SABC launches show to help matrics study

Study Mate launched on SABC1 at 2pm on Monday afternoon and will be broadcast for an hour every weekday afternoon, with repeats from 5 to 6am the following morning. An extension of the award-winning Study Mate education supplements distributed by the Department of Education via South Africa's major newspapers over the past three years, the new TV show is geared to help matrics prepare for their final exams.

With daily lessons presented by some of South Africa's best teachers and the Department of Education's curriculum specialists, the show will focus on taking grade 11s and 12s through last year's matric papers.

Expert teachers

Penny Vinjevold, deputy director general for FET at the Department of Education said: “The Department encourages all grade 11 and 12 learners - all 1.5 million of them - to use this opportunity of extra lessons with expert teachers.”

Simon Molaudzi, GM of SABC Education said: “As SABC Education, we appreciate the continued partnership with the Department of Education to ensure an improved matric pass rate.”

“Study Mate is especially designed to help this year's grade 12s ace their exams” says Lisa Blakeway, executive producer of the show. “As educators, we've always encouraged learners to work through past papers in preparation for their final examinations. Now, with Study Mate matric exam revision series, learners will get the added benefit of having expert educators talk them through last year's November and supplementary exam papers.

“We show them how to approach each exam, avoid common mistakes and structure their exam time. Exam papers are worked through systematically, question by question, so that learners not only understand the concepts, knowledge and skills underlying the questions, but are also able to apply them in the examination situation.

“We hope that schools will make it possible for their grade 12s to watch the series together, straight after school. The minute the final bell rings, we want matrics to grab their buddies, hot-foot it to the nearest TV, switch on and study, mate!” concludes Blakeway.

A challenge issued

Matric learner Amanda Manku, who hosts the show, thinks the series is going to be a great help. “Study Mate is like having a teacher in your own home” she said. “Grade 12 is a really short year with loads to do. Matrics are going to achieve much better if they tune in.”

She has a challenge for fellow matrics: “If you're up to the challenge and not afraid of a bit of hard work, set aside an hour after school each day and come study with us. Just think of it as short-term pain for long-term gain!”

Study Mate is on SABC1, at 2-3pm and 5-6am, Monday to Friday.