Can Grade 12 Be Repeated?

Repeating Grade 12 comes with many advantages and leads to better results and opportunities. Matric College offers courses that are affordable and convenient.

Yes, you can repeat Grade 12 in South Africa. This opportunity is available to ensure you have the chance to improve your matriculation outcomes, providing a stronger foundation as you transition into higher education or the workforce. 

By revisiting the curriculum, perhaps under improved circumstances or with additional support, you can better your understanding and performance, aiming for a more favourable matric certificate. 

What Courses Are Offered For Repeating Grade 12?

Repeating Grade 12 is a decision that comes with the intent to better your academic standing. The course you choose to take during this year is crucial, as it is meant to address the academic areas you wish to improve. 

What Are The Core Courses Available For Students Repeating Grade 12?

For students eager to improve their matriculation outcomes, we provide two main courses tailored to cater to your needs:

The Matric Rewrite course is structured for students who wish to rewrite certain subjects to improve their grades. It is a chance to focus on the subjects you found challenging and work towards bettering your understanding and performance in those subjects.

The Matric Upgrade, on the other hand, is designed for those who want to upgrade their matric by adding more subjects to their certificate. It is an opportunity to broaden your subject knowledge, which could be instrumental in meeting the admission requirements of certain tertiary institutions or simply aligning with your changed career aspirations.

The choice between these courses depends on your individual academic goals. Whether it is improving grades in previously taken subjects or adding new subjects to your matric certificate, both courses are geared towards enhancing your academic profile.

Here are some considerations while choosing a course:

  • Your long-term career goals might necessitate taking additional subjects or improving grades in the subjects related to your desired field of study or work
  • If you have specific tertiary education institutions in mind, it is wise to check their admission requirements and choose a course that aligns with these prerequisites
  • Your personal academic goals, such as mastering a challenging subject or achieving a certain aggregate, will also influence your course choice
  • Consider the learning environment that suits you best. At Matric College, we offer a conducive learning atmosphere that supports your academic endeavours

Here is the course information:

Feature

Matric Rewrite

Matric Upgrade

Purpose

To improve grades in previously taken subjects

To add more subjects to your matric certificate

Target Audience

Students who wish to better their grades in certain subjects

Students who want to broaden their subject knowledge or meet specific tertiary education admission requirements

Course Structure

Focused on revising and mastering the curriculum of specific subjects

Designed to introduce and cover the curriculum of additional subjects

Duration

Can take up to 12 months depending on your pace 

Can take up to 12 months depending on your pace 

Outcome

Improved grades in specific subjects, leading to a better matriculation certificate

An upgraded matric certificate with more subjects, meeting diverse academic and career goals

Certificate Type

National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Senior Certificate (Amended)

Awarded By

Umalusi

Umalusi

NQF Level

Level 4

Level 4

SAQA ID

49647

49647

Credits

130

130

How Do The Courses For Repeating Students Compare To The Standard Grade 12 Curriculum?

The courses for repeating students, such as Matric Rewrite and Upgrade Matric, are designed with a specific focus on improving and expanding your academic portfolio. Unlike the standard Grade 12 curriculum that covers a broad spectrum of subjects, these courses allow for a more focused approach, enabling you to concentrate on the subjects that need improvement or addition.

Consider these two points: 

  • The content is tailored to address the areas you found challenging previously, providing a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding
  • Special emphasis is placed on exam preparation to ensure you are well-equipped to tackle the Grade 12 exams confidently

How Are These Courses Tailored To Address Previous Academic Shortcomings?

The courses provide a platform for academic redemption. Here is how they are structured to address your previous academic shortcomings:

  • Focused Learning 
  • Supportive Environment
  • Resource Availability
  • Exam Strategies
  • Feedback Mechanism

Focused Learning

Unlike the broader approach of the standard curriculum, the focus is narrowed to the subjects that require attention, ensuring a targeted learning experience.

Supportive Environment

We provide a supportive learning environment with access to experienced educators who understand the challenges faced by repeating students.

Resource Availability

A wealth of resources is made available to aid in understanding and mastering the subjects, paving the way for improved performance.

Exam Strategies

Exam strategies and practice sessions form a significant part of the curriculum, helping you to overcome exam anxiety and perform better.

Feedback Mechanism

Regular feedback on your progress ensures you are on the right track, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.

