MESSAGE TO THE CLASS OF 2011 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Congratulations to the Class of 2011, particularly those who performed well in the National Senior Certificate examinations. While many of you have succeeded in achieving the goals you set for yourself at school, you may still be unsure about what to do now. In addition, some of you may be disappointed with your results. This is not the time to give up. There are many options open to you to improve your results or to choose an alternative career path. You have completed at least twelve years of schooling that has been at considerable cost to yourselves, your parents, family and the country. You should not give up now, but should take responsibility to make use of every opportunity available to you to improve your life chances and to make your contribution to South Africa.

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We want to have a country which has a modern infrastructure and a vibrant economy and where the quality of life is high. South Africa faces critical skills shortages in areas such as engineering and medicine, but you should also look to alternative careers. What country can prosper without artisans, such as carpenters or plumbers? In addition to the traditional further education options, such as universities and universities of technology, you should also consider the vocational options available to you, such as those offered at Further Education and Training colleges.

Read the following information carefully. It will assist you with your future options and choices.

Remember: If you are disappointed with your results, do not panic or think you must deal with it on your own. Seek advice and support from your teachers or Department counsellors. You may also wish to contact CHILDLINE on their toll free number - 0800 055 555 - and you will be redirected to the appropriate regional office.

How do I apply for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts?

Candidates may apply for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts immediately after receiving their results. The closing date for application for a re-mark or recheck is Monday, 23 January 2012. Late applications will be accepted until 27 January 2012.
Application forms for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts are available from schools or centres where the candidates sat for the examination. The fees of R70 are for re-marking, R12 for rechecking and R150 for viewing of an examination script. Before a script can be viewed you need to have done re-checking and re-marking. Candidates from no-fee schools and learners whose parents have applied and have been granted a concession on the payment of schools fees are
exempted from payment of re-marking and rechecking fees.

What should I do if my examination results are withheld?

Irregularities is one of the reasons for candidates’ results being withheld. When a candidate is informed that that the results are withheld, the candidate can do the following:
Contact the Provincial Head Office (Exams Directorate) for an investigation to be done by them. You may work through a district office or your school but the bottom line is that the province must launch an investigation.

How do I register for supplementary examinations?

Candidates who qualify for a supplementary examination can register at the centres where they sat for the examination immediately after receiving their results. The closing date for application for the supplementary examination is Tuesday, 24 January 2012.

Who may apply to register for supplementary examinations?

• Candidates that have not met the minimum promotion and certification requirements but require a maximum of two subjects to obtain the NSC;
• Candidates who could not sit or finish the examination due to medical reasons, a death in the immediate family or other special reasons, provided documentary evidence is submitted;
• Candidates who do not satisfy the minimum higher education requirements, or higher education faculty requirements, in such cases, the candidate must be one requirement short in meeting the minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s degree programmes.
• Candidates that are one requirement short for a specific occupation also qualify

What can I do if I do not qualify to write the supplementary examination?

Those who have not succeeded in their examinations and who do not qualify for a supplementary examination must re-enrol at school without delay as long as they meet the age requirement which is under 21. This will give them a second chance at writing their Grade 12 NSC. With additional effort, they will succeed. Grade 12 learners who failed and who are over 21 should register as private candidates or enrol at Adult Education Centres. Participation in programmes at these centres is free and is available for young people and adults who have not completed their schooling. In addition they could explore other options that are vocational. There are 50 Further Education and Training Colleges spread across all provinces of South Africa comprising of over 240 campuses or teaching sites. Public Further Education and Training (FET) colleges offer vocational training courses and qualifications at various levels of study for learners who have a Grade 9 pass/certificate, an NQF level 1 qualification or a Grade 12 certificate. FET Colleges also offer courses (the NATED or N-Courses) which, combined with practical work, lead to a qualification as an artisan in a wide variety of desperately needed skills.