Failed Matric? Here’s are your available options…
Image via Pixabay
Failed Matric? Here are your available options…
If you have failed Matric – or are simply unhappy with your results – here is everything you need to know about your available options….
Failed Matric? Here’s are your available options…
Image via Pixabay
“If at first you don’t succeed – dust yourself off and try again” may be the lyrics to a popular song, but they’re also a valuable piece of advice, especially in light of Matric results.
Whether you have failed, or are simply unhappy with your performance, students are advised to seek help and remain positive.
FEELING SUICIDAL? MATRIC RESULTS STRESS IS REAL
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), reports that 9.5% of teen deaths in South Africa are caused by suicide. One of the triggers has been attributed to matric exam disappointment.
“There are children who have undiagnosed depression or who undergo a trauma or an experience that makes them more vulnerable, and this can be the final stress that causes them to commit suicide or use drugs,” says SADAG’s Dessy Tzoneva.
ALSO READ: Overwhelmed by Matric results? SADAG shares crucial crisis info
SADAG urges learners to seek help if they are experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide. The national organisation runs a counselling helpline that is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Learners or concerned parents and teachers can contact a SADAG counsellor toll-free on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 31393.
Tzoneva adds: “If you did not perform as well in your exams as you had expected, do not give up…Talk about how you’re feeling”.
REWRITE YOUR MATRIC PAPERS
If you’re unhappy with your matric exam results and know that you can perform better in certain subjects, there is an option for you to have a do-over.
The Department of Basic Education offers learners a “second chance” to rewrite their papers, and possibly improve their results.
The Second Chance Matric Programme provides support to learners who want to rewrite subjects. It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate.
Face to face classes are available at locations around the country, as well as online programmes and television and radio broadcasts. For more information, click here.
A number of private higher education bodies also offer matric rewrites through their institutions.
Alternatively, you can request for your matric exam papers to be remarked. Candidates who wish to apply must register on the government portal.
With all the options mentioned above, please take into account the deadlines that need to be met as a prerequisite for rewriting or remarking of matric exam papers.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE FAILED
If you find yourself in a position of having to redo your entire matric year, there are options at your disposal.
Go back to school. Speak to your school counselor or principal about returning to repeat your year.
Alternatively, register for a Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) course. This gives you a Matric Equivalent qualification, which is a certificate in a specialised stream of learning that is on the same NQF level as a matric certificate.
Any accredited course that is considered an NQF level 4, is on the same NQF level as a matric certificate.
You can also register for an adult matric course, which gives you the equivalent qualification as a senior certificate. For this option, you need to be over the age of 21 and have a grade 9 certificate.
A third option is to continue studying by registering for a course that does not require a matric pass. There are a wide spectrum of courses to study if you are over the age of 16, can read and write in English, and have a Grade 10 or Grade 11 certificate.
HELPLINES ON HAND
If Matric results leave you feeling depressed, anxious, or even suicidal, contact the following crisis lines.
Suicide crisis helpline – 0800 567 567
Cipla mental health helpline – 0800 456 789
Substance abuse helpline – 0800 12 13 14
Cipla WhatsApp chat line – 076 882 2775
SMS line – 31393
