Second Chance Matric: Why It Is So Important

The Second Chance Programme is offered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to give students another chance to work hard and obtain their Matric.

The Second Chance Matric is a programme designed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The purpose is to help students who failed or missed a Matric exam get a second chance to gain their Matric. 

The Second Chance Programme is important because it helps more students have an opportunity to pass Matric. Those who have passed, also have a chance to improve their marks. This programme helps students gain a qualification that is important in South Africa, which is a  Matric Certificate. 

A Matric Certificate is important for many things, and one of these is that it is the qualification students can use to apply to university and follow their dream careers. 

What Is Another Word For A Second Chance?

The Second Chance Programme is also known as the following:

Is It A Good Idea To Rewrite Matric?

Yes, it is a good idea to rewrite your Matric. These are the reasons why:  

  • Confidence 
  • University 
  • Bursary
  • Employment

Confidence

When you rewrite your Matric, you feel that life has given you a second chance to do better. You have experience in how the exams are set and what the syllabus is about. This gives you more advantages to passing exams this time around. 

By rewriting your Matric and receiving good marks, you will feel more confident as a student. You will believe in second chances in life, and you will never give up on anything if you happen to fail the first time. 

University

Rewriting your Matric can help you receive better marks. These are marks that are valued by universities. You can apply to university for a course you want.

Keep in mind that your acceptance will depend on the university and whether you meet their requirements. To meet these requirements, you can research the university in time and work towards meeting the requirements set. 

Bursary

Improved marks can help you gain a bursary. Most bursary opportunities look for students with good, marks. This is a good way to study with no financial stress at university. You will focus better on your academics and pass.

Employment

When you have rewritten your Matric and received good results, you will be a better candidate among many. Employers will not only want to hire you because you have a Matric, they will love to hire you because you are persistent. 

It is not everyone who can decide to improve their results. Most people give up and live without Matric. Your dedication will be noticed and this will increase your chances of getting employed. 

Is Matric Necessary?

Yes, Matric is necessary. You need a Matric certificate to access many things in South Africa. This includes: 

  • Universities 
  • Bursaries 
  • Learnerships 
  • Internships

 A Matric Certificate is also necessary for your own growth. Matric will improve your reading, writing, and understanding skills. You have knowledge that you can apply in your everyday life. 

Matric helps you to learn about hard work and dedication. To pass the class, you go through a process of learning and studying a lot. Sometimes, teachers offer to teach you during weekends, holidays and at night. This is because they want to ensure that everyone understands the subject topics and is ready to write the final exams. 

Matric is necessary because you learn about building a successful life. Teachers are there to motivate you to dream big and follow your dreams. Some schools will even call motivational speakers or people that were once learners in that school who have succeeded in life to come and inspire you. This helps you go through life knowing that your dreams are valid if you work hard enough. 

Who Qualifies For A Matric Second Chance?

The following people quality for Second Chance Programme

  • You did not meet the National Senior Certificate pass requirements
  • You are only looking to rewrite subjects that you failed
  • You want to rewrite subjects you passed with low marks 
  • Failed to write due to unforeseen circumstances 
  • You are younger than 21

How Does Matric Second Chance Work?

The Second Chance Programme works in the following ways: 

  • You register through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website or the DBE offices 
  • You need the following to register: 
    • A completed registration form 
    • The form can be downloaded from the DBE website or obtained by visiting any DBE office
    • You will need a certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
    • Examination numbers from previous Grade 12 exams or equivalent exams
  • You will rewrite the subjects you did in the last exam 
  • The rewrite exam is held in May/June and November/December

How Many Times Can You Rewrite Matric?

You can rewrite as many times as you can, as long as you are younger than 21. You can rewrite it through the Department of Basic Education (DBE). 

What Happens If You Fail A Supplementary Exam?

If you fail the Second Chance Programme, you can do the following: 

  • Redo your Matric 
  • Register for another exam sitting 

Redo Your Matric

If you failed the supplementary exam, you can simply redo your Matric all over again. This will give you a better experience because you will be in class. This means you will have study material and teachers to help you. You will have a better chance to pass. 

Register For Another Exam Sitting

If you do not want to go back to class, you can simply register for another supplementary exam sitting if you are younger than 21.

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrading

Matric Rewrite 

Matric Upgrade 

Available through the Department of Basic Education 

Available at Matric College 

Rewrite the same subjects as the last exam 

You can choose new four subjects to rewrite 

You can rewrite as long as you are younger than 21 

You can rewrite as many times as you can 

You have no or less academic support 

You have tutors and study material to help you 

Why Is SBA Important?

Your School-based Assessments (SBA) are important because they create 25% of your final mark. A good SBA can help prevent failing Matric. You must dedicate yourself into complete these assessments so that you have a good mark. These assessments include: 

  • Tests 
  • Assignments 
  • Presentations 
  • June exam 
  • Trial exams 

You must pass each one of these assessments so that it creates a good mark that will be combined with your final mark to create your final results. 

How Can I Improve My Study Skills?

You can improve your study skills by doing the following: 

  • Have a place to study 
  • Make your study area look appealing (e.g. paste the timetable on the wall)
  • create a realistic study routine 
  • Study for an hour and take breaks in between for about 20 minutes 
  • Use past papers to prepare for exams 
  • Have friends to discuss subject topics with 
  • Make notes 
  • Find a tutor if you can 
  • Study consistently 
  • Motivate yourself to study 
  • Aim for high marks 
  • Do not give up on your study routine 

Why Is It Important To Have A Study Plan?

It is important to have a study plan because it will help you stay on track. You will study even when you do not feel like studying. This will help you develop a study habit, which is good for you as a student. Studying is important, and you should make it part of your daily schedule. The secret to good results is studying consistently. 

Is Upgrading Matric A Good Idea?

Yes, upgrading your Matric is a good idea. You can upgrade your Matric through Matric College. We are a distance learning institution that offers the Upgrade Matric course for students who want to improve their results. 

Distance learning is when you study the course from any location. If you are usually busy at work or with other important errands, this is the best way for you to study. We have tutors to assist you while you study from where you are. 

Upgrading your Matric through Matric College is a good idea because you will have the following:

  • Access to study material 
  • Access to tutors 
  • Access to past papers 

 

Upgrading your Matric helps you gain better results. This helps you gain access to the following: 

  • Self-confidence 
  • University 
  • Bursary opportunities 
  • Learnerships 
  • Entry-level work 

Author: Mulisa Nethononda 
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 14, 2022