What to do if you failed matric

Committing your time and effort to complete high school can be exhausting, and failing Grade 12 can leave pupils feeling lost and defeated, but there is no need to stress because there are many options that can be explored.

• Re-check: If you really feel that you deserved a higher mark than you achieved, apply for your final exam papers to be re-checked and re-marked.
• Rewrite: If you’re feeling confident enough you can write the supplementary exam – the information for which will be available at your school.
• Find an FET College: If you don’t want to rewrite or endure another year at the same school you can enrol at an FET (Further Education and Training) College where you can complete your Grade 12 curriculum. Your school’s guidance counsellor will have more information on which college would be the best for you.
• Get experience: If furthering your studies is not what you want to do, apply for an internship in the industry you would like to work in. Employers are usually ready to take on interns to show them the ropes of the business. It is important to understand that many internships will only pay a minimum stipend to cover travel costs to and from work.
• Get crafty: South Africa is short of small businesses and entrepreneurs. You don’t need a matric to start a business and fulfil a need that you may see in the community.
• Get looking: There are jobs that will employ people without matric, provided that they have a unique set of skills and are certified to make use of their skills in that industry. Your best bet is to get on the Internet at a free Wi-Fi spot.

Weigh up all options available to you with a guidance counsellor or your parents before making a choice – they’re usually equipped with some good advice.