The matric Class of 2019 only have a few more days of waiting before they can access their exam results.
According to the Department of Basic Education, the announcement regarding the general results will be made on 7 January 2020 by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, while individual results will be made available on 8 January 2020.
Matriculants who completed their exams via an IEB school will be able to access their results the day before - 7 January 2020 (available from midnight).
For parents and teens awaiting results, tensions are sure to rise but education expert Nola Payne is strongly advising against a negative attitude, especially for parents and caregivers.
"Anxious parents and guardians need to take a step back and ensure that their concern over what may come doesn’t escalate tension in the house," says Payne, Department Head at the Independent Institute of Education (IIE).
Urging all those waiting not to get caught up in the idea that their entire futures are dependent on matric results, Payne says it's best to remain realistic.
"It is important at this stage to reflect on the fact that matric results do not define a person forever, and that many people who did not do well went on to recover from the situation and reached success down the line" she says.
Payne says parents and learners must bear in mind that failing matric is not the end of the road and that learners can still do the following to pass and/or improve on their results:
- Do supplementary examinations later in the year
- Return to school to re-do matric
- Go to another school or institution to complete matric
- Complete matric via distance learning
"So, while waiting for results day to arrive, take the time to consider your options and understand that no matter what happens, you can and – with renewed commitment, will – be able to get back on track on the path of success."
Also see: UPDATE: What are the NEW matric pass requirements?
The same goes for disappointing results
For those pupils who pass without achieving the marks required for entrance into degree study, Payne says the following routes are available:
- 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
Also see: An alternative to matric and varsity: your study options in SA explained
An alternative route to success
Payne says that not achieving the required marks does not automatically mean the end of a dream or that "you have to cancel your plans."
A good alternative to success Paynes says for those who still want to earn a degree down the line, is to pursue a Higher Certificate with a registered and accredited institution.
"Access to study for a Higher Certificate is available to anyone who achieved an HC pass in their National Senior Certificate exams," she explains.
Payne explains that a Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice, a Higher Certificate in IT in Support Services or a Higher Certificate in Events Management, for instance, will give students access to a BCom, a Bachelor of IT in Business Systems, or BA the year after completion.
"Ultimately, by looking at your results, and objectively and dispassionately considering the best course of action from there – whether the results were super or super disappointing – you can ensure that you reach your potential," says Payne.
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