(This article was first published in the New Vision on November 9, 2022)
Examination Season
Examination period is an important season in the life of every student. However, the season is also a stressful one for some candidates. With Primary Seven and Senior Four examinations underway, and Senior Six candidates set to sit theirs in less than a fortnight, Maureen Nakatudde spoke to teachers, nutritionists and officials at the examinations body about how candidates can approach their papers with confidence.
Jennifer Kalule, the spokesperson of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), says the candidates need to follow the examination instructions spelt out on the timetables. In the introduction to the instructions, UNEB urges the candidates to approach their papers without panic.
“The purpose of the examination is to assess the candidate’s level of achievement. It is not an end in itself, but will help to place candidates on their career paths,” the examinations body adds.
The examination instructions are related to, among others, the need to avoid taking part in any form of malpractice, reading the questions carefully before answering them and taking only items that are permitted like calculators into the examination rooms.
Be Confident
Kalule urges the candidates to be confident because the examinations are not different from the tests they have done before.
“The only difference is that these are national examinations,” she says. Peter Kakuru, the head of the geography department at Maryhill High School, Mbarara, urges candidates to have faith in their efforts.
“Some students panic and end up breaking the test tubes. Do not fear. Have faith that you can do it. Seek God’s guidance because it helps you not to feel alone,” he says.
Stephen Mutale, the director of studies at Victorious Primary School in Kampala, says:
“Students who have lost their loved ones need counselling so that the pain does not weigh them down.”
The candidates need to revise their notes before examination time and resist temptations to rely on fake examination papers.
“Believe in yourself and get the marks you deserve,” he says.
You Need Rest
You will need to take a break from revision to rest so you have enough energy to write the next paper.
“Reading throughout the night is not important at this time because, the following day, you will be dizzy and fail to concentrate,” Dr Medad Ekyarimpa of Ntinda Medical Care says.
“You need time to rest. Sleep for eight hours,” he says.
Aidah Nanono, a teacher of English language at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Kampala, says candidates need to stay around people who are focused on their examinations and dreams during this period.
“Do not spend all your free time watching television,” she adds.
“Avoid rough sports activities that might get you injured during this time. Do not go too far away from the school to read alone because you might miss an examination.”
Amanda Naiga, a nutritionist in Kampala, advises students to eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins B and C, carbohydrates as well as proteins including eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, oranges and mangoes.
“Do not be too serious to skip your breakfast and lunch. You need energy,” she says.
