The Secrets to Matric Success: Insights From A High Achieving Student
Getting a distinction in Maths, Life Orientation and Life Science has allowed me to qualify for bursaries.
Mokgadi Nthabeleng Ragedi, a post matriculant from Phomolong Secondary School as well as a former ETS student, managed to come out as top of her grade with 6 distinctions (Mathematics, English, Life Orientation, Physical Science, Life Sciences & Geography).
Mokgadi(17) faced a number of challenges in her final High School year. In this interview that we had with her, she takes us on a trip down memory lane of that year and gives us some of her top secrets to getting such outstanding results in the midst of an incredibly challenging time.
K = Kimberly Pasi - CEO of Elevate Tutorial Services
M = Mokgadi Ntabeleng Ragedi
K: The 2020 academic year was a year filled with a lot of uncertainties caused by the unexpected pandemic. What were your biggest fears when you were first told that you would have to learn from home?M: My biggest fear was not being able to stay disciplined and focused with school work while learning from home. I knew that this was a test on how dependent we are on teachers.
K: What platform did your school use to further learning during that unprecedented period?M: The platform that my school used was WhatsApp. Our teachers would give us work to do at a time that was convenient for everyone. The lessons were productive, but the progress we had was slow as compared to face-to-face classes.
K: How did your school contribute to your excellent results?M: My school arranged that we have extra classes immediately after we opened. Our teachers went an extra mile in sacrificing their family time during weekends so that they help us.
K: What adjustments, if any, did your family make to stabilize your mental health during your entire final High School year?M: My family has really been supportive during this hard time by motivating and encouraging me. Also by keeping me away from social media and latest news because of the anxiety it caused me.
K: What help did you get from Elevate Tutorial Services during the past year?M: Study tips from your instagram account (@elevatetuts) really helped me to find new effective study techniques. I also liked how my Maths tutor explained things i didn't understand, clearly and concisely. She dwelled on those things and made sure that i understood every step needed to get the answers.
K: Did you ever face any challenges in High School? How did you overcome them?M: I was told, so many times, that i am not good enough and that i can never be the best. That really discouraged and demotivated me, especially whenever it was from people who i expected to uplift me. But i finally gathered the strength of taking all those negative comments and turned them into motivation. I told myself that i would work hard so that i could prove, not only to myself, but to everyone that I'm good enough.
K: At your school, you were announced as first in your grade for the class of 2020. What is one word that best describes how that makes you feel?M: Elated
K: May you please review your top study tips.M: My number one study tip is knowing the time at which you are most productive. You have to know whether you are a morning, day or night person. Knowing and using the time you are most productive at, will definitely help you to stay consistent in your studies
K: What do you plan on doing this year?M: I am planning on furthering my studies to tertiary level. I am going to study Mechanical Engineering.
K: What message would you like to leave for the Matric class of 2021?M: Work hard, nothing comes easy - hardwork is the easiest way out. Stay focused, be consistent and don't procrastinate. Having a study timetable will help you to balance your subjects. Make learning fun so it can be more enjoyable and beneficial.
Against All Odds - A Success Story
”Thank you so much for the tutorials, l managed to rise from level 1 (25%) and in the finals l got level 4 (58%)” - Former ETS Maths Literacy and Life Sciences (Biology) student.