As the graduation season nears, you might find yourself filled with anticipation and curiosity, eagerly awaiting your Matric results. This moment is more than just a milestone; it marks the culmination of your hard work and the exciting start of a new chapter in your life. It's important for you to know when and how you'll receive your graduation results, as this knowledge is key to preparing for the future.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential details and procedures for receiving your graduation results, ensuring that you're fully equipped and ready for this momentous event.
The Difference Between British and CAPS Graduation Results
The British and CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) graduation results differ significantly in terms of curriculum structure, assessment methods, and grading systems.
The British Curriculum, including GCSEs and A Levels, focuses on an in-depth study of a limited number of subjects, with students specialising in particular areas during their A Levels. In contrast, the CAPS curriculum, followed in South Africa, mandates a broader range of subjects that includes languages, mathematics, life orientation, and various other electives.
Assessment in the British system leans heavily on final examinations, with some coursework components in certain subjects, while the CAPS system employs a mix of continuous assessment and final year exams, with continuous assessments contributing significantly to the final grade.
The International British Curriculum grades range from A (highest) to E (lowest) at A Levels. CAPS uses a 0–100% grading scale, with different passing criteria for various subjects and levels.
Recognised globally, the British system is often preferred by those aiming for international study, especially in the UK. CAPS, while accepted within South Africa, might require additional qualifications or bridging courses for international academic pursuits.
How to Check Matric Results
Checking CAPS matric results in South Africa is a straightforward process. Here are the common methods of doing so.
- Check online: the Department of Basic Education's website usually provides access to matric results. You'll need to enter your examination number to access your results. Some educational districts or schools may have their own systems or websites where results are posted.
- Receive an SMS: you can register with your education department to receive your results via SMS. This service typically requires you to send your ID number and exam number to a designated number.
- Check the newspaper: matric results are often published in major national newspapers. Here, results are listed under the examination number, so it's important to have your number handy.
- Visit your school or examination centre: you can visit your school or examination centre to view your results and receive your matric certificate.
- Phone the national call centre: the Department of Basic Education operates a call centre that you can phone to get your results.
- Download a mobile application: there might be mobile applications available for download that provide matric results. These are typically announced closer to the results’ release date.
Before accessing your results, ensure you have your exam number ready, as it's crucial for identification in all of these methods. Also, it's important to note that while results are made available through these channels, the official matric certificate, which is necessary for further education and employment, is usually collected from the school or examination centre where you sat the exams.
How to Check International British Results
Checking International British curriculum graduation results, such as IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), AS (Advanced Subsidiary), and A-Level exams in South Africa, involves a few distinct steps. These exams are typically administered by examination boards like Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel. Here's how to check these results.
- Online via examination board portals: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) students can check their results using the Cambridge Candidate Results service. You’ll need your login details, which usually include your Candidate ID and password. These details are often provided by the examination centre. Pearson Edexcel results are available through the Edexcel Online system. Again, login credentials are required, which should be provided by your exam centre.
- SMS or email notifications: some examination boards offer the option to receive results via SMS or email. You would typically need to sign up for this service in advance.
- Contacting the examination board directly: if you have any issues accessing your results, you can contact the examination board directly through their customer service channels.
It's important to remember that while these results give you an indication of your performance, the official certificates are usually sent to the examination centres some time after the results are announced. Students will need to collect these certificates from their examination centre, as they are crucial for university applications or employment purposes.
Also, remember to keep your Candidate ID and other relevant details confidential and secure, as these are necessary for accessing your results and for any future correspondence with the examination boards.
When Are Matric Results Coming Out?
In South Africa, the release of CAPS matric results typically occurs in early January of the year following the exams. The Department of Basic Education announces the specific date a few months in advance, usually after the completion of the matric exams that are held in November and December. Once the marking process is concluded, the results are prepared for release.
It's essential for students and parents to stay updated with official announcements from the Department of Basic Education for the most accurate and current information regarding the release of results.
When Do Cambridge AS Level Results Come Out?
Cambridge AS Level results are typically released twice each year, corresponding to the main examination sessions. For the May/June examination session, results are usually announced in August, with the specific date generally falling in the middle of the month. For the October/November session, the results are released in January of the following year, often in the first half of the month.
Cambridge Assessment International Education provides advance notice of these dates, which are communicated to examination centres and are often available on their website.
