Soweto - It is an anxious day for the thousands of matrics from underperforming schools sitting for the first written exam this morning - English Paper 1.
BuaNews caught up with learners from two schools that performed poorly in 2010, Senaone Secondary and Meadowlands High School in Soweto.
"Although I have studied, I'm unsure if I have studied enough," said Tebogo Mathebula of Senaone Secondary. He said he was so nervous he was not able to eat his breakfast in the morning.
"I just couldn't eat anything because I keep going back to my books to see if I have not missed a chapter or something ... because I can't mess up this opportunity," the 17-year-old said.
Although his single mother has not put aside money for him to pursue a tertiary education; he wants to study Information Technology. "Most people I know choose to work after matric... I want to study further so that I can improve the situation at home," he said.
Nthabiseng Ntseare said the morning had been characterised by "butterflies in the stomach and worrying thoughts".
"I'm worried... I don't know if I will be able to answer the questions," she said.
Principal Joe Mabaso, who only took up his post in August, was more confident that his learners would "break a leg".
He said the school had introduced afternoon classes, where the focus was on revision and exam technique. The leaners were also exposed to school camps, which are hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education.
"Attitude has changed in the school, from learners, teachers, parents, the school governing body as well as the community," said Mabaso.
At Meadowlands High, leaners started gathering as early as 7.30am and were looking just as nervous.
"I'm nervous but I'm more than prepared. I have sacrificed my spare time to catch up on my school work and I'm confident that I will do well," said one learner, who did not want to be named.
The Gauteng Education Department is hoping to reach an 80% pass rate by 2014. In 2010, the pass rate was 78.6%.
The matric exams will end on 1 December whereby the marking process will commence.
