Failed matric exam? DBE’s Second Chance Programme can help

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The release of the 2024 matric exam results is a stressful time for many learners. Markedly, those who fail the matric exams, may be vulnerable to anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. The Department of Basic Education (DBE)’s Second Chance Matric Programme aims to support learners who did not meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or extended Senior Certificate (SC).

Mental and emotional risks for matric learners

In an interview by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group with counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon, he stated that many matric learners feel pressured by their parents, teachers, and peers not only to pass, but to achieve exceptional results.�

In the context of a failed matric exam, he encourages learners not to see their academic marks as an indication of their self-worth. He also said that more emphasis should be placed on things like lifelong learning and emotional intelligence.

What is the Second Chance Programme?

It is important to note that the programme can open opportunities for learners to pursue various careers. It essentially provides a way for learners who failed the exam to move forward.

The benefits of the programme are:

Learners are able to meet the requirements of the NSC or SC and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate
Increased learner retention
Increased computer skills, job opportunities, and also career prospects
Access to bursary opportunities for further studies

Eligible candidates include:
• Supplementary Exam Candidates: Learners who wrote the NSC the previous year and qualify
to write a maximum of two subjects to meet the requirements of the NSC
• Progressed Learners: Learners who wrote the NSC the previous year and did not sit for all
six subjects

For a summarised document with all the key information about the programme, click here.

Experts praise the Second Chance Programme

SABC News reported that academics and psychologists have praised the DBE’s Second Chance Matric Programme as one of the best options for matriculants who do not achieve their desired results.

Educational psychologists emphasised that this initiative will help reduce mental pressure and anxiety among students by assuring them that alternative pathways are available if things do not go as planned.

‘This programme shows you that if you don’t get the right marks there is a second chance. This means you can rewrite, supplement or think of other opportunities that are available. This programme does not mean that you only have to rewrite your matric; it also gives you other options to think about your future,’ said Educational Psychologist Elvis Mashaba.