So You Think You Failed a Matric Subject: What Next?
If you’re worried about your future because you failed a matric subject, this is the blog for you! You have options, and we have loads of resources to help you get through it.
For more tips, check out our blog on Succeeding at Supplementary Exams!
Your Options If You Failed a Matric Subject
Passing Matric is essential. It is the culmination of twelve years of education. On top of that, it’s also a basic requirement to access tertiary education. Many employers are reluctant to hire those without a Matric certificate. So if you have failed a Matric subject, things may seem pretty bleak.
Fortunately, you may qualify for a supplementary examination (i.e. a Matric re-write). This will allow you to have a second go at the subjects you failed. According to the Department of Basic Education website, you may qualify for a supplementary exam if you:
- Were medically unfit on the day of the exam;
- Do not meet admission requirements for Higher Education;
- Experienced personal problems such as a death in the family; or
- Failed a maximum of two subjects
If you meet these criteria, and want to register for a re-write, then contact the Department of Education, via your school. The deadline to register for a supplementary exam is typically the first week of February, but it is best to register as soon as possible after you receive your results. The supplementary examinations usually take place in the middle of the year (May/June). Once dates have been finalised they are published online, so keep an eye on the media releases posted on the Department of Education website once the Matric results are released.
If you’re considering registering for Supplementary Exams, check out Is It Worth Writing Matric Supplementary Exams!
How do I ensure success?
This is also an excellent time to consider tutoring, to assist you with those difficult sections of work and to help you cover all the material needed before you write your exam. By getting support systems in place well in advance of your Matric re-write, you will improve your chances of improving your marks and passing your subject. It is important to know, however, that it is also up to you to pass, so start observing good study habits: make up a timetable; give yourself a good, clean, well-lit study area, away from the hustle and bustle of the house.
Get in touch with us soon (don’t wait until the last minute). We’ll get you set up with a tutor who will be there with you every step of the way. We want to see you succeed, and assist you in achieving the marks that you want to get!
Written by Conor Engelbrecht, Maths & Science Tutor
Hi my brother is writing supplementary matric exam on the following subjects Maths, Science and Afrikaans . I really need a tutor for him for the next 3 months . Thank you kindly
Hi Tumi
We have sent you our Matric Rewrite information via email. Please check your email, and once we have received the required details back from you, we can get right onto finding a suitable tutor for your brother.
We look forward to assisting you!
Kind regards,
Ashleigh
hi I need to know when can I register to do supplements on my matric only physics and mathematics
Hi Happiness. You will need to register before the end of January. You can register with the Department of Education, through your school.