Academics and psychologists have praised the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Matric Programme as one of the best options for matriculants who do not achieve their desired results.

Educational psychologists emphasize that this initiative will help reduce mental pressure and anxiety among students by assuring them that alternative pathways are available if things don’t go as planned. Parents are also urged to refrain from choosing careers for their children and instead focus on supporting them wholeheartedly.

With just a few days left before the nationwide release of matric results, anxiety has set in for many eagerly awaiting their outcomes. Educational psychologists suggest that the Second Chance Matric Programme will be a valuable resource, providing support and opportunities for these students.

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

Mashaba advises students who do not perform as expected, to avoid depression by accepting their current situation and move ahead to better their marks this year.

“What you need to do is to accept that the situation you are facing is difficult and you don’t have control over it. Your results are already there they just need to be released that’s it. So, if you want to have control you are going to struggle just allow it. Also talk to someone, your parents or friends who are not facing the same situation. Talk to a psychologist or even a counsellor,” Mashaba elaborates.

Career counsellors also echo sentiments about the Second Chance Programme, stating that it can open pathways for students to pursue the careers of their dreams.

“That programme is working. I have seen some students who have written maybe two or three subjects, and they have now made it. With this programme you can be able to also combine subjects, and it is possible that while combining subjects they do get minimum requirements for the programme that they want to do,” says career consultant Dr Sanele Gamede.

Gamede also encourages parents not to impose career choices on their children, emphasizing that doing so could have adverse effects on the learner involved.

“Don’t chose a career because of someone else. Also, I want to advise parents not to impose careers or career choices to their children. Yes, also I want to say this, parents can be old, but they can never be stupid’s so if they ask you questions about your career choice, please have answers for those questions because they will be trying to assist you and they want to understand why you are choosing music instead of mechanical engineering,” Gamede added.

Students are also encouraged to seek support from psychologists or organisations like SADAG if they experience suicidal thoughts or heightened anxiety levels.

They are urged not to consider suicide if they fail, as it is not the end of the world. The Second Chance Programme provides an opportunity to move forward. Matric results will be officially released on Monday.