JOHANNESBURG - Some of the reasons for not returning to school include a lack of funds, an unwillingness to go back to the benches with younger learners, the stigma some may feel as a result of failing, and a sense of futility over one’s ability to successfully complete Grade 12.
This is according to Nomawabo May, a departmental student adviser at Oxbridge Academy in Stellenbosch, who said: "There is hope, and good news for young people facing these circumstances, as well as those who had long ago given up hope.”
May said thousands upon thousands of learners who failed matric every year were either unable or unwilling to return to school to complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, forcing them to join the growing pool of South Africans who had little prospect of landing even an entry-level job.
She said young people who either failed, or didn’t gain university exemption in the past three years, still qualified to do rewrites of papers this year – provided they moved quickly to meet registration deadlines.
“If you’ve been sitting at home since receiving bad news about your results last month, and don’t know where to from here, you should seriously consider heading back to the books sooner rather than later, as you are still in a great position to earn your matric despite your earlier setback."
May said the benefit of doing matric subject rewrites via distance learning, was that it was affordable, that it could be done via the comfort of one’s own home, that learning materials were user-friendly and easy to understand, and that there would be tutor support available both telephonically and online if one was signed up with a respected institution.
“If your attempt to finish school in 2016, 2017 or 2018 was unsuccessful, you are still well positioned to grasp the bull by the horns this year, and we’ll advise anyone falling into this category to consider their vision for their future and to turn their goals and dreams into reality."
She said those who were unsuccessful in completing matric during or before 2015 should also not despair, as there were a range of options available to them, including completing a bridging course or equivalent qualification, or attempting the Senior Certificate (as amended).
“Unfortunately, people are not always aware of their options, which means that they may become despondent too early, and give up because they simply don’t know that there are routes to qualifying that will suit their pocket and their circumstances.
“Some people still think going to school is the only way to finish matric, and if you weren’t successful, you have to resign yourself to this outcome. Nothing can be further from the truth, as home study – distance learning – is recognised worldwide as an effective way in which to further your education. It is the ideal option for older students, those who live outside of the main metros or even in rural areas, those who have work or family responsibilities preventing them from attending full-time contact classes, and those whose budgets don’t allow for travel and high accommodation costs.”
May said one of the big inhibitors for these students, however, was the fear of failing again.
“That is why you need to ensure you speak to a student counsellor at a respected institution, who will help you devise the best strategy for you and your studies. These advisors will be able to help you determine exactly what the best course or courses are for you, how you need to pace your studies, and also what additional support you may need.
“Our message to the hundreds of thousands of South Africans sitting at home, unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel, is that there is indeed hope. All it takes is for them to take the first step, and to make contact with the people whose mission in life it is to help people like them realise their dreams and aspirations. Then, to take the next baby step and the next baby step, until these dreams start taking shape and are realised.”