Through the unique structure and support provided in these courses, we aim to address the hurdles that have impeded your success previously. Your journey towards improving your Grade 12 results is our priority, and we strive to provide the necessary tools and environment to make this venture a successful one.

Under What Circumstances Might Students Consider Repeating Grade 12?

Life is full of unexpected turns, and sometimes these turns might lead you to consider repeating Grade 12. Here are some scenarios where revisiting Grade 12 could be a beneficial choice:

  • Perhaps you did not perform to the best of your ability or the results did not reflect your true potential. Repeating Grade 12 gives you the chance to rectify this
  • Over time, your career goals might evolve, which may necessitate a change in the subjects you had initially chosen. Repeating the grade allows you to realign your subject choices with your career aspirations
  • There might have been instances where adequate preparation for exams was not possible due to various reasons. A second go at Grade 12 provides the opportunity to be better prepared

How Do Choices In Grade 12 Influence Your Future?

The subjects you choose and the grades you achieve in Grade 12 are instrumental in shaping your post-school path. Whether your goal is to enter university, pursue vocational training, or embark on a career, your Grade 12 results are a crucial reference point for future opportunities.

What Aims Do Students And Educators Hope To Achieve Through Repeating Grade 12?

The decision to repeat Grade 12 is not taken lightly, and there are solid goals that both you and educators hope to achieve through this repetition. Here are some of the objectives:

  • Revisiting the Grade 12 syllabus aims to deepen your understanding of the subjects, ensuring a firm grasp of the core concepts
  • The primary aim is to improve your grades. Better grades enhance your chances of gaining admission to reputable tertiary institutions and broaden your career prospects
  • The extra year can be used to develop essential skills such as time management, study techniques, and examination strategies, which are invaluable for higher education

How Many Times Can You Repeat Grade 12 In South Africa?

The opportunity to repeat Grade 12 in South Africa is a testament to the educational system’s commitment to ensuring that each student has the chance to perform to the best of their ability. However, there are regulations in place regarding the number of times you can repeat Grade 12. 

Here are some key points regarding this:

  • Number Of Attempts
  • Age Factor

Number Of Attempts

The South African education system allows students to repeat Grade 12. However, the exact number of times you can repeat this grade might depend on individual circumstances and the policies of the specific educational institution

Age Factor

There are no set age restrictions apart from the age to be eligible for the exams. You could start a rewriting program as early as 19 years old and write your exams if you have reached the age of 21

Can I Repeat Grade 12 If I Am Over 21?

Repeating Grade 12 when you are over 21 might come with its own set of challenges and procedures. Here is what you need to know:

  • Adult Matric
  • Registration
  • Registration
  • Subject Choices
  • Examinations

Adult Matric

For individuals over the age of 21, the Adult Matric course at Matric College will be beneficial. This is a provision that allows adults to complete their Grade 12, providing a chance to improve their academic qualifications.

Registration

To repeat Grade 12 as an adult, you would need to register as an adult candidate with the Department of Basic Education or through accredited institutions that offer adult matric programs.

Subject Choices

As an adult, you may have the flexibility to choose subjects that align with your current career goals or interests, which might be different from the subjects you initially took.

Examinations

The examinations under the Adult Matric program are structured to accommodate adult learners, ensuring that you have a fair chance to improve your Grade 12 results.

What Is The Procedure For A Student To Repeat Grade 12?

Opting to repeat Grade 12 is a decision laden with hope and a renewed readiness towards achieving your academic goals. But, how does one go about this process? 

Decision-Making

The initial step in this journey is deciding to repeat Grade 12. This decision should be well-informed and rooted in a desire to improve your academic standing. It is crucial to weigh the benefits and discuss them with educators or counsellors to gain a clear understanding of what this decision entails.

Registration

Once the decision is made, the next step is registration. It is important to register as a repeating student with the Department of Basic Education. We offer a seamless registration process for our courses, guiding you through each step to ensure everything is for your repeat year.

Choosing The Right Course

Picking the right course is crucial. At Matric College, we offer Matric Rewrite and Upgrade Matric courses tailored to meet the needs of repeating students. These courses are designed to address the areas you wish to improve, providing a structured pathway towards achieving your academic goals.

