With the matric class of 2023 having achieved a pass rate of 82.9%, those who did not make it, still have a chance to improve their results this year.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) through its Second Chance Matric Support Programme, has given everyone who would like to re-write or improve their marks for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) until tomorrow, 9 February 2024, to apply.
Some people may have anxiety about needing to go through this process again.
Speaking to The Curriculum, the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) Project Coordinator, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, highlighted that post exam anxiety is real and that matric learners suffer from it. She indicated that matric final exams can be quite stressful because there are a lot of expectations from the parents, teachers and learners.
‘’Our children do suffer from post exam anxiety. They may be happy today and sad tomorrow and everything that they are feeling is valid,” added Parbhoo-Seetha.
This programme, launched in 2016, lets people focus on specific subjects that they want to improve or re-write if they were not initially satisfied with their performance. It typically runs in May/June and also November.
Applicants can choose from the following options:
– NSC re-write exams which are normally in March
– NSC progressed learners (learners who wrote the NSC the previous year but did not sit for all 6 subjects in June)
– Part-time NSC candidates (learners who attempted the NSC examinations post 2015) usually in November
The DBE has noted the following as the benefits of the Second Chance Matric Support Programme:
– Learners are able to meet the requirements of the NSC or SC and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate
– Increase learner retention
– Increase computer skills, job opportunities and career pathing
– Learners are able to access bursary opportunities for further studies
The DBE has made it simple for people wishing to apply by encouraging them to visit any education district office or apply online at www.eservices.gov.za.
After applying, the DBE responds with a confirmation of your admission and then they provide the venue and times of where you will be writing specific subjects.
To make the experience better and easier for everyone, different provinces have made provision for those who may need assistance with preparing for the exams.
According to the DBE, face to face classes are also available at locations around the country, as well as online programmes and television and radio broadcasts.