Failed? There is hope

WORRIED about your final matric results? Here’s what you can do next.

Final matric results have been released after what was a tumultuous 2020 academic year.

With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing schools to close across the country, last year’s matric learners had to deal with extraordinary circumstances.

Experts are worried about the impact these events would have on the final results and whether there could be a drop in the overall performance.

If you are a 2020 matric learner who has not met university requirements or even failing the year – there is hope.

There are steps you can take to improve your situation in 2021. Here are a few scenarios and options.

You’ve passed matric but haven’t achieved your desired results – if you feel you should have done better than the results you achieved, your first option is to apply for a re-mark either at your school or at the district education office in your province.

In provinces such as the Western Cape, the planned closing date for re-mark applications is March 10. It’s best to check with your school or provincial education department to find out the relevant re-mark dates for your area.

Your second option is to register for supplementary exams, which involves rewriting certain papers. This gives you a second chance at improving your marks, and the Department of Basic Education usually sets aside time in May and June for these exams.

The likes of the Western Cape have set aside March 12 for supplementary exam registrations, but it’s best to check with your relevant provincial departments.

You failed matric and want a second chance – the Department of Basic Education also has a second chance programme in place, which enables learners to write supplementary exams for a maximum of two subjects in order to meet the pass requirements of their National Senior Certificate (NSC).

The programme also includes free support, and exams are only written after learners have received 12 hours of face-to-face classes to give them the best chance of passing. These classes are run at community colleges or private learning institutions rather than at the schools learners attended.

The amended senior certificate (ASC) route can be taken if you don’t take up one of those listed above. Then you’ll also have options later on in life to complete your matric.

For those over the age of 21, the ASC, which is slightly different to an NSC but which still provides you with a matric qualification is still another option to consider. With an ASC, for example, your final mark is determined by your exam results. An ASC is recognised by employers and can also grant you entry into tertiary institutions as long as you have the necessary qualifying marks.

There are several ways of studying towards your ASC, including going to adult community colleges or via private learning institutions.

You can also obtain your ASC via, for example, College SA’s adult matric programme, where you can sign-up for Grade 12 subjects ranging from English and isiZulu to maths and business studies. These courses are designed with adult learners in mind and provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and in your own time.

Whichever route you decide to pursue, it’s important you know that there are options available to you to achieve your next step in education success.