Preparation

Preparation is key. Engage in a thorough review of the subjects you will be retaking, and make use of the resources provided. We offer a wealth of resources and a supportive environment to ensure you are well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

Continuous Assessment

Engage in continuous assessment to gauge your understanding and readiness for the examinations. We provide feedback on your performance, helping you identify areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to enhance your understanding.

Examination Registration

Registering for the matriculation examination is essential. Ensure that you meet all the deadlines for examination registration to avoid any hiccups as you approach the end of the academic year.

Examination Preparation

As the examinations draw near, start your preparation. Utilise past papers, engage in group discussions, and seek clarification on any challenging topics from your educators.

Sitting For The Examination

The culmination of your hard work is sitting for the matriculation examination. Approach the examination with confidence, backed by the preparation and support you have received throughout the year.

Result Collection

Once the examinations are concluded, the final step is collecting your results. Celebrate your achievements and reflect on the journey, armed with the knowledge and experience gained.

Here is how you can access your results online: 

  • First, find out the official release date of the Matric rewrite results. This information is usually available on the Department of Basic Education’s website or through their official communications
  • Visit the official website of the Department of Basic Education or the specific portal provided for Matric results
  • You will typically need to enter your examination number and other personal details to access your results

What Are The Requirements For Passing Grade 12?

The pursuit of a successful matriculation is a shared goal among Grade 12 students. The requirements for passing Grade 12 are set by the South African education system to ensure a standard level of knowledge and skills among graduates. At Matric College, we align with these standards, offering a structured path to meet and exceed these requirements.

Minimum Pass Requirements

Understanding the minimum pass requirements is crucial. There are different pass levels in Grade 12, the Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor pass levels. Each level has its set of requirements regarding the subjects you must pass and the minimum marks you need to achieve.

Continuous Assessment

Your year mark, known as Continuous Assessment, contributes towards your final Grade 12 mark in traditional classroom learning. It includes tests, assignments, and examinations you complete during the school year. Ensuring a strong performance throughout the year will positively impact your final mark. For Adult Matric you are assessed but only your exam results are considered. 

Examination Performance

Your performance in the final examination is a significant factor in passing Grade 12. Preparation, consistent revision, and understanding of the examination format are key to performing well.

What Are The Different Types Of Grade 12 Certificates And Passes?

The type of Grade 12 certificate you receive is reflective of your academic performance. At Matric College, we provide the support and guidance needed to understand the different types of Grade 12 certificates and the criteria for each.

What Is The National Senior Certificate (NSC)?

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is the standard Grade 12 certificate obtained upon completing Grade 12. It showcases your achievements in the subjects you took during your final school year.

What Is A Technical Matric (N3)?

Technical Matric, also known as N3, is an alternative to the NSC. It is aimed at students with a technical orientation and comprises four technical subjects along with two languages. It is a path towards technical or vocational training and education.

What Is Adult Matric?

Adult Matric caters to individuals who are 21 years old or older and wish to complete their Grade 12. This option provides a flexible route to achieving a Grade 12 certificate, especially for those who have had a break in their formal education.

The different types of Grade 12 certificates are recognised and accredited by Umalusi, ensuring their validity and acceptance by tertiary institutions and employers.

What Are The Different Pass Levels?

The Grade 12, or Matric exam is a big milestone in South Africa’s education system. As you step out of high school, the grade you get, known as your Matric pass level, opens different doors for you. These pass levels are important, it showcases how well, or poorly you did.

Here is a table to highlight the different levels:

Pass Level

Requirements

National Senior Certificate Pass

  • Minimum of 40% in three subjects, one must be Home Language
  • At least 30% in four other subjects 

Higher Certificate Pass

  • Minimum 40% in three subjects, one must be Home Language
  • At least 30% in three other subjects
  • May fail one subject (excluding Home Language)

Diploma Pass

  • Minimum 40% in four subjects, one must be Home Language
  • At least 30% in two other subjects

Bachelor’s Pass

  • Minimum 40% in Home Language
  • At least 50% in four other High Credit subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
  • At least 30% in two other subjects

It is essential to note that for a Bachelor’s Pass, the subjects must include certain designated subjects for university admission, and the requirements may vary slightly depending on specific university criteria. 

Always check the most current information from the Department of Basic Education or relevant educational authorities for the latest requirements.

