Every year, around 600 000 Matriculants sit down to write their final Matric exams in South Africa.
Qualified teachers are appointed well in advance to mark the exam scripts. The results are then captured, verified and declared fair by Umalusi and the IEB. The marks are then released, after which the Matric Statement of results (reports) and Matric Certificates are issued.
What Is Matric Marking?
Matric Marking is the marking and capturing of the results of exam scripts that matriculants hand in after they write their exam. Marking is done by High School teachers who are qualified and trained to teach the subject they would like to mark.
How Is Matric Marking Done?
Matric Markers are appointed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) after competency tests and background checks.
To be a Matric exam marker, you will need the following:
- A Degree in Education
- 5 years of teaching experience
- To have taught the grade 12 subject you intend on marking for at least 2 or 3 years
- To declare whether you have a family member writing any of the subjects you intend on marking
All the scripts are gathered at marking centres, where they are shared amongst the markers.
Marking is done under strict and confidential conditions. Markers cannot remove students’ answer sheets from the exam centres or take pictures of them, either.
How COVID-19 Affected Matric Marking In 2020
Many Matric markers withdrew from the 2020 Matric marking process for various reasons.
Markers had to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout the duration of the marking season to protect themselves and other markers from possibly contracting the Coronavirus.
Even with strict COVID-19 regulations put in place, there were still some social distancing concerns at some of the marking centres.
More than 170 teachers appointed to mark the Matric exams in 2020 tested positive for the Coronavirus before the marking season began, sparking fear in around 1600 other markers, who later withdrew from marking.
After marking commenced, 238 Matric markers were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19, while (1) one marker succumbed to the virus and lost their life in KZN, because of this, COVID-19 testing became mandatory for all markers, but, 2703 more still withdrew out of fear of contracting the virus.
With the withdrawal of thousands of markers in all the provinces across South Africa, the marking season was extended.
The withdrawal resulted in 800 more markers being appointed in Gauteng.
Even with the extension, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) was still confident that the results would have been released on the date set out. The Matric results release date remained the same and the results were released on time.
Will There Be A Repeat Of What Happened In 2020?
The answer is uncertain, but we hope that there will not be a repeat of what we experienced in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic came unexpectedly. It was a challenging time for everyone in the educational sector: the Matric learners and educators, and the Department of Basic Education’s officials and markers.
When Will The 2022 Matric Exams Start?
The 2022 Matric exams will start on 31 October. It is important to go back to relook at the exam timetable, to ensure that you have not missed any dates.
With less than 100 days left until the 2022 Matric exam period commences. If you have not started your preparation for the Matric exam yet, now is the time to start studying.
Matric markers underwent Competency Tests and background checks, and have already been appointed by the head of the assessment bodies (Umalusi for the Public Education Sector and the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) for the Independent Education Sector).
When Will The 2022 Matric Exams Be Marked?
The 2022 Matric exams will be marked after the last exam ends on 7 December 2022.
How Can I Get My Matric?
The traditional way to get a Matric Certificate would be by completing High School. This is called a National Senior Certificate.
If you are over the age of 21, you can get your Matric Qualification by registering for an Adult Matric– Senior Certificate (Amended) or a Matric Equivalent Course.
What To Do If You Did Not Pass Matric
These are the options you have if you did not pass Matric:
- Remark
- Recheck
- View
- Rewrite
Remark
A remark allows you to request for your exam script to be marked for a second time. Your question paper will be remarked, and your marks will be totalled up again, but by a different marker (a teacher qualified and trained in that specific subject).
Recheck
A recheck differs slightly from a remark. Your exam paper will only be checked for any marking errors, but it will not be remarked, so your results will not be adjusted.
View
You can only request to see your marked Matric exam answer sheet after it has been remarked or rechecked, and you are still dissatisfied with your results.
Rewrite
A Matric Rewrite gives you another opportunity to write the Matric exams. You can apply for a Matric Rewrite if you did not pass Matric or if you are unhappy with and would like to improve your results.
To apply for a remark, recheck, view or rewrite, you will need to create a profile on the Department of Basic Education’s eServices website. You will have access to the DBE Student Portal, where you will then be able to easily register for the above-mentioned options and submit any documents required.
What To Study If You Do Not Have Matric
There are a few courses you can study at Matric College without a Matric Certificate. They are:
Matric Courses
The Matric Courses we offer will allow you to rewrite Matric, upgrade your current Matric results or study towards obtaining a Matric Certificate if you never had the chance to.
These are the Matric Courses that you can study at Matric College:
ICB
ICB Courses to study at Matric College:
Why Should I Study Bookkeeping?
If you enjoy working with numbers, pay attention to detail and can work on your own for extended periods of time, Bookkeeping is one of the careers that you could consider.
Our ICB Courses will also teach you meaningful life skills like time management and critical thinking. Not only will you be able to record and deliver reports on a company’s finances, but you will also be able to manage your own accounts and transactions better.
Short Courses
At Matric College, we offer Short Courses you can study via distance learning without Matric.
Our Short Courses are brought to you by Matric College in partnership with Skills Academy.
These are the courses that you can study with or without Matric:
- First Aid
- Child Day Care
- Crèche Management
- Child Psychology
- Beauty Therapy
- Salon Management
- Nail Care
- Make-Up Application
- Facial Skincare
- Guest House Management
- Tourism
- Events Management
- Event and Wedding Planning
The 2022 Matric exams are around the corner. Matric Marking will follow shortly after. If you are still unsure about which career path you would like to follow, get in touch with one of our Course Experts today to find the perfect course for you.
Author: Tammy Fredericks
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 25 , 2022