DISAPPOINTING MATRIC RESULTS NOT A DEAD END FOR YOUR DREAMS
The World of Work • January 3, 2018
Thousands of learners from the Matric Class of 2017 who did not do as well as required - and their parents - are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future, but an education expert says it is important to know that there are a number of options that can get learners back on track.
"The most important thing for both parents and learners having sleepless nights over their results, is to not panic," says Fathima Razack, Head of Programme: Faculty of Commerce at The Independent Institute of Education, SA's largest private higher education provider.
"While it might feel like the end of the world at the moment, clear heads and a pragmatic approach are required to make the right decisions for the future," she says.
It is particularly important for adults to manage their response, as their emotional state could impact on the resilience of learners in the wake of the release of results.
"Although parents and guardians may feel deeply disappointed, they should know that their first words and reactions may leave a lasting impact.
"They should take stock and consider their unified position so that the energy can be focused on the learner and their next steps," says Razack.
The options open to learners who failed, but who are determined to still earn their National Senior Certificate, include:
- Sitting for the supplementary examinations.
- Sending papers for either a re-mark or re-check.
- Returning to school and re-registering for matric.
- Registering at another school to complete matric.
- Completing matric via distance learning.
Those learners who passed, but didn't achieve the marks required for entrance into degree study, have the following options:
- Sending papers for either a re-mark or re-check.
- Enrolling for a Higher Certificate at a higher education institution, which can give access to degree study.
- Enrolling for a Diploma which can give access to degree study.
"Each university and private higher education provider set their own minimum criteria, and these requirements vary between institutions. An institution where the demand outweighs the availability of space may set this bar quite high, which means they are likely to accept only students who are very strong academically. Other institutions may have made provision for students who require more support, and will therefore have more accommodating admission requirements.
"That means it may not be necessary to repeat Grade 12 or rewrite a subject, as there could be alternatives available in your chosen field of study," says Razack.
The most important thing to remember is that below par matric results don't have to mean giving up on one's dreams and aspirations, she says.
"If parents and learners can handle this situation maturely, and strategise their next steps instead of getting stuck in a catastrophising mindset, disappointing performance could be just the catalyst needed to propel a learner in a new and better direction, with more determination and resolve than before."
DID YOU KNOW?
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) is a division of the JSE-listed ADvTECH Group, Africa's largest private education provider. The IIE is the largest, most accredited registered private higher education institute in South Africa, and the only one accredited by The British Accreditation Council (BAC), the independent quality assurance authority that accredits private institutions in the UK. By law, private higher education institutions in South Africa may not call themselves Private Universities, although registered private institutions are subject to the same regulations, accreditation requirements and oversight as Public Universities.
The IIE has a history in education and training since 1909, and its brands - Rosebank College, Varsity College, The Business School at Varsity College and Vega - are widely recognised and respected for producing workplace-ready graduates, many of whom become industry-leaders in their chosen fields. The IIE offers a wide range of qualifications, from post-graduate degrees to short courses, on 20 registered higher education campuses across South Africa.
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