The Scary Truth About Maths in Matric

You can pass the Maths subjects in Matric if you pay attention in class, study every day, ask your teachers for assistance and complete your assessments.

The pass rate in Mathematics is scary. There are very few students who pass Maths in Matric. This is usually due to the fact that students think Maths is difficult and do not study the subject. 

However, more students could pass Maths if they put more effort into the subject. If there is a certain percentage of students who do well in Maths, then all students can learn to do well in Maths. 

If you have challenges with Maths and you are already in Matric, you need to find a way to pass the subject. Your Matric results are important, and you must ensure you pass all subjects well. This will help you get into university, get a bursary or find employment. This is what you can do to pass Maths: 

  • Pay attention in the Maths class 
  • Take notes 
  • Ask questions if you do not understand 
  • Practise the Maths topics 
  • Join a study group to get assisted by your peers 
  • Get help outside school hours (extra classes) 
  • Study everyday 
  • Focus more of your attention on the topics you do well in (however, do not neglect other topics)

Why Do Most Learners Fail Maths?

Most learners fail Maths because of the following reasons: 

  • They have made themselves believe that Maths is difficult 
  • Self-doubt academically  
  • They do not study or practise Maths 
  • Failure to understand a Maths rule/formula

What Should I Do If I Fail In Maths?

If you fail Maths, you should keep trying to practise it until you get it right. Spending more time practising the formulas and rules in Maths will help you have a better understanding of it. Do not tell yourself that Maths is difficult, as this may cause you to give up the moment you experience difficulty. 

All subjects are challenging. You simply need to study until you understand. If you are experiencing challenges, you can ask your Teacher to ask you. They are there to help you gain the relevant knowledge so that you can pass.

What Is A Pass Mark For Maths?

There is no specific pass for Maths when you are in Matric. However, you must pass with a good mark. This is a mark of at least 50% or higher marks. If you obtain this amount of marks in every subject, you will have a high chance of getting into university

Some universities require very specific marks for Maths. You should do research on the university that you want to go to so that you see how many marks they require. The most common mark that universities require is 60 to 70%. Make sure you study hard to gain this mark so that you can be considered for admission.

Is 30% A Pass In Maths?

Yes, you can pass Maths if you receive 30% marks. However, this pass is not recommended. You should earn a mark of 50% or above to pass well. You will need high marks to study at university.

What Are The 4 Compulsory Subjects?

There are seven subjects you study in Matric. Four of these are compulsory subjects. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is one of the compulsory subjects. Below are the compulsory subjects you must study in Matric. You must have four subjects which are of this category: 

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

Choose the four compulsory subjects here: 

  • 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 

These are the elective subjects. You must choose three of these: 

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

Is It Ok To Fail A Maths Test?

Yes, it is okay if you happen to fail a Maths test. However, you should learn from your mistake. Do a self-introspection and identify what made you fail the test. Work on your weaknesses so that you can pass your tests next time. 

This is what you can do to pass your Maths test: 

  • Study a few days before the test 
  • Use Matric past question papers to practise for Maths 
  • Ask a friend to study with you 
  • Do extra research on how to approach Maths problems 
  • Study to understand

Can You Fail Maths And Still Pass?

Yes, you can fail Maths and still pass Matric. You can fail one subject and pass your Matric. However, you are advised to only pass your Matric with good marks. You need good results to further your education at a university.

How Can I Pass A Maths Test Without Studying?

You cannot pass a Maths test without studying. You should not write any test without studying. Your tests are based on what you have been taught in class. You should use your class notes and textbooks to study. 

The knowledge you gain will help you find answers to the questions asked in the tests. This is how you will pass your Maths test.

Who Is A Good Student?

A good student has the following qualities: 

  • Arrives to class in time 
  • Loves and values school 
  • Respects educators and other students 
  • Studies everyday 
  • Pays attention in all classes 
  • Ask questions when feeling lost 
  • Prepares for all assessments 
  • Participates in class presentations 

Completes their test, assignments and exams

How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated?

Matric final marks are calculated this way:

Internal Assessments (School Based Assessments)

External Assessments (Matric Final Examination) 

Counts as 25% in your final marks 

Counts as 75% in your final marks 

Must complete class presentations, tests, assignments, June and trail exams to work for this mark 

Must complete the final examination to work for this mark 

Used as a booster for your final examination marks 

Used as your final Matric results (combined with your internal assessments mark) 

Is 75 A Distinction In Matric?

No, 75% is not a distinction in Matric. You must earn a mark of 80% or above to get a distinction  in Matric.

What Is The Highest Pass In Matric?

The highest pass in Matric is the Bachelor’s Degree Pass. This is the pass that can get you into university. Below is a list of the minimum requirements that you must obtain to gain a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. Although these are the minimum requirements, you can always work for even higher marks

Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree Pass: 

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

If you have passed your Matric with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass or any other Matric Pass Level, and you are not happy with the results, you can upgrade them. Apply for our Upgrade Matric Course and improve your marks. We will provide you with the following as you study: 

The best part about studying at Matric College is that you can do it with or without a Matric Qualification. You can study and obtain qualifications that are employment friendly and can be used to study further.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 03, 2022