NATIONAL NEWS - While schools have closed and year-end reports were handed out, matrics still have an anxious few weeks ahead until their results are released.
In-between planning for holidays, Christmas gatherings and perhaps moving to a university dorm or flat, many matrics are stressing about “what if?”
Dr Gillian Mooney, a dean at The Independent Institute of Education, urged learners not to worry about what they should have done during the exams, but rather to focus on what they can do when they get their results.
Parents and guardians need to be especially supportive during this time and be aware that their reaction to results, especially disappointing ones, can have a big impact on their child’s ability to deal with it.
Mooney advised parents to discuss potential scenarios and be ready with a plan of action:
• Failing the year
This is not the end of the world. You can register to take a second national exam, which will take place in June from next year. This will allow learners to rewrite as many subjects as they need to.
Secondly, you can send your papers to be remarked or rechecked.
If your marks were too low in too many subjects, you can repeat the year at your same school or go to another one. Another option is to complete your matric at a tertiary institution or via distance learning.
• Your marks aren’t good enough for degree studies
If you just need a few marks, it can be worth sending papers for a remark or recheck. Otherwise, you should explore certificate or diploma courses that may enable you to go study your chosen degree at a later stage.
• You don’t qualify for your first choice degree or university
Some universities offer bridging courses or additional subjects you can take to make up for lower marks. You can also look at other institutions who offer the same kind of course, as their requirements often differ.
If you’re determined to follow a career in a certain field, find out if there are other courses in the specific department that you may qualify for. Some universities allow you to switch courses if you do well enough after a year or two.
• Your results are even better than expected
If you’ve settled for a certain course, because you didn’t think you’d do well enough to qualify for the one you really want, contact the institution of your choice and find out if you can switch. Ensure that you really want to follow a specific course or go to a university before spending thousands of rand just to find out it’s not perfect for you.
Mooney also recommends that matrics investigate niche offerings such as on-the-job training and internships which may prove a better fit and get them a foot in the door to high-demand career paths.
If you’re still not sure what to study or struggling to get financial aid, taking a gap year or working abroad is also an option.
If you can afford it, enrolling in a gap year programme, volunteering at an organisation or perhaps doing job shadowing can be a good way to figure out which career fits you best.
Working abroad as a teacher, au pair or crew member on a cruise ship will enable you to save money for whatever you decide to do next and give you priceless experience.
