Are Grade 12 Marks Important?

Grade 12 Marks can limit or give you access to great opportunities. See the imitations for certain results and options for improvement.

Yes, Grade 12 marks are important. They are used by universities and colleges to determine admissions, and they can also be used by employers to assess your skills and knowledge. Even if you do not plan to attend university or college, or if you do not plan to pursue a career your Grade 12 marks can still be essential

What Is Grade 12?

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is the qualification that you receive when you pass Grade 12 in South Africa. The NSC is a nationally recognised qualification that is accepted by all universities and colleges in South Africa. To obtain the NSC, you must pass at least six of the seven subjects that you take in Grade 12. 

These subjects must include the following:

  • Home language
  • Additional language
  • Mathematics or Mathematics literacy
  • Life Orientation

The Senior Certificate (SC) is awarded to Grade 12 graduates who pass a minimum of five subjects. While not as widely accepted as the NSC, it remains valuable for job opportunities. Grade 12 equivalent courses prepare students for the NSC or SC, offering challenging curricula that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The courses that define Grade 12 are challenging and rewarding. They can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in university, college, and the workforce. If you are interested in studying your SC or Grade 12 equivalent courses, Matric College is a great option to consider.

What Are The Core Courses For Grade 12?

The courses offered by Matric College are designed to help students to achieve their academic goals and to prepare for success in university, college, and the workforce. We provide four main Grade 12 courses: 

Adult Matric

The Adult Matric course, is designed to help students obtain the National Senior Certificate (NSC). This course includes all the core subjects required for the NSC and offers a range of elective subjects. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time, depending on their convenience. Here is the course information you can consider:

Adult Matric Course Information
Credits120 credits
NQF Level4
Awarded byUmalusi
Duration1 year to 36 Months
Admission RequirementsGrade 9 certificate or equivalent
AssessmentThe exam accounts for the final result

Matric Rewrite

The Matric (Grade 12) Rewrite course is a full-time or part-time that is designed to help students to rewrite their Grade 12 exams. The course covers all the core subjects required for the NSC, as well as a variety of elective subjects. Have a look at the course information:

Matric Rewrite Course Information
Credits130 credits
NQF Level4
Awarded byUmalusi
Duration1 year
Admission RequirementsMatric results, or incomplete results
AssessmentThe exam accounts for the final result

Matric Upgrade

The Matric Upgrade course. This course is suitable for students who have their Matric results, or incomplete results and are looking to improve their scores. The course is designed in line with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements and is accredited by Umalusi.

Matric Upgrade Course Information
Credits130 credits
NQF Level4
Awarded byUmalusi
Duration1 year
Admission RequirementsMatric results, or incomplete results
AssessmentThe exam accounts for the final result

ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping

The ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping is a course that is designed to prepare students for a career in bookkeeping. The course covers all the topics that are required for the ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping.

ICB FET Certificate In Bookkeeping Course Information
Credits130 credits
NQF Level4
Awarded byFASSET
Duration1 year
Admission RequirementsICB Bookkeeping National Certificate
AssessmentCombination of assignments, tests, and exams

ICB National Certificate In Small Business Financial Management

The ICB National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management is a course that is designed to prepare students for a career in small business financial management. The course covers all the topics that are required for the ICB National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management.

ICB Small Business Financial Management Course Information
Credits120 credits
NQF Level4
Awarded byFASSET
Duration1 year
Admission RequirementsGrade 11 certificate or equivalent or the ICB Bookkeeping National Certificate
AssessmentCombination of assignments, tests, and exams

Why Is Grade 12 Important?

Grade 12 holds immense significance for students, marking the culmination of high school. It is a pivotal year when Grade 12 results become crucial for university admissions and job opportunities. Beyond academics, Grade 12 fosters personal growth, aiding students in decision-making, skill development, and self-discovery. The year serves as a launchpad for their transition from high school to adulthood, setting the stage for future success in education and career.

What Makes Grade 12 Distinct From Lower Grades?

Grade 12 is the final year of high school in South Africa. It is a distinct year from lower grades in a number of ways, including the curriculum, the teaching methods, and the expectations of students.

  • Curriculum
  • Teaching Methods
  • Expectations

Curriculum

The Grade 12 curriculum is more challenging than the curriculum for lower grades. It covers a wider range of topics and goes into more depth. Grade 12 students are expected to have a good understanding of the material and to be able to apply it to real-world situations.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods used in Grade 12 are also different from the teaching methods used in lower grades. Grade 12 teachers focus on developing students’ critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. They also encourage students to work independently and to be self-directed learners.

