PSLE Setswana exam-day guide
PSLE Setswana · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission card or registration confirmation
Check that your name, subject (Setswana), centre number and exam date are correct. If anything is missing or wrong, contact your school immediately. If you lose the card, ask your school or the Botswana Examinations Council how to obtain a replacement; do not assume a replacement will be issued at the gate.
Acceptable identification
needs_review: confirm with your school or the examination provider which form of ID is accepted for PSLE candidates. Carry the original document, not only a photocopy, and keep it in a safe pocket.
Two or more working pens, plus pencils, eraser and sharpener
Pack blue or black ballpoint pens and at least two sharpened pencils. Confirm with your school whether a particular ink colour is required for Setswana answers. Test each pen before the exam day.
Ruler and geometrical instruments, if permitted
needs_review: confirm with your school whether a ruler, protractor or other instruments are allowed in the Setswana paper. If they are not needed, leave them at home to avoid unnecessary items at your desk.
Simple non-smart wristwatch
needs_review: confirm centre rules on watches. A basic watch helps you pace yourself, but smart watches and phones are normally prohibited. Do not rely on a phone for timing.
Clear water bottle and a light snack
needs_review: confirm whether water and snacks are allowed in the examination room. If permitted, use a clear bottle and avoid noisy wrappers. Drink water before the paper rather than during it if rules are unclear.
Transparent pencil case or pouch
needs_review: confirm the centre's rules on pencil cases. A clear pouch makes inspection quick and reduces the risk of your items being held at the door.
Transport and arrival plan
Confirm the exam venue and start time with your school. Plan your route, backup transport and arrival time so you reach the centre at least 30 to 45 minutes early, allowing for delays.
Setswana summary notes
Bring only brief revision notes if your school allows them at the venue. Focus on comprehension strategies, grammar and punctuation reminders, composition planning and key vocabulary. Do not bring full textbooks unless your school says to.
School and emergency contact numbers
Save your school's phone number and a parent or guardian's number. If transport fails or you feel unwell, call immediately rather than waiting.
Sleep, breakfast and clothing plan
Set out comfortable clothes and your bag the night before. Plan a normal breakfast and a realistic bedtime. Avoid staying up late to cram new Setswana content.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact date, start time and venue with your school. Check the exam timetable and ask which ID, stationery and instruments are permitted. Gather everything in one place and replace any broken pens or missing items.
Review your Setswana summary notes rather than starting new topics. Practise one comprehension passage, one grammar exercise and one short composition plan under timed conditions. Check your common spelling and punctuation errors.
Confirm transport, travel time and a backup plan. Check whether your school expects you to arrive at a particular gate or classroom. Tell a parent or guardian your schedule.
Pack your bag with admission card, ID, pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener and any permitted instruments. Lay out clothes. Do a light review of key vocabulary and composition structure, then stop revising.
Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy screen use and go to bed at a sensible time. Set two alarms. Do not stay up late trying to memorise model answers.
Eat breakfast, drink water and arrive early. Go to the toilet before entering the room. Check that you have your admission card and ID. Stay calm and avoid discussing answers or predictions with friends.
Listen carefully to the invigilator, place prohibited items where instructed and check that your desk has the correct paper. Read the front-page instructions before writing.
Read all instructions and note the marks and suggested time for each section. If the paper has a comprehension passage, read it twice before answering. Plan your composition briefly before writing.
Answer the questions you find easiest first, then return to harder ones. Keep an eye on the clock and leave time to check spelling, punctuation and sentence completeness. Do not spend too long on one comprehension question.
Check that you have answered every required question and that your name or candidate details are correct. Make sure no answer is left blank if there is no penalty for guessing. Stop writing immediately when the invigilator says so.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the invigilator. Raise your hand if you need to ask a procedural question, and do not talk to other candidates once the paper has been distributed.
Carry your admission card and the identification accepted by the provider. If you arrive without the required documents, ask the invigilator or your school to contact the examination authority; do not assume you will be allowed to sit the paper.
Mobile phones, smart watches and unauthorised electronic devices must be switched off and placed where the invigilator directs. Confirm the centre's rules on watches and devices with your school before exam day.
Do not copy from another candidate, share materials, or use unauthorised notes. Malpractice procedures and their consequences are set by the examination authority; confirm the exact rules with your school or the provider.
Ask your school in advance about toilet breaks and supervised movement during the paper. Do not leave the room without permission, and expect that leaving may not be allowed until you have finished.
Mark allocation is shown on the paper. Read the marks per question and divide your time accordingly. Do not assume there is negative marking, but confirm the scoring rules with the provider if you are unsure.
Write in Setswana where the question requires it, and follow the instructions on length, format and choice of questions. Answers in the wrong language or format may lose marks under the official marking scheme.
Arrive early. Late arrival, absence and special-arrangement policies are set by the examination authority; confirm what to do if you are delayed or unwell with your school or the provider before the exam.