School-Based Assessments (SBA)
The SBA contributes 25% towards your final marks. These are the marks that are used to boost your final examination marks. You must make sure that you complete the School-based assessments so that you earn marks that will be helpful in your finals.
The SBA assessments include:
- Class presentations
- June examination
- Trial examination
- Assignments
- Tests
Final Examination
The final examination contributes 75% towards your final mark. You must ensure that you pass this well in order to have a good final mark. These are the results that will appear on your Matric Certificate.
Your final examination marks are combined with your School-based assessment marks and create your final marks. This is how your final marks are calculated.
How are Matric Final Marks Calculated?
The matric exam marks are calculated based on School-Based assessments (SBA) and the final exams. The SBA accounts for 25% of the final score, and the exams account for 75%. Students must score well during the exam since it contributes to most of the final score.
The SBAs comprise assignments, tests, and exams students must complete during the school year. The only exception is Life Orientation, which is completed based on the SBA score.
When students try to determine ‘how are matric final marks calculated?’ they need to understand the tiered-level scoring system of the matric exams. In this system, a score below 29% means a fail for the subject. The table below will help students understand the percentage scores required to ace the exams.
| Percentage | Achievement |
| 80 – 100% | Outstanding achievement |
| 70 – 79% | Meritorious achievement |
| 60 – 69% | Substantial achievement |
| 50 – 59% | Moderate achievement |
| 40 – 49% | Adequate achievement |
| 30 – 39% | Elementary achievement |
| 0-29% | Fail |
What marks are required to pass Matric?
To achieve a NSC pass, one must meet the minimum subject requirements.
The pupil must obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher with at least three subjects including your official home language.
- 30% and higher in two other subjects.
- You can fail one subject (home language included), however, you will need to attain at least 30% for six other subjects.
There are three other different pass levels which include a Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma and Higher certificate pass.
Bachelor’s Degree pass
The requirement to meet a Bachelor’s Degree pass include the following:
- 40% and higher for your Home Language.
- 50% and above for four high credit subjects.
- 30% and higher in two other subjects.
Diploma pass
To achieve a Diploma pass, you must obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher for your Home Language.
- 40% and above for three high credit subjects.
- A minimum of 30% for two other subjects.
Higher Certificate pass
A Higher Certificate pass allows you to further your studies at TVET colleges and certain private colleges in a field of your choice.
A candidate must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects and obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher in your Home Language.
- 40% and higher in two other subjects.
- A minimum of 30% for four other subjects.
What grade system means
If you were wondering what a distinction pass in matric (a pass of 80% or more) and how to achieve it, a candidate must understand the different types of achievement. Take a look below.
- Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement)
- Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement)
- Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial achievement)
- Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement)
- Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate achievement)
- Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary achievement)
- Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved: Fail)
This grading system contributes towards your Admission Point Scores (APS).
Your APS is calculated by looking at the percentage you have achieved per subject and then adding those to get a total. This total will be your APS and determines whether or not you qualify for admission into university or college.
Here is how the point system works:
- 80 – 100% = 7 points
- 70 – 79% = 6 points
- 60 – 69% = 5 points
- 50 – 59% = 4 points
- 40 – 49% = 3 points
- 30 – 39% = 2 points
- 0 – 29% = 1 point
