectations and emotions about this tumultuous time.
The good news is that parents are actually far from helpless bystanders, and research shows that there is a lot that parents can do to provide much-needed support that will help your teen manage the stresses of writing matric in 2020. “Helping your child be emotionally, physically and mentally prepared is the greatest thing that you can do in this exceptional year,” says Counselling Psychologist, Lauren Martin who is on the panel at an upcoming SACAP (the South African College of Applied Psychology) webinar, Parents’ Guide to Matric Support. “Understanding the impact of emotional well-being on their performance and coming up with practical ways to guide them through their studies and exam time will help you, your matric student, and the whole family navigate the experience with far less stress and chaos, and with better outcomes.”
Joining Lauren Martin on the webinar panel is Esmarie Cilliers, a registered Counsellor in private practice with a special interest in Developmental Psychology and Personal Growth. She says, “Studying for success is not a question of luck or talent alone. Researchers agree that students who have a strategy or a plan for how they are going to study, achieve the best outcomes. Students who follow a plan and scientific methods learn more easily, retain information for longer periods of time, and save themselves hours of study time which enables them to have more balance in their lives.”
One of the key aspects of how matrics and their parents approach the matric exams rests in their attitudes and perspectives on the challenges, which have been amplified by all the disruptions of the pandemic. On the one hand, it has served up anxieties and disappointments, and on the other it has provided an extraordinary life experience where the matric student can embrace their growing independence and tap into their inner characteristics such as resilience and courage. There is the choice to view this incredibly challenging time as an opportunity to improve self-discipline, time management and study skills. Drawing on our own inner attributes can help us to harness the motivation, will power, creativity and coping skills that will unlock the 2020 matric cohorts’ potential and empower them to succeed.
Martin adds, “I would encourage every matric student and their parents to practice flexibility in planning and thinking about the future – especially this year, with all the additional stressors and challenges matric students have encountered. Every matric student is wondering about the next steps for them, whether that’s finding work, studying further or volunteering to gain experience. Rigid thinking around believing there is only one set way to achieve your goals exacerbates anxiety and pressure and often leaves students depressed and demobilized when they aren’t able to follow this specific, rigid plan. Rather, mapping out various pathways to your goal leaves students with options and possibilities, regardless of matric examination results. Other options come in to perspective such as, upgrading matric results; attaining a higher certificate prior to a degree programme; volunteering prior to work applications; considering trade qualifications or entrepreneurship opportunities. The mapping of possible routes to a fulfilling future is really endless, and matrics, and their parents, need to be reminded of the many possibilities they have.”
With a broader perspective, parents can also help in promoting and supporting practical, daily ways of taking physical, mental and emotional care of oneself. Sufficient sleep, supportive nutrition and being physically active every day too often fall by the wayside when study pressures mount. Yet, these are the very activities that support emotional well-being and optimal intellectual performance.
To find out more about how easy it can be for your child to get physically, mentally and emotionally in shape for the exams, parents can tune into SACAP’s free webinar Parents’ Guide to Matric Supporton Saturday, 26 September at 10:00 am. There will be two presentations by the experts focused on the importance of emotional well-being and planning for matric. There will also be a Q&A session so that you can address any personal challenges in a supportive and caring environment.
Join SACAP’s Parents’ Guide to Matric Support session on how to help your matric take control of exams with less stress. Join the Zoom webinar on Saturday, 26 September at 10:00 – 11:00. Visit https://www.sacap.edu.za/events/parents-guide-to-matric-support-26-september-2020/ to RSVP and save your seat for the Parents’ Guide to Matric Support webinar.
For any matriculant who is interested in the field of psychology, counselling, Human Resource Management or Business Management, SACAP offers a wide range of qualifications, including Higher Certificate, Advances Certificate, BAppSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling), BAppSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management), BappSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Business Managemet), BPsych, and a one-of-a-kind approach to learning: academic rigour and applied skills. Graduating confident skilled practitioners is key, which is why SACAP combines an academically rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on the ability to apply knowledge through the training of relevant skills. Registration for 2021 Term One, is now open and class space is limited. For further information, visit: www.sacap.edu.za
Parenting Hub is one of South Africa’s largest online lifestyle magazines, targeted toward Parents.
We understand that there are many aspects that encompass a Mother, Father or Child and strive toward providing resources and services that accommodates this.
Our content is aimed to inform and educate families on issues starting from pregnancy through to the challenges of the teen-age years.
ARTICLE BY PROF RITA NIEMANN, NALIZE MARAIS, ZENDRÉ SWANEPOEL AND MONIERA MOOSA
Bullying is a great concern for both parents and schools. Here we outline a number of measures that can help them both parties deal with bullying.
Parents
When parents notice that their child is behaving differently – not wanting to go to school, using illness as an excuse, suddenly performing poorly at school or enuresis – and suspect bullying, they need to act immediately.
