Matric Rewrite: All you need to know

Didn’t get the Maths and Science results you wanted? You can always rewrite.

So you didn’t get the Mathematics or Physical Science mark that you needed in Matric in order to qualify for your dream University and degree. It’s not the end of the road. Here are some options including matric rewrite.

Over the years we’ve had many post-matrics attending our Maths or Physical Science Exam Preparation classes and also our Academies. It hasn’t been something by design but our programmes are clearly helping learners that want to rewrite Maths or Physical Science and this continues to be validated year on year as learners write to us about how we helped them achieve the mark that they needed to take their next step into University.

Is taking a gap year worth it?

Taking a gap year and working to improve your Maths or Physical Science mark on your National Senior Certificate is a worthwhile endeavour and many learners do this. Yes, it may mean that you fall a year behind your peers but that year really is not a big deal in the long run (even though it may feel like it now) because getting into a degree programme that interests you, challenges you, differentiates you and gives you exciting career prospects is an incredibly important thing. If this is something that you are considering, we can help you get ready for that rewrite and here are some things to consider.

How can I improve my results in my matric rewrite exam?

First off, be clear on your goals and be realistic. Understand exactly what you need to achieve to be accepted into the degree and University you want to apply towards. Having a very clear goal is incredibly powerful. Then make sure that you are being realistic.

If you achieved 40% in Physical Science in your first attempt at the final exam and are now targeting 75% in order to get into Engineering, for instance, this is a massive improvement that you are targeting and this may not be feasible in a single year. At the same time, it might be perfectly achievable if it was a case of normally performing much better than what you achieved but going through a rough patch personally and having a really bad exam – it happens!

If this is the magnitude of improvement that you are targeting, I’d strongly recommend that you enrol in a managed program that gives you structure, consistency and access to great teaching like our Maths or Science Academy (depending on what subject you are rewriting).

What if I only need to improve my marks by a small percentage?

If you achieved 70% for Maths but need to improve to 80%, then you are really close to your goal already. In this case, leveraging a self-paced resource like Maths Online might be just what you need. Maths Online is the full CAPS Maths Syllabus from Grade 8 – 12 in bite-sized video lessons taught by one of South Africa’s leading Maths Educators, Trish Pike! If this sounds like your case, try it out and reach out to us in terms of getting some advice along the way. Our team will be happy to look at your most recent assessment (likely trials) and give you some insight into where you need to focus in order to improve.

Our Academy has continuous assessment throughout the program which is incredibly important in terms of readiness. If you don’t opt for the Academy but rather for this self-paced approach, make sure that you leverage past papers closer to the exam to set up exam conditions for yourself and practise. We have the largest repository of past papers in South Africa here. Be very deliberate in actually setting up real exam conditions and PRACTISING – don’t fall into the trap of simply reading the past paper and the memo simultaneously. 50% of the understanding you need exists between the steps in the memo that aren’t reflected on the page.

How do I register for a matric rewrite?

• You can register for your rewrite via the Second Chance programme with the DBE
• Your previous high school – chat to them to see if they can help you to rewrite.
• You could rewrite through a registered distance education provider with SACAI – like us.
• Or via a registered distance education provider with the IEB.

The DBE offers opportunities to rewrite halfway through the year and at the end of the year. The other assessment bodies (IEB and SACAI) only offer the opportunity to rewrite at the end of the year. Make sure you register timeously via the channel that makes sense for your context. Registration is happening as we speak so get moving.