Welcome to the first instalment of our 4-step survival guide on helping your child tackle their preliminary exams with confidence.
Before you get into timetables and late-night revision, it’s vital to lay a strong foundation at home — and understand what these exams really mean for your child’s future.
Step 1: Understand the “why” behind prelims
In the South African education system, prelims are so much more than just practice papers. They’re a dress rehearsal for the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams — and they can have a real impact on your child’s confidence, motivation, and next steps.
- A realistic wake-up call:
Prelims are designed to be slightly tougher than finals. This highlights weak spots and pushes learners to work harder for that final push. - Essential for university applications:
For many Matrics, prelim results are the latest marks universities see. Good prelim results can lead to provisional acceptance — easing some pressure before the final exams. - Perfecting exam strategy:
Prelims are a golden opportunity to practise real exam conditions: managing time, answering different question types, and handling nerves.
Step 2: Create a conducive home environment
Your child’s surroundings make all the difference when they’re preparing for exams. Your job? Make sure they feel supported physically and emotionally.
The physical space:
- A dedicated study zone:
Set up a quiet, well-lit area that’s always available for study time. No distractions like TV or noisy conversations — and mobile phones only when needed for study. - Gather the right resources:
Make sure they have all they need: textbooks, stationery, a reliable calculator, and past exam papers to practise.
The emotional atmosphere:
- Foster open communication:
Make it safe for them to talk about fears or stress without judgement. Listen, don’t lecture. Phrases like, “It sounds like you’re under pressure” can help them feel heard. - Champion effort over grades:
Praise your child’s effort and consistency, not just the results. This builds healthy motivation and resilience. - Manage your own anxiety:
Teens pick up on your stress. Frame prelims as a learning experience — not the final verdict. Your calm approach is their anchor.
With this groundwork in place, your child will be ready to tackle the practical side of studying with more focus and less stress.
✅ In Part 2, we’ll show you how to help your teen build a realistic, balanced study master plan they’ll actually stick to.
