“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

For many students, the mention of “IGCSE exams” starts as just another phrase in Grade 9. But as the journey unfolds, it becomes clear that these international assessments demand discipline, resilience, and strategic preparation. From early revision tips to navigating pre-exam nerves, this reflection explores the highs and challenges of the IGCSE experience—and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Here is Thandolwethu’s reflection on her journey: 

“Grade 9 was the year our teachers started using the phrase “IGCSE exams”. I just knew the basics, like the fact that it was an international exam which was set and marked by individuals/teachers who I had not met before. I knew it would be more demanding than our usual (internal) exams, however I was not concerned by that.

At the beginning of grade 10, everyone was familiar with the term IGCSE. We were urged to start going through past papers and to start looking for tutors or advice from students who had written their IGCSE exams in earlier years. We were even told to start studying in January!

In the weeks before our August holiday, our teachers made sure to emphasise that our exams were in only 2 months. Our lessons started to become less busy, because it was focused on revision and sometimes they would be hectic to ensure that the syllabus was covered completely. The students started becoming more important to each other’s learning. The peer tutors were more available in periods like Mathematics where there’s not much time to turn and help your partner and sometimes in Afrikaans we would teach our own lessons. The 2 months seemed like a lot of time, so I was going to make use of the holidays by studying. The workload was a lot and I was demotivated for most of the holiday, but I always made sure to get at least 1 hour of practice and revision everyday (just so that I was not under too much pressure during exam time.)

It was hard to enjoy my holidays, because I could only think about the looming examinations. My parents and friends made sure to ease my stress with their kind words and affirmations. My parents supported me by finding me a tutor for Chemistry as I was really concerned about that subject and my performance. My tutor gave me useful tips and tricks, which helped me in my studying even after my lessons with him stopped.

After our holidays, the exams were incredibly close. We were allowed to come to school in the few weeks before exams, for a controlled and quiet environment to study. But most of us stayed home to study. When exam time started, it was incredibly nerve racking. Sometimes there would be chatter after an exam and sometimes we did not want to think back on our answers, but the IGCSE exams shaped how I am entering the new year.

I think that IGCSE exams are meant to give you a taste of large and important exams. Even though they are not on the same level as AS or A level exams, they introduce you to your mistakes, bad habits, study methods that work and goal setting before it is too late to change them. I am grateful for my teachers, family and friends as they are who made me confident in my performance even when I was not. To all the upcoming grade 10 (IGCSE) students: Take your teacher’s advice, don’t let the anxiety of waiting for your results consume you and enjoy your break, because you’ll need it.”