How Does Matric College Facilitate A Supportive Environment For Repeating Students?

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is the first step in supporting our repeating students at Matric College. We acknowledge the courage it takes to repeat Grade 12 and strive to provide a space where you can feel comfortable and focused on your academic goals.

Interaction is key to a supportive environment.  Here is how:

  • Our interactions are always respectful and encouraging, aimed at boosting your confidence and motivation
  • The availability of resources is crucial for academic success. Whether it is study materials or tutor support, we ensure that these resources are readily available
  • We are committed to continuous improvement in providing a supportive environment. Feedback from our students is invaluable in refining our support services to better meet your needs

At Matric College, we are dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience as you work towards improving your academic standing and achieving your educational goals.

What Are The Flexible Distance Learning Programs Offered By Matric College?

At Matric College, we believe in providing a diverse range of learning opportunities to cater to the varied interests and career aspirations of our students. While our focus is on supporting students through the important stage of Grade 12, we also offer a variety of other flexible distance learning programs that provide valuable pathways towards achieving your career goals. 

Aside from our Grade 12 courses, we offer ICB courses that provide a strong foundation in fields like accounting, business management, and entrepreneurship. These courses are designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required to thrive in the business world. 

We also provide National Qualification courses that cover a range of fields including education, financial management and even human resource management. These courses are recognised nationally, ensuring that you receive a quality education that is valued by employers across various industries. 

The flexible nature of these courses means you can study from anywhere, any time, making it easier to attain a qualification while managing other aspects of your life.

How Are The Resources And Guidance Structured To Ensure Academic Improvement?

At Matric College, we understand that each student’s journey towards academic improvement requires a structured and well-organised support system. Our resources and guidance are meticulously designed to cater to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth pathway towards achieving your academic goals. 

Here is how we structure our resources and guidance to facilitate your academic improvement:

  • Our courses are meticulously aligned with the national curriculum, ensuring that the content you engage with is relevant and up-to-date
  • Our study materials are comprehensive and tailored to cover all the essential topics within your chosen course
  • Our tutors are readily available to assist you with any queries you may have
  • Regular assessments are crucial in tracking your academic progress
  • Following each assessment, our tutors provide constructive feedback that is aimed at identifying areas of improvement
  • We provide revision resources including past exam papers
  • Understanding that every student learns differently, we offer personalised learning plans
  • Study groups provide an opportunity for collaborative learning. Sharing ideas, discussing complex topics, and working together on projects can significantly enhance your understanding and make the learning process more enjoyable

What Are Some Tips For Success If I Decide To Repeat Grade 12?

Deciding to repeat Grade 12 is a step towards a brighter academic future. At Matric College, we are here to support you on this journey. Here are some tips that can guide you towards achieving success as you navigate through this important year once more:

  • Creating a study routine helps to manage your time efficiently. Set aside specific times for studying, breaks, and leisure activities
  • Whenever you face challenges in understanding certain concepts, do not hesitate to reach out for clarification
  • Regular practice through assignments, past papers, and mock exams can help reinforce what you have learned, making you more confident and better prepared for your exams
  • Keeping a positive mindset is crucial. Believe in your ability to achieve better results this time around
  • After every assessment, seek feedback to understand your performance. Knowing your strengths and areas of improvement can guide your revision effectively
  • Study groups provide a collaborative learning environment. Interacting with peers, sharing ideas, and discussing challenging topics can provide different perspectives and aid in understanding the subject better
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can significantly impact your ability to focus and learn effectively
  • Keep yourself informed about any updates regarding the curriculum, examination schedules, and other important information relevant to your course
  • Being well-informed can help in better preparation and reducing anxiety as the exam period approaches.

By following these tips and making the most of the support and resources we provide at Matric College, you are setting a solid foundation for success in your repeat year.

What Are The Benefits Of Repeating Grade 12?

Choosing to repeat Grade 12 is a decision that comes with a myriad of benefits. At Matric College, we ensure that the journey of repeating this grade is well-supported and enriching for you. Here are some benefits associated with taking this step:

  • Stronger Foundation
  • Better Understanding
  • Enhanced Skills
  • Increased Opportunities
  • Personal Growth
  • Boosted Confidence
  • Career Advancement

Stronger Foundation

Repeating Grade 12 allows you to build a stronger foundation in the subjects that are crucial for your future studies. This is essential for achieving better results and lays a solid groundwork for any tertiary education you may pursue.

