There are still options when you fail your matric. Image: Pixabay
Matric results: Five things to do if you do not pass
For some matrics their matric results may bring fear and uncertainty instead of happiness, here is what you can do if you do not pass
There are still options when you fail your matric. Image: Pixabay
While the excitement of being done with school may be high for many students, uncertainty, and dread looms for others who have not passed their matric.
It is important to remember that this is not the end of the road and do not feel despondent; there are many options going forward.
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Personally pick up your matric results and don’t start stressing just yet
While online matric results portals provide instant access to your marks once they are available, these are only sometimes accurate.
You must collect your full academic transcript from your school to ensure that you have received the correct results.
The exams are over, and there is nothing you can do to change the results.
So, rather than stressing, the dean of academic development and support at The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), Gillian Mooney, advises using the time to reflect and look forward to the future.
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Request a re-mark of your matric results
Your marks are not always final.
Matric students are given the opportunity to have their work re-marked or re-checked.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has set up an online service for candidates to request a re-check or re-mark of their matric examination scripts.
Candidates must register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
They must then create a personal account to access the service, and request that scripts be re-marked or re-checked.
As a result, candidates can log into their profile account using their username and password.
Candidates who have already used the e-Registration service do not need to access the e-Gov portal.
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Attend supplementary exams
Supplementary exams are an excellent way to pass and receive your matric certificate without repeating your entire matric year.
You will be eligible for the supplementary exams if you meet one of the following criteria and are under the age of 21:
- You could not write your initial exams due to medical reasons and must now retake them.
- In your initial exams, you failed more than one subject.
- You have been unable to write your Matric exams due to a death in your family.
- Your grades need to be improved for admission to universities or colleges.
- If an irregularity in the initial exam was discovered or is being investigated, you may be permitted to take the supplementary exam.
- If you were unable to write the initial exam due to a medical condition, injury, or death in the family.
You can request an application for the supplementary exam at your High School.
ALSO READ: Deadline approaching for second chance matric programme
Parents are encouraged to support their children if they fail matric
When learners and their parents do not achieve the desired results, it is critical for parents not to put undue pressure on their children or blame themselves.
Apart from providing support, parents can always look for alternative ways to improve things, such as:
- Consider the Second Chance Programme, which was launched by Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga, to assist learners who need to rewrite subjects.
- Encourage your child to enroll in a bridging course to help lay the groundwork for their desired tertiary education institution.
- Retaking some subjects at accredited institutions in order to improve grades.
ALSO READ: Matric cheating scandal: Learners allegedly paid R1500 to get exam answers
Seek professional help to combat depression
If their children do not pass their matric exams, parents and guardians should look for signs of depression.
These include unusual behavior such as sudden withdrawal from family, mood swings, and drastic personality changes.
It is recommended that you seek immediate medical or professional assistance.
They can also call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group at 0800 12 13 14 or the suicide hotline at 0800 567 567.
