It is that time of the year when candidates cherish time more than anything. Right now, nothing matters more than assessment, consultation, among other sufficient activities, to enable them better prepare for the forthcoming examinations. Slated for November 12 to 19, for both ordinary and advanced level, this year’s season has gained incredible momentum, ranging from administration blocs to student bodies. The exam is perceived as the sole determinant for admission to virtually all local universities for advanced level students, but also for all other students moving on to the next step of their studies. Talking to Education Times, Irenee Ndayambaje, Director General at Rwanda Education Board, says that nothing should hold back the hard work of students, especially at this moment when examinations are just around the corner. “Candidates should feel relaxed for the exams; I believe that according to previous inspections, they are more than ready to pass highly this year’s exams,” he notes. “It comes once a year, and it is the biggest exam we are prepared to sit for. However stiff the circumstances may be in these last times, our teachers normally advise us to control the momentum. Most students fall sick, others are scared (exam fever), some notes are lost during revision time, some don’t even sleep. All these factors lead to the change of the environment on campus,” says Deus Mugisha, a S6 student at Nu-Vision High School. “On top of that,” he adds, “parents at home are on your back, expecting you to do everything possible to succeed.” Olivier Minani, a teacher at Excella School, says students should engage in co-curricular activities in order to alleviate the stress caused by these last days towards examinations. He points out that it is unrealistic for students to dig into books for better grades at this point, rather, they should try and control the momentum. “My best advice on standing out as a student in these last days is to try and engage in a number of co-curricular activities, such as sports, reading, and clubs, among others. But if a student tries to force everything now, they will mix it up,” Minani says. However, it is also advisable for candidates to discover their best reading period. “For instance, if I find out that I read best at night then I need to maximise that time,” Minani suggests. Maurice Twahirwa, the head teacher at APADET School, is of the view that students should not be overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. He highlights that although teachers maybe overworking students, giving them a big-work load, they (students) are supposed to believe in themselves. “Of course fear can’t be ruled out in such circumstances, but students should prioritise confidence in themselves,” Twahirwa says. They should maximise the teacher’s presence too. Teachers at this point are meant to help students complete a certain level of education, well-prepared for the next. “And I urge students to use that as an opportunity for better success,” Twahirwa says. In ordinary level, there are 119,932 candidates, which represents an increase of 21 per cent from the 98,898 candidates who sat last year. Among these, 65,429 are girls and 54,503 boys. For the secondary school leavers, a total of 51,291 candidates have been registered, which shows an increase of 11 per cent increase from last year’s 46,024. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
