Matric exam results: What to do if you FAIL

All eyes are on the Class of 2024, as Matric results will be released on 13 and 14 January for the IEB and the Department of Basic Education, respectively. But for those who fail or anticipate failure, this can be a daunting time.

But whether you did not pass or did not achieve your desired results on your national Senior Certificate, there are options available to you…

DEALING WITH YOUR EMOTIONS

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has offered a wealth of resources for anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed teens on their social media platforms for those anticipating the release of the Matric results.

For those that have failed, the non-profit organisation wants you to know that “your mental health and wellbeing matter more than any grade could ever define.”

The org has advised teens to take a step back, stay positive, process their emotions, and acknowledge that failure is not “not the end of the road”.

FAILED OR UNHAPPY WITH YOUR RESULTS? YOU CAN REWRITE/REMARK YOUR MATRIC PAPERS

According to the Matric College, you can rewrite your papers if you want to improve your results.

Individuals who qualify for a rewrite include those who:

• Already wrote Matric and have a Matric Certificate but want to improve your results
• Missed an exam due to an illness or family circumstances
• Younger than 21 years old
• The Department of Basic Education offers a “Second Chance Programme” for this purpose. Registration is currently still open for applicants.

Rewrites are not applicable to those who rewrite four subjects to get a National Senior Certificate Pass, ie, the lowest Matric pass level.

The Dept of Basic Education has created the Second Chance Matric Programme to support those who do not have a matric certificate.

If you wish to write, rewrite your matric or upgrade your marks you can register now here https://t.co/1RGrsz43Fy

GOOD LUCK https://t.co/G9bGZFxEPj pic.twitter.com/P1BB1MhxHD

— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) February 5, 2024

Alternatively, you can request that your matric exam papers be remarked. Candidates who wish to apply must register using the government portal.

REPEATING THE YEAR

Teens who have failed Matric have the opportunity to do the following…

Re-enroll at a high school to repeat your Grade 12 year, provided you are under the age of 21

If you are over the age of 21, you can repeat your subjects through a private higher education institution.

You can also enroll for an 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.

Alternatively, you can continue studying by registering for a course that does not require a matric pass. There are a broad 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.

FEELING OVERWHELMED? SEEK HELP

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

SHARE YOUR ENCOURAGING MESSAGES TO TEENS WHO HAVE FAILED MATRIC

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