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Second Chance Programme vs. Bridging Courses: What you need to know

You are probably wondering what will happen if you don’t pass your matric exams as well as you anticipated or even worse, you fail. If that’s the predicament you find yourself in, there are a couple of alternative routes to head down in order to secure a tertiary education.

The two primary options available are the Second Chance Programme developed by the Department of Basic Education last year and a number of bridging courses available at colleges and universities across the country.

For those unfamiliar with The Second Chance Programme (SCP) it is designed to offer students another opportunity to write their NCS matric exams at no cost.

Bridging courses differ as you are able to rewrite your matric exams at a college for a tuition fee, while universities offer a one year foundational course to help you with the qualification you want to achieve.

Unpacking the Second Chance Programme

The SCP has a few different tiers based on how you performed during the final matric exams.

If you’ve written your end of year exams and failed two subjects, you’ll be able to re-write them in February or March of the following year. Those who have missed a portion of their exams are classified as progressed learners and will be allowed to sit exams for the outstanding subjects in June. Lastly part-time candidates are only eligible to write the exams as part of the SCP in November the following year.   

As far as support structures for learners go, face-to-face classes are free to attend and are hosted across the country. These classes designed to assist with content for the June and November examinations.

Classes are broadcasted on select platforms such as OpenView HD, DStv and SABC Education’s Geleza Nathi. There are online courses available too, via the Vodacom e-learning site.

Printed resources such as past question papers, maths and science textbooks are provided by the Department of Basic Education, with the department also offering registration, alongside the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

For students who have failed their matric exam, or have no intention studying beyond grade 12 at this stage, the SCP offers a solid alternative.

A closer look at bridging courses

Bridging courses are intended for those of you who missed the registration period of the SCP or who passed their end of year matric exams but have marks that are too low for university entrance.

As mentioned above there are two different bridging courses. There is one that allows you to rewrite your matric exams if you failed, depending on when the semester ends as each course is structured differently.

Then there are bridging courses offered at universities which allow you to take foundational subjects to improve your marks and potentially get a pre-degree/diploma. These short courses are offered at universities only, and teach introductory level subjects such as mathematics, physical science and life sciences, but do not carry any credit towards your final degree or diploma.

Some colleges offering bridging courses:
Damelin
Intec College
Abbotts College
Oxbridge Academy
Taal- Net Training Institute
Brainline

Universities that also offer bridging courses:
Tshwane University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
University of Limpopo
Rhodes University
University of Witwatersrand
University of Pretoria
University of KwaZulu- Natal
University of Johannesburg
North-West University

We hope that this information is of assistance to you or a family member who wants to acquire their NCS matric certificate, or look for alternative avenues into tertiary education.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

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