Exam season at South African schools can give rise to stress, anxiety and self-doubt among learners, especially in Grade 12, as well as educators.

Dr Khido Ramadie, educational psychologist and senior lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education, is collaborating with the North West Department of Education to support mental health during the National Senior Certificate examination period.

Through a series of mental health sessions, Dr Ramadie is reaching out to learners, parents and educators with strategies to manage the emotional challenges of exams.

Dr Ramadie says the mental health talks are a combination of interactive group-based discussions, individual guidance and recorded online videos shared through the Department of Education’s media platforms.

“The talks are designed to foster open communication and address the specific needs of students while offering tailored advice,” she adds.

She highlights the importance of a supportive environment during this period. "Exams can bring about intense pressure for learners, who may feel their future depends on their performance. Our goal is to offer them coping tools that allow them to manage these feelings constructively."

The mental health talks are structured to be interactive, creating a space where learners can share their concerns and learn effective stress-management techniques.

In addition to supporting learners, her programme addresses the mental health needs of educators, who face their own challenges during exam season. By introducing concepts such as adaptive intelligence, she encourages teachers to develop positive coping mechanisms, both for themselves and in guiding students.

"Adaptive intelligence helps educators to stay resilient under pressure and set a calm, supportive tone for their students," she says.

Watch one of Dr Ramadie’s online videos here.

NWU educational psychologist Dr Khido Ramadie.