As the festive season continues with many looking to celebrate Christmas in a few days, the matric class of 2021 are still waiting for their results.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will announce the final results on 20 January next year.
With this in mind, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has urged parents to be more supportive of their children. That is because this is usually known to be a difficult period for them as they have to deal with anxiety while waiting for the outcome of their exam efforts
In addition to this, one of the matriculants has even stated matric was much easier than Grade 11 as they could not complete their syllabus due to learning losses brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matric was slightly better than in grade 11. It had its challenges. I won't lie when we closed for that one month, then we had to come back and write prelims two weeks later, but other than that I enjoyed the year. The premium was difficult but I managed to push through it and I had support from other learners as well.
Although the Basic Education Department offers the second chance programme, which is for pupils who have either not passed or are looking to improve their marks, SADAG has advised parents to encourage learners to thoroughly assess their options before choosing to rewrite their exam.
This could be in the form of learners focusing on their learning weaknesses even circumstances where they might have to redo a previous Grade.
Parents have also been advised not to put pressure on their children but instead show them love and support, no matter the exam results.
You can contact SADAG on their 24 hour helpline: 0800 456 789, should you feel the need to speak to anyone.
