CAPE TOWN - The hard working 2021 matric class of Reddam House Schools including in the Western Cape have maintained the bar of 100% pass rate despite another year of Covid-19 disruptions.
About 411 candidates sat down for their Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC), and 24 pupils bagged seven or more distinctions.
In Constantia, Erin Fischer, the top Reddam House achiever in the province, bagged eight distinctions.
The 18-year-old said while she worked hard, she was stunned to know she made it to the IEB Outstanding Achievers list.
“I am ecstatic and a little bit shocked because I did not know about being the school’s top performing pupil until teachers informed me here while fetching my statement.
“I had decided with a group of my friends, that we would view our results together when they are released late on Tuesday night.
“We had a small gathering just to support each other and share the moment. It was so overwhelming to see that the years of hard work paid off,” she said.
Fischer is a ballet dancer but going into matric she had to halt dancing and focus on her academics.
“Grade 11 was also demanding so I knew there were some lifestyle changes that needed to be made,” she said.
Another top achiever, Alexander Cristaudo, scooped seven distinctions, with maths being the top subject.
“Overall I am happy with my marks especially in maths where I got 98%. We are now looking forward to the next chapter. I have applied at UCT and hopefully will be accepted for Computer Science.”
Alex Gitlin, the head of the campus, congratulated all pupils saying it was a tough year.
“They have really taken on board resilience and we thank the teachers and staff who have been the engine behind them and ensured the success. We wish them all the best for this year and beyond.”
Meanwhile 1774 of Curro’s matric pupils across the country celebrated a 99% pass rate.
For obtaining results in the top 5% in six or more subjects, Michaela Noelle van der Waag from Curro Langebaan and Woodhill College's Megan van der Walt made the IEB's Outstanding Achievers list.
Other outstanding achievers were Elizabeth Montgomery from Curro Hermanus, who achieved 100% in Engineering, Graphics and Design, and Lana de Waal from Curro Langebaan, who scored 100% for Mathematics.
Cape Times