SCHOOL NEWS - With the matric final examinations now well underway, the Class of 2026 faces another demanding week, with several major subjects on the timetable between Monday 26 and Friday 30 October.

For many learners, the pressure is mounting as they move from one important paper to the next, with limited time to catch their breath.

The week kicked off this morning, Monday 26 October, with mathematics paper 2, mathematical literacy paper 2 and technical mathematics paper 2. All three were three-hour examinations, following Friday's first mathematics papers.

Tuesday 27 October brings the first language papers for several African languages, including Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga and Tshivenda. Engineering graphics and design paper 2 follows in the afternoon.

Wednesday 28 October will be particularly demanding for learners taking both English and accounting. English paper 1, which tests language comprehension and related skills, starts at 09:00, followed by Accounting Paper 2 at 14:00.

On Thursday 29 October, geography candidates will tackle paper 1 in the morning, covering climate and weather, geomorphology and mapwork. Computer applications technology (CAT) paper 2, the theory examination, follows in the afternoon.

The week ends on Friday 30 October with physical sciences paper 1 (Physics) and technical sciences paper 1 in the morning, while tourism candidates write their examination at 14:00.

For learners taking physical sciences, there is little time to relax over the weekend, as paper 2 (chemistry) follows on Monday 2 November.

While some matrics will write several papers this week, others will have a little more breathing space, depending on their subject choices.

With the final examinations stretching into November, learners are encouraged to pace themselves, get enough rest and focus on one paper at a time.

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