How does matric symbols work

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MATRIC RESULTS

Matric Results are probably the most important part of your academic and work life. Therefore matriculants should be well aware of what results they need to achieve to further their studies or to help their job prospects. The following guidelines are brought to you by FUTURA HIGH SCHOOL in Durban which offers opportunities for matric repeaters to repeat matric or improve their results in 2015.

The NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) has a minimum pass requirement but also three other levels that determine your further study options.

The three levels are
• HIGHER CERTIFICATE
The Higher Certificate is the minimum pass requirement for matric. For admission to a Higher Certificate, a candidate must obtain a pass of 40% in three subjects including Home Language, and a pass of 30% in three subjects.

• DIPLOMA
The minimum entrance requirements for Diploma study is an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40 – 49%) or better in four subjects.

• BACHELOR’S DEGREE
To meet the minimum entrance requirements to a Bachelor’s Degree study, a candidate must obtain an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50 – 59%) or better in four subjects.

These levels are entry guidelines for tertiary CERTIFICATE, DIPLOMA OR DEGREE courses. Each tertiary institution has additional requirements that need to be met for entrance. This means that you must be aware of the course entry requirements for the course you wish to study. Achieving the appropriate level does not guarantee acceptance. If the language of learning at the institute of higher learning is English students will also require English as a home language or a minimum mark in English First Additional Language.

The following is an explanation of the symbols used to categorise achievements in the Senior Certificate examinations.

E – Endorsement
Previously known as university exemption, a pass with Endorsement means that a candidate has obtained a Senior Certificate that fulfils basic requirements for entry into tertiary studies. To qualify for Endorsement, Candidates must offer a combination of certain subjects and grade levels, and must achieve an aggregate of at least 950 marks.
M – Endorsement (Merit)
To pass with Endorsement with Merit, candidates must achieve an aggregate of between 1260 ad 1679 marks (60% to 79%), and must meet subject and grade requirements for Endorsement.
D – Endorsement (Distinction)
To pass with Endorsement with Distinction, candidates must achieve an aggregate of more than 1680 marks (80%), and must meet subject and grade requirements for Endorsement.
S – Senior Certificate
Candidates will qualify for a Senior Certificate with an aggregate of at least 720 marks.
N – Senior Certificate (Merit)
Candidates will qualify for a Senior Certificate with Merit if they achieve an aggregate between 1260 and 1679 marks (60% – 79%).
P – Senior Certificate (Distinction)
Candidates will qualify for a Senior Certificate with Distinction if they achieve an aggregate of 1680 marks (80%) and above.