Expectations

The expectations of students in Grade 12 are also higher than the expectations of students in lower grades. Grade 12 students are expected to be more responsible and to take charge of their learning. They are also expected to be more organised and to manage their time effectively.

Why Do Universities Emphasise Grade 12 Marks?

Grade 12 marks are an important factor in the university admission process. Universities emphasise Grade 12 marks for several reasons, including. 

  • Academic ability: Grade 12 marks are a good indicator of a student’s academic ability. Students who perform well in Grade 12 are more likely to succeed in university
  • Fairness and objectivity: Grade 12 marks are a fair and objective way to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Grade 12 exams are standardised, meaning that all students are assessed on the same material and according to the same criteria
  • Future success: Grade 12 marks are a predictor of future success. Studies have shown that students who perform well in Grade 12 are more likely to graduate from university and to go on to successful careers

How Important Are Grade 12 Marks In The University Admission Process?

Grade 12 marks matter in university admissions for three main reasons: they reflect academic ability, offer a fair basis for comparison across schools, and predict future success. While the importance varies among universities. 

Grade 12 marks generally make up a significant portion of the application, often with a weighting of 50% or more. 

How Can Grade 12 Marks Impact Career Choices?

While Grade 12 marks are important, they are not the only factor that employers consider when hiring new employees. By gaining relevant experience, highlighting your skills and strengths, and networking with people in your field, you can improve your chances of getting a job, even if your Grade 12 marks are not perfect.

Why Do Some Employers Prioritise Grade 12 Marks?

Employers value Grade 12 marks for predicting academic ability, work ethic, and potential success. Some companies prioritise academic excellence for cultural reasons. If your marks are not perfect, gain relevant experience, highlight your skills, and network in your field to boost job prospects.

Grade 12 marks are considered crucial for a variety of professions, including:

  • Doctors and other healthcare professionals need to have a strong foundation in science and mathematics. They also need to be able to think critically and solve problems
  • Engineers need to have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics. They also need to be able to design and build complex systems
  • Lawyers need to have a strong understanding of legal principles and procedures. They also need to be able to communicate effectively and write persuasively.
  • Accountants and financial analysts need to have a strong understanding of mathematics and business principles. They also need to be able to analyse data and make sound financial decisions
  • IT professionals need to have a strong understanding of computer science and technology. They also need to be able to develop and implement IT solutions

How Can Students Improve Their Grade 12 Marks?

Improving Grade 12 marks requires a proactive approach from students. Regular class attendance, active participation, timely completion of assignments, and effective study habits are key strategies. Building strong relationships with teachers, practising learned concepts, and maintaining a consistent study routine contribute to academic success. Importantly, seeking assistance when faced with challenges, whether from teachers, tutors, or classmates, is encouraged.

How Can The Matric Rewrite Course Aid In Enhancing Marks?

The Matric Rewrite Course, offered by private educational institutions, assists students in improving their Grade 12 marks for their desired post-secondary education or career. It covers the same curriculum but is more intensive, with one-on-one or small-group instruction. Students receive study materials, practice exams, and tutoring. 

The course enhances understanding of the material, improves study skills, and develops better test-taking abilities through expert guidance.

People Also Ask

Grade 12 marks play a significant role in determining further education and job opportunities in South Africa. Most universities and colleges require students to meet a minimum Grade 12 average for admission. Employers also often use Grade 12 marks as a screening tool when hiring new employees.

The importance of Grade 12 marks for different careers varies. Some professions, such as medicine and law, require students to have high Grade 12 marks. Other professions, such as trade and technical jobs, may not require high Grade 12 marks.

Some professions prioritise Grade 12 marks because they require students to have a strong academic foundation. For example, medical students need to have a good understanding of science and mathematics to succeed in medical school. Law students need to have a good understanding of English and critical thinking skills to succeed in law school.

The importance of Grade 12 marks post-high school varies. For students who want to attend university or college, Grade 12 marks are very important. For students who want to go directly into the workforce, Grade 12 marks are also important.

Grade 12 marks are very relevant for college admissions. Most universities and colleges require students to meet a minimum Grade 12 average for admission. Some universities and colleges also consider individual Grade 12 marks when making admissions decisions.

Author: Lynnzelle Adams
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: January 15, 2024