HG/SG meaning

If you have the old schooling system subjects that are either Higher Grade or Standard Grade subjects, you can study to upgrade your Matric through us.

If you are studying Matric, there are certain terms and abbreviations you need to know. Some of these include the following: 

  • HG – Higher Grade 
  • SG – Standard Grade 

In the old schooling system, the terms HG and SG were used in subjects. Students could choose whether they wanted to study a Higher Grade or Standard Grade subject. For example,  students could choose to either study a Higher Grade Maths subject or a Standard Grade Maths subject.

What Does HG And SG Mean Today?

In the modern schooling system, the abbreviations HG and SG are also used for subjects. Higher Grade Subjects (HG) are those that help you gain entry into university because they have higher credit. Standard Grade Subjects (SG) are subjects with low credit.

An example of SG subjects is Life Orientation (L.O). Most universities do not look at L.O marks because it is a low credit subject.

Here is a table to show you the High Credit Subjects:

Languages

Non-Languages

  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • Tshivenda
  • IsiNdebele
  • isiXhosa
  • isiZulu
  • Sepedi
  • Sesotho
  • Setswana
  • Siswati
  • Xitsonga

 

 

 

  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Science
  • Business Studies
  • Consumer Studies
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Economics
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Literacy
  • Music
  • Physical Sciences
  • Religion Studies
  • Visual Arts

What Was The Difference Between HG And SG In The Past?

The difference between a Higher Grade and a Standard Grade subject was that the Higher Grade subject was more challenging than the Standard Grade subject. The hardest-working and most intelligent students studied subjects at the Higher Grade level.

If you have studied a Higher Grade or Standard Grade subject, in the past, you can use these subjects to study through Matric College if you plan on upgrading your marks.

What Are The 4 Compulsory Subjects?

When you study your Matric in High School, there are four (4) types of subjects which are compulsory. These subjects are:

  • A Home Language subject
  • English First Additional Language subject
  • Life Orientation subject
  • A Mathematical subject

Below is a table to show you the compulsory subjects you can choose from:

These are the compulsory subjects. Choose four of these provided they match the subjects we described above: 

There are the subjects that are elective. Choose any three of these:

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  • Sesotho Home Language
  • Siswati Home Language
  • Setswana Home Language
  • isiZulu Home Language
  • isiXhosa Home Language
  • isiNdebele Home Language
  • Sepedi Home Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation 

  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences 
  • Agricultural Sciences 
  • Business Studies 
  • Accounting 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Religious Studies

Each High School has its own elective subjects

 

 

 

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?

You need seven subjects when you study Matric in High School. You are expected to pass all subjects to pass Matric. However, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has a regulation which allows you to fail one subject and still pass Matric.

What Are The 3 Types Of Certificates You Can Get In Matric?

There are four Certificate Passes in Matric. These are also known as Matric Pass Levels. You pass Matric if you receive one of these pass levels. Below, the pass levels have been arranged from highest to lowest: 

Requirements To Pass With A Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level 

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 50% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Requirements To Pass With A Diploma Pass Level 

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Requirements To Pass With A Higher Certificate Pass Level 

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in two subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in four other subjects 

Requirements To Pass With A National Senior Certificate Pass Level 

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in three subjects 
  • You can fail one subject

What Is The Highest Pass In Matric?

The Bachelor’s Degree Pass is the highest pass in Matric. This is the only pass level that increases your chance of getting into university. All universities look for students who have good marks. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you may be accepted into university. 

You will be accepted into the university if you meet the requirements set by the university and the course you have applied for. These requirements usually have to do with your subjects. You will be required to have certain marks to study the course you want. 

For example, you may be required to have 70% for Maths to study for a Degree in Chemical Engineering. 

If you do not have enough marks, you should not worry. Take time to enrol for an Upgrade Matric Course. This course is available at Matric College. You will be able to study for the marks you need to gain admission to the university.

What Is A Symbol ‘C’ In Matric Results?

The symbol ‘C’ in your Matric results indicates that you have received marks between 60% and 69%. This is an excellent mark that can help you get into university. Below is a table to show you different Matric symbols and what they mean:

Matric Subject Symbol / Final Examination Marks  APS (Admission Point Score)
A  (80 – 100%)7
B  (70 – 79%)6
C  (60 – 69%)5
D  (50 – 59%)4
E  (40 – 49%)3
F  (30 – 39%)2
G  (0 – 29%)1

Is 75 A Distinction In Matric?

No, 75% is not a distinction in Matric. 75% is a distinction for students who are at a college or university. To obtain a distinction pass in Matric, you must receive any mark between 80% and 100%.

Is A Diploma Pass In Matric Good?

Yes, a Diploma Pass in Matric is good. You can use this pass level to gain admission into some universities. You will not be able to study for any Degree Courses. However, you can enrol for the following courses: 

If you have a Diploma Pass, you can study any course at Matric College.

Is A Higher Certificate Good?

A Higher Certificate is a good pass if you want to study at a college. You can use this pass to study for the following types of courses: 

If you have this pass, you can study any of our courses at Matric College. 

Which Universities Accept Higher Certificates?

Only a select number of universities accept students who have passed with a Higher Certificate Pass. Essentially, you need a Bachelor’s Degree Pass to study at university. There are also a few universities and course programmes that accept Diploma Passes. 

If you have a Higher Certificate Pass, you can study at Matric College. You can use any Matric Pass to study through us. There are the courses you can study: 

NATED Courses

You can study these courses to increase your chances of getting employment. You will earn practical skills and knowledge. We also award you a qualification when you complete the course. Matric College offers the following NATED Courses

ICB Courses 

You can study these courses to gain skills and knowledge on how to start a business. You will receive an ICB Qualification when you have completed your studies. These are the ICB Courses you can study at Matric College: 

Short Courses 

You can study our Short Courses to obtain skills that can be used to start a business or get employment. When you finish studying a Short Course, you will be awarded a Certificate Qualification. Below are the Short Courses you can select from: 

Start a successful journey at Matric College. Whether you would like to:

  1. Complete Matric
  2. Improve your Matric marks
  3. Study with any Matric Pass Level, or
  4. Study without Matric

People Also Ask

Yes, upgrading your matric is the same as giving yourself a second chance for better marks and opportunities. It is advised that if you received marks you weren’t satisfied with, upgrading can help you receive an even better pass for further studies or job opportunities and promotions.

Yes, our Adult Matric course covers work from grades 10, 11 and 12. Depending on your subject choices, you will learn all that you need to be able to pass matric and receive your certificate.

Matric has 130 credits. Credits are important because they indicate how much a student has learned throughout the year and the NQF level received. They also indicate the kinds of post-matric opportunities you can receive.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 22 , 2022