SKA Square Kilometre Array Bid
2012-02-16Wednesday 4 April is an important day on SA's science calendar. That is when the decision will be announced to build the core site of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in South Africa or in Australia. more
Iziko Summer School 2012
2012-02-15"Thoughtful Reflections on our Art, History and Heritage" runs right up until Saturday 25 February 2012. This year's theme is inspired by the ANC’s Centenary Celebrations. Events showcase history and art by collecting, conserving and connecting people to South Africa's rich cultural heritage. more
« Back | Home » 2012 Matric options
To qualify for a National Senior Certificate, candidates had to do seven subjects (two languages, maths or maths literacy, life orientation and three other subjects). Life orientation is the only subject in which no formal exam is conducted at the end of the year.
To pass, candidates must achieve at least 40 percent in a home language and two other subjects, and at least 30 percent in three other subjects.
If you did not achieve a pass - or a pass rate that will allow you to study further - don't give up! There are a range of options you can explore to get back on track.
So, what are my options?
“Candidates may apply for re-marking or re-checking of examination scripts immediately after receiving their results,” says Mr. Panyaza Lesufi – Chief Director: Communications, Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education. “The closing date for application for a re-mark or re-check is 20 January 2012. Application forms for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts are available from schools or centres where the candidates sat for the examination.” The cost for a re-check is R12; for a re-mark, R70; and R150 to view your exam script. Learners from no-fee schools are exempt from these fees. The closing date for IEB matriculant re-marks and re-checks was 12 January 2012. For IEB matric results queries only, contact (011) 483 9700.
Re-writes and Supplementary exams:
Matrics who failed less than three exams can apply to write supplementary exams at the start of 2012. They will need to register at their school or contact their Provincial Department of Education, with their ID, exam results and exam number for more info. Qualifying learners for supplementary exams should not waste any time registering as the cut-off point is 20 January 2012. The supplementary exams are then written between February and March. For more info, visit education.gov.za. No fees will be charged for supplementary exams.
Matrics can also write supplementary exams if they are one requirement short for a Higher Certificate or Bachelor's degree or an occupation. Also those who can provide documentary proof of a death in their immediate family, or other special reasons for their absence can apply to rewrite. For IEB candidates who failed the examination and wish to qualify for a school-leaving certificate, or who passed and want to improve their grades, they may enter subsequent IEB National Senior Certificate Examinations, written in October/November each year.
(Gauteng learners who qualified to write supplementary exams, click here for information on free preparatory classes throughout February 2012).
Re-do your Matric:
Learners who do not qualify for supplementary exams and are under 21 are encouraged to re-enrol in school as soon as possible to repeat their Matric. For those unable or unwilling to return to the same school, private colleges such as Abbotts present another option. “If you fail Grade 12, it is possible to move across to an Abbotts college,” says Greg Fillmore, GM of the specialist network of Grade 10, 11 and 12 colleges in South Africa. “We have a 100% pass rate as we’re a purely academic institution, and include supervised homework periods; all learners also get their teacher’s cell phone number and email address so there is a strong support system to ensure they can perform well.”
FET Colleges:
“Candidates can also opt for vocational training,” says Mr Lesufi. “The National Certificate (Vocational) and the N Courses (N3 – N6) accommodate learners who have not achieved a Matric certificate and these learners are able to exit the FET College with a vocational qualification. Learners with credits from the National Senior Certificate (Matric) will receive recognition for equivalent subjects when enrolling for the NC(V), which can serve as incentive for entry to the Vocational stream.”
Bridge the gap:
For those who do pass Matric, but would like to improve their grades for entry into certain courses or Universities, a bridging year is a good option. Whilst currently in short supply in South Africa, public benefit organisations such as Equal Education and the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) in the Western Cape offer limited places to youth to ensure they are not just academically prepared, but also have the necessary life skills to navigate life at tertiary institutions.
Explains Shep Willis, Manager of the SAEP Bridging Year Programme: “SAEP's programme is not just about getting into university; it's also about staying there. The odds can really be stacked against university students from underprivileged backgrounds. Academics are certainly important, but often it's not academic troubles that derail a student. That’s why we provide the life skills - such as computer training and financial management, as well as the psycho-social support that students need – so they not only get into University, but stay the course!”
For those learners who do not get into University or a Bridging programme, Willis says: “Don’t despair. A year away from school is not always a bad thing, but make sure you use the time productively. A part-time job, for example, will help you stave off boredom and depression, and teach you some of the responsibility and skills that successful university students must have. Also, use this time to fully research the different tertiary options.”
Studying without Matric or Matric Exemption:
“Even if your matric certificate does not give you university entrance, it’s possible you qualify for an alternative course of study that, though slightly different, may still be in line with your career aspirations,” says Kerry Damons of Boston City Campus and Business College. “An option that’s often disregarded or underestimated is to enrol for shorter courses.
“As the education system is based on unit standards, you can gain credits for every unit standard that you complete,” Damons explains. “Shorter courses can ultimately lead to a qualification, be it a certificate, diploma or degree.”
Says Sanet Nel of College SA: “We offer various courses for youth without a Matric. Most only require a Grade 10 certificate, whilst other courses accept you if you are older than 23. We also offer short courses that are ‘open entry’, which means anybody can enrol for them.” She adds: “If a learner has passed Grade 10, they can start any programme at NQF 3 level to advance to NQF 4 and sometimes NQF 5 level programmes. A programme at NQF level 4 is at the same academic level as Grade 12. So while a qualification at NQF4 does not mean that you have Matric, it is an equivalent to Matric and will ultimately allow you to apply for those jobs where the minimum qualification is Matric.”
For a full list of private higher education institutions still accepting registrations for 2012, click here.
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