Firstly, they must determine where this is happing (at school, at a sports club, on social media, etc.) and who the perpetrator(s) are.
Secondly, if the bullying is taking place in an organised environment such as at school or sports club, the authorities need to be informed and requested to step in. They are legally bound to protect the rights of the child.
Thirdly, parents have the responsibility to equip their children to cope by:
Instilling the knowledge that children must take a stand and that they have a choice in allowing someone else to victimise them.
Assisting children to terminate relationships that are potentially harmful, such as blocking a person on social media.
Helping them to identify bullies and the different forms of bullying.
Creating a safe space for children to speak about what is happening to them.
Emphasising assertive verbal communication if threatened.
Building children’s self-concept.
Getting the help of a psychologist, if necessary, to counsel the victim.
Emphasising that respectful behaviour is always the best option and thus preventing retaliation.
Fostering problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with the focus on restoring damaged relationships.
Working collaboratively to solve the problem with their children so that they can feel reassured.
Schools
As bullying is a deliberate act to hurt someone, there must be consequences for the bully. Once teachers are aware that a bullying incident has taken place at school, the matter must be dealt with by:
Asking the victim to provide the names of the perpetrator(s), as well as the names of friends of the victim, as soon as he/she has calmed down.
Counselling the victim and finding out whether he/she has been injured and what effect the bullying or harassment has had on him or her.
Cultivating a “no blame” approach towards bullying or harassment.
Establishing punitive sanctions for both the bully and for any bystanders.
Developing a bullying code of conduct/bullying policy and informing learners of this.
Having designated teachers to deal with incidents of bullying.
Facilitating mediation and discussions with the victim and the bully, depending on the severity of the bullying.
Passing the responsibility to the bully or group of bullies to make sure that the problem is solved.
Ensuring that potential bystanders understand that they have a vital role to play during bullying incidents.
Letting the victims feel protected after they have reported the incident.
Encouraging learners to make suggestions on how they can contribute to alleviating the negative experiences of the victim.
Scheduling follow-up meetings to monitor the situation where each party has to share how things are going.
Informing the parents of both the bully and the victim about the incident/s.
The principal and teachers have a crucial role to play in directing learners towards becoming responsible citizens. They should create a safe and secure environment, establish a non-violent culture, and be good role models for all learners.
Reference
Niemann, R., Marais, N., Swanepoel, Z. & Moosa, M. 2016. Problem areas in schools In: Jacobs, M. Teaching-learning Dynamics, Johannesburg: Pearsons
Parenting Hub is one of South Africa’s largest online lifestyle magazines, targeted toward Parents.
We understand that there are many aspects that encompass a Mother, Father or Child and strive toward providing resources and services that accommodates this.
Our content is aimed to inform and educate families on issues starting from pregnancy through to the challenges of the teen-age years.
University presents learners with a range of challenges whether they will be moving out or staying at home, so prepare well ahead of time to avoid any nasty surprises!
When living in residence or off-campus accommodation
Living away from home can be nerve-racking for even the most adventurous of learners. Here are some tips on how to prepare for living away from home:
If the student accommodation doesn’t provide food, learners should learn how to cook easy, nutritious meals if they don’t know how to do so already. Also, very rarely does student accommodation offer laundry service, so learners should make sure they know how to do their own laundry if they’ll be doing it for the first time.
Ensure the accommodation has a working internet connection. While Wi-Fi is widely available on campus and most campuses have 24/7 libraries, having internet access at ‘home’ will make completing your studies a lot easier.
Learners should try to get to their new home well ahead of time to familiarise themselves with the surroundings, particularly places like grocery stores and bookstores. Also find a local GP and hospital – if there is an emergency, better to be safe than sorry (and invest in a first aid kit)! Arriving early will also give learners time to buy any things they may need, like cutlery, crockery, and so on.
If the student accommodation is shared, learners should set boundaries with their new roommate(s) regarding socialising hours, cleaning up, quiet time, and so forth. Also, invest in a pair of shower slippers as communal showers are often a breeding ground for nasty fungal infections.
Make a list of things to pack, and tick them off as you pack. Most critical will be paperwork, legal documentation, and a bank card. If necessary, learners should ensure they have all the necessary medication they need and make sure they have a new prescription ready for when refills run out.
When living at home
Living at home as a varsity student might be even more challenging than living away from home for the first time. Here are some tips on how to survive:
Join societies to help make friends. If a learner is not living in student accommodation, it will inevitably be more difficult to socialise and meet new people. University sports and cultural clubs are a great way to socialise with fellow students outside of lecture halls.
Learners and their family members absolutely must set boundaries well ahead of time. These boundaries include:
Leisure time: it is vital to give learners some time to rest when they have come home after a long day of lectures. Don’t harass them as soon as they set foot in the door, they’re tired and need rest. Decide on agreeable ‘relaxation time’.
Socialising: agree on rules like curfew, staying over at friends’ houses, keeping in contact with parents while out on the town, and so forth.
