SC/HSC Exams: Why One Mauritius Student Says 'Me-Time' Prevents Burnout

Every year, as the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination season approaches in Mauritius, thousands of students enter what many describe as a gruelling academic marathon. Revision schedules tighten, private tutoring sessions multiply, and the pressure to perform — fuelled by family expectations and the prospect of winning a government scholarship — can push young people to their mental and physical limits. The SC and HSC are Cambridge-administered qualifications that mark the end of secondary and upper secondary education in Mauritius. Results determine university placement and eligibility for the country's highly competitive merit-based scholarships, making the stakes exceptionally high for the roughly 20,000 candidates who sit the exams each year. Mental health professionals in Mauritius have repeatedly raised concerns about what is increasingly being called academic burnout — a state of chronic exhaustion, loss of motivation, and emotional depletion triggered by prolonged study stress. In severe cases, students arrive at the examination hall already depleted, undermining months of preparation. **One Student's Approach** Sherley, 18, a student at Loreto Convent Quatre-Bornes (LCQB) — a well-regarded girls' secondary school in the town of Quatre-Bornes in the west of the island — is currently preparing for her HSC examinations. Rather than surrendering to an all-revision, no-rest routine, she has made a conscious choice to protect what she calls her "me-time." Aware of the risks of extreme fatigue and mental disconnection, Sherley deliberately avoids overloading her daily schedule. She believes that carving out personal time — whether for rest, a hobby, or simply stepping away from textbooks — is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained academic performance. Her approach runs counter to a culture that often equates long study hours with dedication, and rest with laziness. **What This Means** Sherley's story reflects a broader conversation that is slowly gaining ground in Mauritius: that student wellbeing and academic success are not opposites. Mental health advocates argue that short, regular breaks, adequate sleep, and activities unrelated to study can improve concentration, memory retention, and emotional resilience — all of which matter on exam day. For parents, the message is equally important. The pressure applied at home — however well-intentioned — can tip a hardworking student from focused to overwhelmed. Recognising the signs of burnout early, such as persistent tiredness, irritability, or a sudden drop in motivation, can make a real difference. As exam season peaks in Mauritius, Sherley's quiet act of self-preservation is a reminder that taking care of your mind is part of taking care of your results. Source: ION News