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2017 Grade 12 learners This is your opportunity to make your dreams come true

Grade 12 is a challenging and demanding year for learners. You need extra support and good advice. This booklet seeks to motivate and encourage current Grade 12 learners by providing the success stories of some of the learners who did well in past National Senior Certificate Examinations. These learners share their stories by first giving their backgrounds, highlighting the strategies that they used to

ensure good results, and then providing words of encouragement and motivation.

It is hoped that, upon reading the stories of these successful NSC candidates, you will be encouraged and convinced that, irrespective of your situation and the challenges that you face, you can achieve success if you work harder and smarter.

Reading and Learning The SQ3R Method of Textbook Study

The SQ3R method is a proven, step-by-step strategic approach to learning and studying from textbooks. Why is it successful? Because it helps you to discover the important facts and ideas that are contained in your textbook, and master and retain that information so that you are prepared for an examination.

SQ3R is an abbreviation to help you remember the steps and to make references to it simpler. The symbols stand for the steps followed in using the method: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. A description of each of these steps is given below:

These five steps, when applied to textbook assignments, will help you in making your study time more efficient and effective. While this method will take time and practice to master, once it is learned and applied, it will no longer be necessary to re-read textbook chapters. The added benefit of using the SQ3R Method is that often you will find your own questions on a test. Because many instructors use the textbook as an outline for their courses, test questions will be coming from the same source as yours. As you review your notes and texts, you will be able to predict and prepare answers for many exam questions.

1. SURVEY: (before class) Read the following: This survey should take no more than 10-25 minutes, even on the longest chapter. The purpose of surveying the chapter is to get a general idea of what it is going to be about, what kind of information the author gives, how many sub-topics the information is broken down into, and how much time you will have to spend reading it.

À Chapter Title À Introduction À Objectives À Vocabulary À Summary À Review questions À Boldface headings À Graphics and their accompanying captions

2. QUESTION: (before class) Turn each boldfaced heading into a question by using one of the following words: who, what, where, when, why, or how.

À The reason for creating a question out of each heading is to set a purpose for reading the material in more detail. When you are reading to find the answer to a specific question, you are reading actively.

3. READ: (after class)Actively read the section of the text accompanying the heading for an answer to the question you asked yourself in step 2. The answer will usually be made up of the main idea(s) of the paragraph(s) and the supporting details. Read the section to find the answer. The purpose of reading is to find the answer to your question.

4. RECITE: (after class)Recite the answer to each question to yourself. Put the answer into your own words, or rephrase the author’s words. Be sure that you can recall the answer, not just recognize the information as correct. Write the questions in your notebook along with a few key words or phrases that summarize the answer. The purpose of doing this is to help you think about and understand what you have read. When you rewrite or rephrase what you read, your comprehension and retention will improve.

5. REVIEW: (before next class)To review, cover the answers and ask yourself the questions. If you can’t answer the question, look at your notes and test yourself again. Once you are sure you know and understand the question and answer, check it off. The purpose of reviewing is to help you prepare for the eventual test. Remember that very few people read textbooks for pleasure; they are read to acquire information and to remember and apply it. Reviewing helps you remember the information.

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Nur-Aini Benjamin Claremont High School - Matric 2016You have probably heard several speeches about how one can succeed, and I cannot say that I am going to tell you anything different from the norm.

Ideally, success is the art of consistency. Success is not defined by one action that turns into this massive accomplishment overnight. If that does happen, well then, “lucky you”. Rather, success is achieved after one has done small amounts of the given task every single day - with the possibility of failing, but retrying until one starts succeeding. However, there is one key element to achieving your goals: the WILL to achieve.

If you have a burning desire to achieve, you will do whatever it takes in order to succeed.

You will naturally accept the sacrifices you need to make, and will look forward to the challenges you may face. You will learn to see your challenges as opportunities rather than as obstacles. Either the opportunity to achieve something you have never achieved before, or the opportunity to learn a new, valuable life lesson.

One of the more daunting aspects of our existence as human beings is that we are ALWAYS going to be tested. Giving up is probably the easiest thing that one can do. We should always remember that persistence is an act of bravery that will exhaust you, but giving up is a cowardly act that will haunt you forever.

