2020 was indeed a tough year for matric learners, however, they persevered and pushed through with their studies despite all the obstacles. Even though Covid-19 is still among us, matric learners are encouraged to follow their dreams and make plans to continue on their chosen career paths.

Before we tap into our tips, let’s take a look at some of our previous BOE winners who came out tops in the best public and private high schools category.

• Best Public High School – Benoni High School: Rated as one of the top 10 schools in Gauteng and the top English-medium government school in the province.

• Best Private High School – St Dunstan’s College: This is one of the few independent schools which offers a co-ed environment for learners from Grade 000 to Grade 12.

If you have just finished matric and are looking to study further, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Choosing a suitable college and university:

• Ensure the institution is registered and accredited with the Department of Higher Education, which is responsible for maintaining quality and standards.
• Compare costs of studying at various institutions and make sure you can afford to complete your studies
• Choose a campus that is well-equipped with libraries and offers an environment that is conducive for studying.
• Be aware of fly-by-night institutions.

Rewriting Matric:

So you have your heart set on studying further, but your matric marks aren’t good enough?

• You have an option to go back to school and rewrite matric.
• Many school leavers are opting to rather take certain subjects part-time, through a public or private college.

Remember that there’s nothing embarrassing about rewriting subjects. By rewriting certain subjects, it can help improve your marks and help you fulfil your dreams.

Getting a job – Learning and working

Many individuals want to study further but, unfortunately, not everyone has the financial means to do so. How can you tackle this obstacle?

• Look at getting a part-time job so you can start earing money which you can save for future studies.
• Instead of studying at a college or university, consider to correspondence courses.
• Apply for a learnership with one of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).