DISAPPOINTING MATRIC RESULTS?

If your matric results dashed your dreams of going to varsity, we’ve got several options available to you.

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The day you’ve been looking forward to since you wrote your final high-school exams has finally come, and you can’t wait to see your student number in the newspaper. You’re eager to begin planning your future. But you can’t find your number anywhere – or you’ve passed, but your marks don’t allow you to pursue your dreams to study at a university. Stressed and disappointed, you feel that your life is over and you are scared to face your parents. But all is not lost.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Discovering you’ve failed matric is obviously stressful for a learner. Psychologist and transformation coach Janine Shamos says parental support is vital at this time. She advises parents to explain to the learner that everyone fails at something in life at one time or another, and it’s not the end of the world. Parents should take the time to discuss their options with them and let them know they have your support and you are always available to advise them along the way. These are some of the choices open to the learner:

SECOND CHANCE
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched a Second Chance Matric Support Programme (SCMSP) to support learners who have not met the NSC requirements or the extended Senior Certi cate (SC). The SCMSP uses innovative ways to prepare them to rewrite exams. There are face-to-face classes offered by grade 12 teachers with good track records, and multimedia broadcasting solutions. ‘Failing matric is no longer as bad as it was before, when you had to repeat the grade,’ says Shamos. ‘Now learners can rewrite subjects to improve their chances of getting the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in less than a year.’

GAP YEAR
Another option is considering a gap year. Taking a gap year, which can be structured or unstructured (in other words planned in advance or open-ended), offers an opportunity to travel, learn new things, make friends and do work in your community.

TVET CERTIFICATE
Shamos advises learners who do not wish to repeat or rewrite their matric exams to find their passion and consider registering for a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualification towards a specific range of jobs or employment possibilities. A TVET certificate also allows one to apply to a University of Technology to continue studies at a higher level in the same field of the certificate achieved.

WHAT TO DO TO HELP REDUCE STRESS:
The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has suggested ways for parents and children to deal with the disappointment: Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs as they do not offer solutions to coping with stress, and could impair the ability to think clearly.

Eat at least one proper meal a day and keep the body hydrated. Exercise to increase blood flow in the body, which promotes clearer thought. Take a 10-minute walk every day. It’s good for your body and your mind, and it’ll help to use up extra adrenaline created by stress.

DIRECTORY

South Africa
Rechecking and/or remarking
+2712 357 3000 or info@dbe.gov.za

MATRIC.CO.ZA
A portal with plenty of useful information

Botswana
Ministry of Education & Skills Development
+267 365 5400
Toll-free 0800 6006 78 www.gov.bw

Lesotho
Ministry of Education & Training
+266 223 13405 www.education.org.

Namibia
Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture
061 293 3358 www.moe.gov.na

Swaziland
Ministry of Education & Training
+268 2404 2491/
+268 2404 2491
www.gov.sz

Jet Club members have free access to Jet Club’s helplines. For advice and support on issues affecting teenagers call the Teen Advice Careline:

TEEN ADVICE CARELINE
0800 00 45 45
(SA & Namibia).
From Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland, dial
+2711 991 8258