Be kind to yourself during preparations, says top learner
Jayden Jonkers,19, of Portland Secondary, is the Head Boy and part of the Representative Council of Learners(RCL)
Image: Supplied
As the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are set to begin on Tuesday, the country and province’s current top learner for the year 2024, has shared his secret recipe of how he made it while new candidates expressed their journey and preparedness.
On Friday, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube carried out the NSC Pledge Signing Ceremony with the Matric Class of 2025 at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha.
In January 2024, the pass rate made history with 86.6%, a 5.1 percent increase.
Education MEC David Maynier announced this year there are 77, 442 Western Cape candidates who will start their exams on October 21.
This includes 67,606 full-time (3,231 more than 2024) and 9,836 part-time/repeat candidates. Exams conclude on November 26, 2025, with 112 papers. Mathematical Literacy has the most candidates (53,206), while Sesotho First Additional Language and Setswana Home Language each have one candidate.
The exams involve 473 centers, 2,046 invigilators, and 954,000 scripts marked by 4,190 markers in December.
. Rayyan Ebrahim. pic supplied.
Image: supplied
National and provincial pass rates will be announced on January 12, 2026, with individual results released the next day.
Rayyan Ebrahim, was the 2024 top learner nationally and provisionally and attended Pinelands High excelling in Mathematics and Algebra.
Cape Argus caught up with Ebrahim on how he did it and his advice to current learners, adding that preparing weeks ahead was the method he used.
He is completing his first year at UCT pursuing Business Science degree, specializing in Statistics and Data Science.
“You would have already studied most of the content, so use this time to brush up on those topics that you found most difficult in the trial exams. The exam period is also quite long, so make sure to look after yourself physically and mentally by eating well, sleeping well and exercising," he said.
“Try not to isolate yourself during this time - you may not be attending classes at school anymore but you will still need the support from your peers. Forming study groups with them is a really effective way to study.
“Be kind to yourself now and throughout the exams. You may be feeling a lot of pressure to do well, but seek contentment in doing your best, rather than in getting good marks.”
He added that he frequently went on walks to take a break while I was studying.
“For the final stretch of exams, I found that fine-tuning my knowledge was the most effective way to study. The main method I used to study was to teach myself and my friends the content I was learning,” he stated.
Jayden Jonkers, 19, of Portland Secondary, who is the Head Boy, part of the Representative Council of Learners(RCL) and prefect shared the challenges he faced failing a year but did not give up.
“The reason it took me 13 years to finish school was largely due to challenges I faced in primary school, if I'm correct I repeated Grade 3 because of family conflicts, particularly with one of my siblings who was going through a tough phase," he said.
“One teacher made a statement once, saying, "The only way we can minimise poverty is through education," and that really resonated with me. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't want my future children to go through the same pain and hurt I experienced, especially with an absent father. That's why I strive for excellence to be excellent and make a better life for myself and possibly my future family.”
Rayhaan Johnson, 18, of Rocklands High School, who received 11 certificates last week during his valedictory with his father, Shahiem Johnson.
Image: Supplied
Rayhaan Johnson, 18, of Rocklands High School, who received 11 certificates last week during his valedictory said he uses the method of focusing on his weaker subjects first.
“My preparation involves consistency and balance. I avoid cramming by making sure to study a little each day. I schedule myself to become familiar with exam settings and practice answering questions using past papers. I also put more effort into learning my weaker subjects first, rather than simply reviewing what I already know.
I've also found that taking quick pauses, drinking plenty of water, and getting sufficient sleep have all helped me stay focused. My biggest tip is to start early, stay organized, and believe in your abilities."
Isla-Maeve Lashmar, 18, of Table View High School said feeling nervous was all part of the journey but she is using methodology by using the WCED’s portal.
“To prepare for my exams, I am using active recall techniques to help me memorise and understand my work more effectively. I also make use of the WCED ePortal, which provides valuable study resources and past papers. This helps me identify which topics I am confident in and which areas still need improvement."