A matric rewrite means you can rewrite your matric exams, and possibly score better marks. This could go a long way in helping you qualify for your ideal course and even give you more options of alternative paths to pursue after completing your studies.
These alternative paths include learnerships and internships, which often require candidates to have a matric certificate as a minimum requirement.
The Department of Basic Education offers matric rewrites under the Second Chance Matric Programme, which gives candidates the support they need in order to rewrite their exams.
This support comes in the form of face to face classes, online support materials, television and radio broadcasts. These broadcasts give candidates the chance to take part in revision of subjects and topics ahead of their rewrites.
Rewriting can give you the chance to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC). Meeting the requirements of the NSC or SC means you have obtained a Grade 12 matric certificate.
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
The NSC is typically granted upon completing grade 12, before turning 21. Individuals who either failed their matric exams, or want to better their results can register as part-time candidates in order to rewrite.
There are a number of requirements, and among these is that candidates must be under the age of 21, having left Grade 12 within the last three years.
Other minimum requirements to obtain the NSC include:
- Achieving 40% in three subjects. One of these subjects must be an official language at Home Language level
- 30% in three other subjects as stipulated in the policy.
- Complete School Based Assessments (SBA), and provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects offered.
Rewrites for this exam take place during the May/June period, giving candidates the chance to improve their results.
Senior Certificate (SC)
The SC is the adult equivalent of the NSC, as it is given to individuals who completed their final year of schooling after turning 21 years old.
This certificate is intended for candidates who successfully completed Grade 9 but discontinued their education before taking the Grade 12 exams. It also applies to those who took their matric exams more than three years ago, but desire to enhance their results.
This is regardless of whether these candidates initially failed or passed their exams
In order to obtain the SC, adult candidates must meet a number of minimum requirements, which include:
- Passing three subjects at 40%. One of these subjects must be an official language at Home Language level.
- Passing two subjects at 30%. One of these subjects must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level.
- Obtain a minimum of 20% in the sixth subject.
While they might seem different, it’s important to note that the SC is the equivalent of the NSC. One of the main differences between the two is that while the NSC combines both examinations and School-Based Assessments, the SC relies solely on examinations to determine the final result.