One cool thing about being a human is that we are incredibly adaptable to change. Take stepping into an ice-cold swimming pool for example. The anticipation or anxiety is a lot worse than the actual outcome. You’ll put one of your feet into the frigid waters and it will be unbearable … but soon your body starts adjusting to the temperature, and by the time you have your second foot in, you’re already used to the temperature. Before you know it, you’ll be having the time of your life swimming and will not want to get out.

Before I sway too far off topic, it is important to remember that success equals your will, plus your work and less your distractions. So manage your time well, study hard, tackle your challenges bit by bit and study again.

The year ahead will seem very daunting with huge volumes of work to cover in a shorter period. The prospects and opportunities for 2016 and beyond might seem few and far between but you need to develop the kind of grit and audacity that will be needed to soldier on through the challenges of the

coming year. Remember the words of Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend who said: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit.

Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’”

Sikhanyisiwe, Mondeor High School – Matric 2016Oh Matric! One exciting but terrifying year of your life. This is your final chance to make things right. To make the most out of your school career and make

decisions that will change the rest of your life.

My name is Sikhanyisiwe I am currently in grade 12. I must say the pressure builds up each time we get closer and closer to our final exams, but you know what?.... You have to keep on going until you reach that finish line. Never give up, you have made it this far from grade one. If you put your mind to it, nothing and no one will come in your way.

Select what is mostly important. Be realistic about it. Plan your schedule wisely and follow through. It is one thing writing on a piece of paper and another actually doing what's on that paper. Make time for both your schooling and social life. Get all the emotional, physical and mental support that you can possibly get. Do not be ashamed to tell your friends that you need time out. This year is about you and nobody else. Your teachers are there to support you; do not be afraid to ask for their help. When you make a mistake cry over it yes, but also learn from it. Always try and find new and exciting ways to make your studying efficient.

There are many lessons you will learn from this journey. It is your choice weather you will observe each lesson or let it slide like it does not matter. All you need to do is .... Believe in yourself ask the God that you believe in to fight this battle with you. Stay positive. Like the saying goes " You choose which wolf to feed , the good wolf or the bad wolf." Surround yourself with positivity and smile although it is difficult.

Help each other,you learn a lot from that. Do not beat yourself too much if you didn't reach your goal, instead try harder. Keep on digging, the reward will be worth it in the end. It is a rough journey, it has obstacles that just test how strong you are. Tell yourself everyday that you CAN and WILL do it no matter what!

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Matrics it is also important to remember.... Rest. Your body can only do so much. Eat healthily, exercise - it gives you that sense of relief and have a little bit of " you" time so you can reflect on your inner self and keep a focused mind.

I would like to wish each and every one of you a blessed and successful year and remember: "Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable."

Lonwabo Notana Chris Hani Arts and Culture High School – Matric 2016Our deepest fear is that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that

most frightens us. We ask ourselves; who am l to be brilliant gorgeous talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? (Nelson Mandela (1994) from Marianne Williamson’s book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Harper Collins, 1992.)

I have read this saying countless times, seen people actually apply it and some have created works of art out of it. It is until this year that l realised l did not know its meaning and power, but now l do. Many times in life we are thrown into situations that test us, and make us see the world as a big, cold place where we do not belong and with no opportunity and no success. Being a learner, one sometimes becomes overwhelmed by circumstances that we forget that there is always a ray of light at the edge of every dark cloud. Everything seems to be going against you to a point you even question your sanity. What you only feel is defeat, you want to give up. Well, those times show you just how strong you are and teach you that there is no such thing as: I CAN’T or IMPOSSIBLE, because with everything you see as impossible there is always a possibility.

In March 2015, l injured myself during a Drama rehearsal. I was in grade 11, and when the X-ray confirmed that l had actually fractured my tibia, l was completely devastated. l cried my eyes out, thinking my academic life was over since l was also a Dance Studies student. I thank God that l still managed to pass grade 11. However, the real challenge was grade 12 which had so much work. My fracture was not healing and due to the bungling of some doctors, it was actually getting worse! What was l going to do for my Dance

Studies practical exam? With no marks there was no chance that l would get a matric certificate. Even some officials were already suggesting that l will have to come back the following year to complete my matric. Crushed, defeated and hurt; l cannot explain exactly how l felt. The one thing that kept registering in my mind is that my leg will never heal, hence goodbye to my future and my dreams.

