Navigating through your Matric Year – A message to the class of 2026

Welcome back and welcome to the year that will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine. Yes, it is already halfway through term 1, but, trust me, there is still more than enough time to set the tone for the rest of your matric journey.

This year will demand focus, grit and heart, but will also give you some of the most memorable moments of your school career.

Before I continue, I want to pause and speak about something very real: Your Mental Health. Matric is not just an academic challenge – it’s an emotional one too.

As powerful as the matric year can be, it’s also one of the highest – pressure periods in a young person’s life.

Term 1 Reality: This period is Foundational

• Teachers establish the year’s pace.
• Early assessments shape your revision strategy.
• Your habits become your routine in Term 3 crunch time.

Helpful Hints

• Look after your Mental Health

Take regular breaks; build a support circle; ask for help whether academic or emotional. Many Matriculants feel hopeless, ashamed or overwhelmed during their Matric year and fear disappointing loved ones.

Learners who fail or fear failure experience a roller coaster of emotions and SADAG notes the risk of extreme reactions when support systems are lacking.

• Create a Study System – Not just a schedule.
• Top-performing matriculants often credit past exam papers as their most effective tool for success.(Top performing matriculants site past papers as their number one success tool.)

Platforms like EduResource ZA offer free past exam papers and study guides (eduresourceza.com).

• Focused Attention: According to Department of Basic Education Performance Reports, subjects like Maths, Physical Science and Languages remain subjects that require focused attention. (DBE Past papers)

Suicide accounts for 9% of all teenage deaths in South Africa.

Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Reach out to us on the Mondia Health Hotline 076 509 4011, or

SADAG 24-HOUR TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567

Reference: SADAG; EduResourceZA; Dept of Basic Education