It can be quite devastating to find out that you did not pass the school year and it may even cause you to feel discouraged. However, failing is not the end of the world, you still have the opportunity to do better next year.
Unfortunately, some learners did not do as well as they would have liked and ended up having to repeat their school year. These learners are encouraged not to give up and to learn from the mistakes that they have made this year so that they can do better next year.
“You are not defined by your marks. You are still someone who has full potential. Just because you failed does not mean that this is the end of the world. Most of us have failed in our lives, but we are still here standing,” said an education expert.
When a learner fails, the majority of the time it is due to several factors such as the effects of COVID-19 on their academics, lack of resources, lack of support from family, troubles at home and many more. These factors have played a part in decreasing the learner’s productivity at school and their ability to understand their school work.
Learners who have failed are encouraged to come up with a plan of action for the next year which identifies areas where they can do better and includes a list of things to help them achieve their goals. These learners are urged to ask their teachers for feedback as to how they can do better and which areas they need to put more effort in.
Friends who have done well may also be able to help them by providing them with study techniques or even tutoring them. Parents are also encouraged to help their children by providing them with emotional support, sitting with them and providing assistance with their homework, or finding a tutor that can help their child.
Failing can have a negative effect on one’s mental health which is why it is important to seek professional help. There are many free organisations which offer psychosocial support to learners.
These organisations include Childline in South Africa and LifeLine. Learners are encouraged to contact these organisations for free counselling which may help them work through their emotions.
“It’s important for us to understand that in our journey of life sometimes you will fail despite your best efforts. What’s important is to start again”, said an education expert.