Better Understanding

Going through the Grade 12 syllabus again provides a chance to gain a better understanding of complex topics. This improved understanding is beneficial for both your final exams and your future educational endeavours.

Enhanced Skills

The process of repeating Grade 12 can enhance your study skills, time management, and exam techniques. These skills are invaluable and will serve you well in both your academic and professional life.

Increased Opportunities

Achieving better results by repeating Grade 12 opens doors to a wider range of post-secondary education opportunities. It increases your chances of getting into competitive courses and institutions.

Personal Growth

The journey of repeating Grade 12 is also one of personal growth. It teaches resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work, which are important life skills.

Boosted Confidence

As you witness the improvement in your academic performance, your confidence is likely to get a boost. This new-found confidence could be instrumental in achieving better results and pursuing further education.

Career Advancement

With better final results, your prospects for a fulfilling career are enhanced. Many professions require a strong Grade 12 performance as a baseline for entry.

The benefits of repeating Grade 12 extend beyond just the academic improvements. The personal growth, enhanced skills, and increased future opportunities are invaluable. 

How Might Repeating Grade 12 Improve Academic Performance?

Deciding to repeat Grade 12 is a significant step towards achieving better academic performance. At Matric College, we support you through this journey by providing the necessary resources and guidance. 

Here is how repeating Grade 12 improves Academic Performance: 

  • Familiarity With The Curriculum
  • Opportunity For Clarification
  • Improved Study Skills
  • Focused Attention On Weak Areas
  • Better Preparation For Exams

Familiarity With The Curriculum

As you go through the Grade 12 curriculum again, you become more familiar with the topics and concepts. This familiarity can lead to a better understanding and improved performance in assessments and exams.

Opportunity For Clarification

Repeating Grade 12 gives you a chance to seek clarification on topics you found challenging the first time around. With the support of our tutors, you can gain a better understanding, which in turn improves your academic performance.

Improved Study Skills

The experience of going through Grade 12 previously provides insight into the importance of good study habits. This time around, you can apply better study techniques, manage your time effectively, and utilise the resources we provide to improve your performance.

Focused Attention On Weak Areas

Identifying and working on your weak areas is easier when repeating Grade 12. You have the opportunity to spend more time on these areas, improving your overall understanding and performance.

Better Preparation For Exams

With an additional year to prepare, you have more time to go through past exam papers, participate in mock exams, and engage in effective revision strategies. This extra preparation can significantly improve your performance in the final exams.

How Does Repeating Grade 12 Enhance Post-Secondary Opportunities?

Repeating Grade 12 is not just about getting through the final year of high school; it is a pathway to broadening your post-secondary opportunities.  Consider the following points:

  • Increased Choices
  • Access To Competitive Courses
  • Scholarship Opportunities
  • Enhanced Career Prospects
  • Preparation For Tertiary Education

Increased Choices

With better Grade 12 results, you have a wider range of choices when it comes to selecting a field of study. This increased choice allows you to pursue a course that truly aligns with your interests and career goals.

Access To Competitive Courses

Some courses are highly competitive and require top results for admission. By improving your Grade 12 results, you increase your chances of gaining admission to these competitive courses.

Scholarship Opportunities

Better Grade 12 results can also open doors to scholarship opportunities. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of tertiary education, making it a more accessible option for you.

Enhanced Career Prospects

The course you decide to pursue post-matriculation can have a significant impact on your career prospects. With improved Grade 12 results, you can pursue courses that lead to lucrative and fulfilling careers.

Preparation For Tertiary Education

The discipline and study habits cultivated while repeating Grade 12 can serve as excellent preparation for the demands of tertiary education.

People Also Ask

Yes, any student who wishes to improve their grades or has failed to meet the passing criteria can opt to repeat Grade 12.

The curriculum remains consistent for repeating students, however, the approach to teaching and the resources available may be tailored to address previous academic shortcomings.

Yes, there are alternative pathways such as pursuing matric equivalent certificates and enrolling in short courses. At Matric College we provide all our courses through distance learning, for both part-time and full-time students.

Author Name: Lynnzelle Adams
Editor: Caitlin Roux
Date Published: December 18, 2023