Matric is a year filled with a plethora of stress and decisions, that’s why we want to lighten the burden on your shoulders by giving you all the information you could possibly need to map out your future while focusing on the present.

Gap Year

It gets a bit of a bad reputation as a waste of a year but it doesn’t always have to be, like all things in life it’s how you use it.

• Travelling
  I'm sure you have heard about people taking a year to go backpacking across Europe or motorcycling across America, well not all of us are fortunate enough to afford life experiences like that. If you want to travel and are strapped for cash, there is one way to fund that dream and that is by becoming an Au Pair.
  AuPairWorld
• Volunteering
  Offer your services at a local institution and you will learn many valuable skills along with gaining the patience to work with people. You might not get paid but you will get the satisfaction of helping out your local community (and maybe even getting a good reference on your CV).
• Short/Online courses
  Times are changing and getting a decent education isn't restricted to physical institutions anymore. You can take free online courses in fields ranging from Languages to Computer Science and for about 99 dollars you can even get a certificate from a place like Harvard.
  edX Online Courses

Higher Education

This is pretty much the standard people would expect to find but they might not realise just how many choices they have to further their academic pursuits.

• University
  This is generally a more academically centered environment with heavier focus on research and theoretical approaches, often referred to as academia. Universities offer very high quality degrees, diplomas and certificates but don't expect to graduate from one and immediately adjust to the working environment.
  Universities South Africa
• Technikon (University of Technology)
  Universities of Technology offer mainly diploma and certificate courses, but also offer degree courses. They place emphasis on innovative problem-solving and career-directed courses, in addition to the basic responsibilities of a university. The courses are designed to be career-orientated and practical, with experiential learning forming part of the courses.
  Universities of Technology
• FET/TVET College
  South Africa’s Further Education and Training (FET) colleges, which have recently been rebranded as Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, have long been the neglected stepchildren of the higher education system. Their courses are vocational or occupational by nature meaning that the student receives education and training with a view towards a specific range of jobs, employment or entrepreneurial possibilities. Under certain conditions, some students may qualify for admission to a University of Technology to continue their studies at a higher level in the same field of study as they were studying at the TVET College.
  TVET Colleges South Africa

Working World

Your first thought might be getting some full-time office job but there are many other things to consider first.

• Workplace apprenticeships and learnerships
  South Africa’s shortage of skilled tradespeople and artisans means that there are great opportunities in the hands-on ‘learn while you earn’ category. An apprenticeship is generally trade-based, while a learnership is usually profession-based. Both are connected to on-the-job workplace training. Some companies offer learnerships, where you work while studying and training towards a qualification.
  Student Room Apprenticeships
• Internship
  This usually involves doing work for a small stipend or even for free. Job seekers often complain they can’t get a foot in the door of any workplace because they lack experience. But the benefit of interning is that you gain valuable real-world experience and references to beef up your CV, making you more employable. And even better: if you excel, you may be offered a permanent (and paying) position at the end of the internship.
  Internships SA
• Job Shadowing
  First, narrow down the kind of work you’re interested in, then find the leading companies in that field. Approach their HR departments and ask if they have a job shadow or mentorship programme. You’ll see how the organisation works along with shadowing someone you can ask questions, getting a feel for the job. It could lead to an internship, learnership or even a full-time position.

Unsatisfactory Marks

Just in case something goes wrong - life happens, all you can do is keep going.

• Learners can apply for the re-checking or re-marking of their exam answer scripts within 21 days of the official release of the results the by the Minister of Education.
• Learners who did not write or complete the end-of-year exams with a valid reason have the opportunity to write a supplementary exam.
• The Department of Education has launched the Second Chance Matric Programme, which will give unsuccessful matriculants the opportunity to rewrite their matric exams. Learners must register for the programme when they register to write the supplementary examinations. Registration for progressed learners will commence in March.
  DBE Second Chance Programme