I am fortunate that l have amazing teachers who went beyond their call of duty to find an alternative to my practical exam. You may think things got easier, but this was the hardest thing ever. I was given a project topic to research and submit; something which l know a tertiary student with all the resources would have struggled to manage. Furthermore, l was supposed to present my research project in front of a panel of examiners. The journey to preparing the project wasn’t easy; at one time one official told me that the draft l had shown was really pathetic and l was going to fail. It broke my spirit.

One important thing is that one must have good relations with teachers. My Dance teacher was there for me throughout. My Drama teacher would tell me, ‘hold your head above the water, don’t drown, you will make it.’ He was there to assist with and guide the research project as well. This made me realise that l could actually make it. When the day for the examinations came, lots of last minute complications obviously happened; the presentation disappearing from the flash disk and struggling to print. I held myself together. The feedback was amazing to say the least. Some examiners on the panel literally shed tears; the level of my work was the best they had ever seen! Even some third-year university students would not have managed that!

This made me realise that when life trips you down, never allow the blow to cripple you, but our future needs strong young people who choose to stand up and complete the race. Always remember that obstacles will always be there, but you are bigger than them.

SO I ASK YOU AGAIN, WHO ARE YOU NOT TO BE WHAT YOU WANT??

Attend school every day and any extra tuition offered to you.

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Making a career choice …Do you know…

• What you would like to become one day?• What career you plan to pursue after school?• What subjects you will need to study for this

career?• Where you will study?• How you will pay for your studies?

Are you able to…

• Plan well for your future?• Make informed decisions about a career? • Make good choices?

LET THE WCED ASSIST YOU TODAY….

This book is filled with information on FET subjects and possible careers that can be pursued if you have selected these subjects.

The subjects that you have selected can lead you to a variety of career fields within which you will find a multitude of careers to select from, amongst others:

Languages and Communication: editor, writer, Interpreter, journalist, translator

Visual Arts & Design: art teacher, artist, advertising, clothing designer, dental technician

Performing Arts: actor, comedian, disc jockey, make-up artist, television producer

Marketing and sales: advertising, entrepreneur, fashion buyer, tourism and travel

Management and Planning: administrative officer, event manager, project manager

Financial Management: accountant, auditor, treasurer, credit controller, broker

Clerical and Secretarial: secretary, receptionist, data capturer, proof reader

Plants and Animals: tour leader, agriculturist, biologist, horticulturist, zoologist

Sport: biokineticist, sport coach, fitness instructor, personal trainer, referee

Trades: agricultural technician, carpenter, coppersmith, locksmith, welder

Engineering: air traffic controller, draughtsman, civil engineer, mechanical engineer

Sciences: biochemist, cartographer, chemist, physicist, soil scientist, nuclear scientist

Computers: business systems analyst, computer hardware/ software engineer

Health Sciences: dentist, dermatologist, internist, medical doctor, psychiatrist

Health Support Services: dietician, health worker, nurse, occupational therapist

Social Sciences: ambassador, editor, historian, political scientist, social worker

Law: lawyer, advocate, investigator, foreign affairs officer, public protector

Education and Support Services: au pair, career counselor, teacher, librarian

Creative Services: caterer, chef, engraver, hairdresser, hotel manager, sign-writer

General Services: air hostess, barber, chauffeur, cleaner, meter reader, taxi driver

Law Enforcement and protection Services: policeman, soldier, traffic officer

Find a career that will be compatible with the subjects that you have chosen. If you are not sure whether your interests and talents will guide you to a career, it is important that you complete the interest questionnaire or self-explorative exercise that is part of the information on the PACE Career Centre’s CD or in the PACE Career Directory that is available at your school. It is important that you research the careers in order to find answers to all your questions.

The interest questionnaire allows you to reply YES/NO to 105 random interest questions, regarding likes/dislikes, talents, interests, personality, etc.. After completing the entire questionnaire, a profile is shown of the career fields that you could be interested in, based on your replies. The career directory gives a list of 21 career fields, but there could be more. The career fields are arranged from most interested to least interested. Now you may research the field to determine which careers holds your interest most, and then research specific careers.

Speak to your Life Orientation teachers at school. They will be able to assist you with more information on possible careers.