A distinction in Matric is a pass of 80% and higher marks. These are marks that set students apart from others. This is a pass of excellence. When you score a distinction pass, you increase your opportunities to gain access to the following:
- Universities and colleges
- Internships
- Learnerships
- Bursaries
What Is Meant By Distinction In The Matric Results?
A distinction pass in your Matric results means that you did well. This can either be for one or more subjects. Distinctions are a mark of 80% and above. These marks are good and help you gain access to university for any course you want.
How Do You Get Distinctions?
You get distinctions by being committed to your school work. This means doing your school work with extra effort. If an average student passes with 60% in class, it is important to pass with higher marks if you want to be excellent. In this case, you must obtain 80% or above to pass with a distinction.
You can get a distinction by doing the following:
- Study
- Understand
- Practise
- Engage
- Ask
- Write
Study
All students who pass with excellent have one thing in common, which is that they study hard. To earn a distinction pass, you must study hard and smart. Make a timetable that will help you have a study routine. This will make studying easy, and you will get used to it.
When you study, you can take breaks in between to rest your mind and body. Refresh for 15 to 30 minutes and then go back to studying. If you come across information you do not understand, research it on the Internet. If you still do not understand, leave it and ask your teacher at school the next day.
Understand
You have to understand what you are learning. Many times students use study methods that allow them to remember a lot of information, and it works. However, if you understand a concept or an idea, you will remember the information forever. Therefore, it is important to understand the work that you are studying. This allows you to spend less on remembering the information.
Practise
Prepare for the exam before they start. Do this at least a month or two before the exams. This will help you gain as much information about exams as possible. Since you were already studying consistently. It will be easy to prepare for the exams.
Use past examination papers and memorandums to prepare for your exams. You will learn how examiners set up exam questions and how they expect the answers to be written. This will help clear your exam anxiety and make you feel excited to write because you now have an idea of what to expect.
Engage
It is important that you engage in both in-class lessons and class assessments. Engaging in classroom lessons will help you learn. You will gain knowledge and skills. You can ask teachers questions when you do not understand some things being taught. By doing this, you will find clarity, and it will help you when you complete your assessments.
Engaging in class assessments helps boost your year mark. Class assessments also known as school-based assessments (SBA) create 25% of your final marks. The other 75% comes from your final exam marks.
You must engage in classroom assessments to work for this 25% mark. These marks combined with your final examination mark and create your final pass. If you want to earn a distinction pass, you must work for any mark. Every assessment builds towards your pass.
Ask
Do not be afraid to ask questions when you are in class. You learn by asking a lot of questions. If a teacher asks a question, answer them if you think you have an answer.
Your answer does not have to be correct. They will clarify for you, and you will never forget this information again, which is good for you. Asking questions also helps you find more than one answer to a question.
Write
To pass Matric with a distinction, you must write all your assessments and aim to pass with marks of 80% and above. These assessments include:
- June exam
- Assignments
- Tests
- Trail exam
- Final examination
What Is A Distinction Worth?
A distinction is worth different things depending on how many distinctions you earn and the school you attend. For example, if you earn four (4) distinctions, you may be awarded by the school.
If you earn seven (7) distinctions, which means you have a distinction for all of your Matric subjects, you may be awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for being the best learner. You may be called for the South African top learners awards which take place every year.
How Many Points Is A Distinction?
Seven (7) points is a distinction for one subject. The table below shows you how Seven (7) points is a distinction pass:
Percentage of marks received | Type of Achievement | APS Points |
80-100% (Distinction) | Outstanding Achievement | 7 points |
70-79% | Meritorious Achievement | 6 points |
60-69% | Substantial Achievement | 5 points |
50-59% | Adequate Achievement | 4 points |
40-49% | Moderate Achievement | 3 points |
30-39% | Elementary Achievement | 2 points |
0-29% | Not achieved | 1 point |
How Are Matric Points Calculated?
Matric points are calculated in a specific way. This table shows you what each percentage mark you receive in your subjects means in achievement level and APS score.
The percentage of marks received | Achievement Type | APS Points |
80-100% (Distinction) | Outstanding Achievement | 7 points |
70-79% | Meritorious Achievement | 6 points |
60-69% | Substantial Achievement | 5 points |
50-59% | Adequate Achievement | 4 points |
40-49% | Moderate Achievement | 3 points |
30-39% | Elementary Achievement | 2 points |
0-29% | Not achieved | 1 point |
To calculate what APS score you have in your subjects, you must combine the points. This is how you can do it:
Subject | Percentage | APS points |
English First Language | 78% | 6 points |
isiZulu Home Language | 68% | 5 points |
Mathematics | 45% | 3 points |
Physical Sciences | 59% | 4 points |
Life Sciences | 62% | 5 points |
Geography | 51% | 4 points |
Life Orientation | 58% | We do not include L.O |
6 + 5 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 4 | A total of 27 points |
What Is A Bachelor In Matric?
A Bachelor’s Degree Pass in Matric is the highest pass in Matric. This pass helps you gain access to study at university. When you have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level, you have a better chance of gaining access to bursary opportunities, internships and learnerships. This helps you secure your future easily.
How Do You Get A Bachelor's In Matric?
You get a Bachelor’s Degree Pass in Matric by earning the following marks or higher:
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 50% in four subjects
- A minimum of 30% in two other subjects
Is Bachelor's Higher Than A Diploma?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree Pass is higher than a Diploma. However, both pass levels can be used at university. Note that obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma Pass, does not automatically get you accepted into university. You just meet certain requirements set by the university.
How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated?
Matric final results are calculated based open the following things:
- School-based assessments
- Final exam
School-Based Assessments
The school-based assessments (SBA) contribute 25% of your final mark. You must complete class tasks such as tests and oral presentations to create a good SBA mark. These marks are combined with your final exam marks and create a final pass mark.
Final Exam
The final examination contributes 75% of your final mark. You must write your final exam and earn good marks to pass. This 75% is combined with the 25% in your SBA and creates your final mark. This is why it is important to work hard in both your SBA assessments and final exam.
Can You Pass Matric With 5 Subjects?
No, you can not pass Matric with five (5) subjects. You must have seven subjects to study Matric. You can pass only six subjects and pass the class. However, it is best to pass all subjects so that it boosts your APS score.
The only Matric you can pass with five subjects is the Adult Matric. You need six subjects to study, and you can pass only five subjects and complete the course.
Can You Fail Maths And Pass Matric?
Yes, you can fail Maths and pass your Matric year. However, Maths is a very important subject. When this subject is passed well, you have a higher chance of getting into university.
Can You Apply To A University With Grade 12 Marks?
Yes, you can apply to a university with Grade 12 marks. These are the marks universities accept. Ensure that you receive good marks from the beginning of your year in Matric. These marks will help you secure a spot in university.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 22, 2022