Exams are stressful, aren't they?
As much as it stirs up anxiety in our children, it's nearly as hectic (and sometimes a little more) for parents.
Solid preparation can go a long way in empowering your child to go beyond the nerves and getting those top marks.
Here are a few handy study resources to get you and your child through the mid and end-of-year exams.
Via Afrika
With a history as far back as 1949 Via Afrika offers a wide variety of educational options for learners and teachers including textbooks, readers, literature titles, atlases, study guides, and even wall charts for all grades as well as FET college levels.
Designed by top educationalists (both academics and Department of Education officials), Via Afrika's teachings are in line with the CAPS Curriculum.
Materials are available in a range of mediums such as ebook formats, EPUB for tablet computers and Flipbook for PC, and the resource uses multimedia and interactive features that make learning fun with no need for internet connectivity.
The title also makes free study guides available to Grades 10, 11 and 12.
Cost: Prices per item varies (from free to just over R20 and up).
Go to www.viaafrika.com for how to access this re
- Also see: Managing exam stress
E-Classroom
E-Classroom provides support resources for all grades, in all subjects.
The content is designed by education specialist and comes in a range of formats from worksheets, practice papers and video tutorials for all grades, and full-on courses specifically for Grades 10 to 12.
In addition to paid for materials, E-Classroom offers free content suitable for preschool learners right up to Grade 12.
Recently partnered with Eskom the digital platform is also offering additional CAPS aligned teacher guides and activity worksheets on mathematics and science, all freely available for download.
With a strong focus on electricity, this material is suitable for Grade R to Grade 9 learners.
Cost: From free to R40 and up.
Visit their website www.e-classroom.co.za to find out more.
Extramarks
Extramarks offers a 3-pronged approach for a unique learner-centric environment, combining teaching methodology with high calibre digital technology.
Learning is done via a virtual classroom, giving the learner freedom to study according to their schedules, while making learning both interactive and adaptive.
Users can expect practice exercises, interactive games, mentorship, and testing tools and a special 'Progress' feature allows parents to monitor how their child is coming along.
The resource is adapted to the CAPS Curriculum for grades R to 12 teaching Science, Maths and English.
Cost: R149 per month for all offered subjects or R42 per month for one subject of choice. You can also sign up for a free trial.
For further information visit www.extramarks.co.za.
Ace it! Study Guides
Inspired by the idea that everyone takes in information in different ways, and aimed at catering to individual learning and study styles, Ace it! Study Guides offer a range of material for all high school grades.
Simplifying complex concepts is Ace it!'s speciality and all learning content is written by teachers.
Suitable for both English and Afrikaans learners the study guides cover all high school subjects and follow both the CAPS and the IEB curricula.
All content is offered in either hard copy format or Ebook.
Cost: Prices vary per study guide (from as little as R40 up to R121)
Details available at www.aceitstudyguides.co.za.
- Also see: How to study with mnemonics devices
Paper Video
Paper Video, in partnership with ASET, boasts South Africa's biggest compilation of educational videos for Grades 8-12.
Paying users get access to more than 700 hours of tutoring. They've also made 2500 exam questions and explainer videos available to all learners, completely free.
To view the materials, students need either a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
Subjects covered include mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, natural sciences and accounting.
The website is especially helpful for Grade 10 students who have Mathematics and Physical Science as subjects. Paper Video has made all materials, including video and worksheets, available at no charge.
Presented through what the website calls “Subject Maps”, every maths and physics concept on the Grade 10 curriculum is easily accessible.
The format is useful for showing how each theory fits into the bigger picture.
Cost: Pricing ranges from free to R1199
Visit www.papervideo.co.za for more information, or follow this link to find out more about the Grade 10 Subject Maps.
- Also see: Exam stress tips for your kids
Pearson Southern Africa
One of the leading publishers in the coutry, Pearson Southern Africa have converted their best selling hard-copy educational content into interactive eBooks.
Their Instamaths, Platinum, and Smart-Kids book series are suitable for primary school learners, while the X-kit Achieve Study Guides and Focus books are ideal for Grades 8-12.
All study material is based on the South African curriculum.
Cost: Varies per eBook
For details visit https://shop.pearson.co.za
ASP-SchoolProjects
For Grades 1 to 9, ASP-School Projects offer a selection of downloadable practice tests, exam papers, regularly updated study guides, as well as spelling and grammar guidelines in both English and Afrikaans.
Once subscribed to the required grade, users gain access to learning materials for a year.
Cost: R399 - R1050
Get more information on ASP-SchoolProjects by visiting www.asp-schoolprojects.co.za.
Worksheetcloud
WorksheetCloud makes exam prep a breeze not only for your child but also for you.
Based on the CAPS syllabus and suitable for Grades 4 to 8, the WorksheetCloud platform is interactive, providing learners with instant assistance on worksheets and mock exam papers they complete.
A tracking system makes it possible for you to check up on your child's study schedule.
Students also rack up actual prizes, like online shopping vouchers, as a fun incentive.
Cost: R95 per month, special package deals are offered for annual payments.
For details visit www.worksheetcloud.com.
Macmillan Education South Africa
Macmillan Education South Africa is the comprehensive publishing company offering both hard-copy and digital learning materials.
Their content is unique as study resources are available for every grade, in every South African language, and covers each subject; from maths and physics, to business studies and accounting.
Their highly recommended text book series Clever and Solutions for All are available as an eBook and can be downloaded via their website.
Cost: Varies per eBook
Visit www.macmillan.co.za and take a look at their catalogue.
- Also see: Help your child study effectively
Do you know of other resources that could help a learner prepare for exams? Please share with us at chatback@parent24.com.
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