Attending lectures and tutorials: while not ideal, often students will need to skip one or two to study for a test or complete an assignment. Start managing expectations surrounding class attendance ahead of time.
These boundaries must be seen as compromises rather than forced stipulations. Your child is an adult now – treat them as such.
Keep the lines of communication open and have regular open and honest conversations. Learners need to know that they can count on their parents if something goes wrong, whether academically or in their personal lives. Making mistakes is a part of growing up, and if your child is staying at home for the duration of their studies, you are on this journey with them.
Irrespective of whether a learner will be living at home or not, there are some general guidelines to prepare learners:
Take a tour of the campus and make notes of where different buildings are – this will make navigating them easier when lectures begin.
Have a look at the orientation week programme as soon as you receive it. Choose which events you would like to attend, or which you think will be helpful. Participating in ‘O-week’ is a fantastic way to get to know the campus and new people.
Purchase your learning material as soon as you get your book list and get stuck into the recommended reading before lectures even start. University involves a lot of self-studying, and often, having done the reading ahead of time is a prerequisite for attending the class, so get into the habit now.
Varsity is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students. With the parents’ help, support, and guidance, these can be some of the best years of a learner’s life!
Parenting Hub is one of South Africa’s largest online lifestyle magazines, targeted toward Parents.
We understand that there are many aspects that encompass a Mother, Father or Child and strive toward providing resources and services that accommodates this.
Our content is aimed to inform and educate families on issues starting from pregnancy through to the challenges of the teen-age years.
At School of Rock Parktown North, we don’t just teach kids how to play instruments, we help them build confidence, creativity, community, and lifelong skills. As the year winds down and festive energy sets in, many of you are probably looking for enriching activities that give you and the kids more than just a hobby. Here’s why the School of Rock experience is a perfect fit for the season!
Beyond Notes: The Many Benefits of Music Education
Music isn’t just fun; it’s transformative. Learning an instrument or singing can improve language development, memory, concentration, and even academic performance.
Improves cognitive and academic skills: Understanding rhythm, structure and patterns in music helps develop spatial and mathematical thinking; which can translate into better performance in school subjects like maths.
Develops discipline, patience and focus: Learning music requires regular practice, persistence, and the ability to work through challenges, which are all skills that carry over into homework, school projects, and everyday life.
Boosts self‑esteem, emotional expression and confidence: Performing music, whether in a band or on stage, gives children the chance to express themselves, overcome nerves, and feel proud of their progress.
Strengthens social skills and teamwork: Playing in a band or group helps children learn to listen, collaborate, and support each other while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Why School of Rock Parktown North Does It Differently
At School of Rock Parktown North, we believe that learning music should be fun, social, and purposeful. Our model combines individual lessons with band rehearsals and live-performance opportunities, giving kids a real chance to experience what it’s like to be in a rock band.
Performance-based learning: Students stay motivated, focused, and excited to practice because they’re working toward real shows.
Real-world experience: Our instructors are working musicians who teach both the mechanics of music and what it means to perform, collaborate, and connect.
Songs kids love: Rather than starting with strict theory, students learn using the music they enjoy, making the experience personal and meaningful.
Inclusive and supportive community: Beginners and experienced players alike are welcomed. We value progress, effort, and self-expression over perfection.
This festive season, our Holiday Workshops give children a fun, structured way to explore music while school is out. Open to both new and current students during December and January, these workshops offer:
Hands-on experience with instruments, vocals, and group jams
Confidence-boosting exercises and creative challenges
Social connection and teamwork with new friends
Mini performances to end the holidays on a high note
Whether a child is picking up an instrument for the first time or expanding existing skills, our workshops provide inspiration, fun, and confidence through music. Please pop us an email at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more info and to book a slot!
Corporate Year-End Workshops & Team- building events
School of Rock Parktown North also offers corporate and adult-focused workshops that are perfect for companies looking for a creative way to celebrate the end of the year. These sessions are designed to be fun, team-oriented, and stress-relieving:
Try instruments, vocals, and rhythm exercises in a relaxed, fun setting
Strengthen teamwork, communication, and collaboration
Take a creative break from work and enjoy a stress-free musical experience
These workshops offer a unique, memorable way to close out the year; combining music, collaboration, and a little bit of festive cheer. Reach out at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more details.
A Great Time to Start (or Re-Start)
With the new year around the corner, there’s no better time to explore what music can offer. Whether you or your child has never touched an instrument, are looking to deepen skills, or want a creative team-building experience, School of Rock Parktown North is ready to welcome you all with open arms.
Parenting Hub is one of South Africa’s largest online lifestyle magazines, targeted toward Parents.
We understand that there are many aspects that encompass a Mother, Father or Child and strive toward providing resources and services that accommodates this.
Our content is aimed to inform and educate families on issues starting from pregnancy through to the challenges of the teen-age years.
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