FIELD NOTES
The calm sprint idea came from watching matric families bounce between panic and long periods of avoidance. We borrowed agile sprint rituals and paired them with CAPS-specific milestones so there is always a clear “next best step”.
Calm is a deliverable. If your tools and rituals are visible, the household stops debating effort and instead tracks evidence.
Week 1 · Audit & agreements
- List every remaining paper and count the number of days you control between today and Paper 1.
- Collect the last three mock/finals scripts and highlight the sections where marks slipped.
- Agree on a single weekly check-in slot (we suggest Sunday 16:00) and lock it into everyone’s calendar.
- Create a shared “command board”: topics on the left, practice assets in the middle, evidence (scores, reflections) on the right.
Deliverable: a photographed plan that lives on the fridge/WhatsApp group so everyone knows what “done” looks like.
Week 2 · Deep practice blocks
Protect three 90-minute blocks this week. Each block follows the Focus → Feedback → Fix circuit:
- Focus. One CAPS topic. Timer on. No phones. Use a printed tracker to note start/end.
- Feedback. Mark immediately with a memo; highlight criteria that cost marks.
- Fix. Summarise the mistake in a “red flag” notebook and tag it with the skill (e.g. Functions, Stoichiometry).
Deliverable: three red-flag entries per subject plus adjusted flashcards/notes that cover the fixes.
Week 3 · Simulation week
Turn the command board into a mini exam centre.
| Day | Simulation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Paper 1 AM slot, strict timing, full memo mark-up | Shows pacing gaps early in the week. |
| Wednesday | Paper 2 PM slot, load shedding contingency practice | Tests energy management when the schedule shifts. |
| Friday | Integrated paper (mix of short/long questions) | Prevents autopilot; forces topic switching. |
Deliverable: three scorecards pinned to the board with “next attempt” dates.
Week 4 · Calm logistics
This is where most families unintentionally create chaos. Use checklists for:
- Admin: copies of ID, exam admission, calculator batteries, transparent stationery bag.
- Transport: primary driver + backup driver contacts, fuel/load-shedding plans.
- Wellbeing: sleep cut-off, meal prep schedule, short daily decompression ritual.
- Communication: WhatsApp template for relatives so the learner isn’t fielding constant “How’s studying?” pings.
Deliverable: a “night-before” tub with everything packed plus a printed set of calm scripts for parents/guardians.
Daily rhythm for the sprint
Plug this template into your calendar. It scales up or down depending on sport shifts or part-time jobs.
- 06:00 Micro preview. Read the command board, choose the day’s single “must win”.
- 14:30 Reset. After school, log energy (green/amber/red) and choose the right block length.
- 15:00 Focus block. Use Focus → Feedback → Fix.
- 17:30 Sprint retro. Two prompts: “What moved?” and “Where did marks leak?”
- 20:30 Close down. Pack bag, set alarms, prep tomorrow’s snack so mornings stay calm.
Tools we see working
- A3 parent dashboard with magnet markers (green = done, orange = needs attention).
- QR-linked explainer videos for the toughest past-paper questions.
- Shared Google Sheet with tabs for each subject so teachers/tutors can comment asynchronously.
- Voice-note reflections—faster than writing and easy to review before the next sprint.
Common blockers (and fixes)
Blocker 1: “We still don’t know what to study.”
Fix: During the Sunday check-in, match every exam section to one asset (past paper, SmartNote guide, textbook chapter). No blank spaces allowed.
Blocker 2: “Learner won’t engage with review sessions.”
Fix: Swap lecturing for evidence. Ask, “Show me the question that stole marks,” then co-create one micro target.
Blocker 3: “Parents feel shut out.”
Fix: Give parents ownership of logistics only—transport, meals, printing—so academic conversations stay lighter.
What to capture for exam day
- Three wins from the sprint (proof that effort equals outcomes).
- One reminder of a mistake avoided (“Remember to underline the trig ratio given”).
- The calm script for the drive: two practical prompts, one affirmation.
Print this article, highlight the pieces that fit your household, and stick them onto the command board. Consistency beats heroic last-minute cramming.