The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric results were announced on January 18 with a slight increase to 98.42% compared to 98.39% from last year.
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A school that performed magnificently is St Benedict’s College. They obtained a pass rate of 100% for the 48th consecutive year.
Their exceptional academic scorecard includes 273 distinctions, putting the distinction ratio at 2.42 per pupil.
Four boys achieved averages over 90% and 12 are among the country’s highest academic achievers (top 1% nationally within a subject).
The school also celebrated a bachelor’s degree pass rate of 99.12%.
College head David Jeffrey said that historically St Benedict’s produced outstanding matric results, and this year is no different.
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“Many of our boys attained results that exceeded their expectations. They have delivered a stellar set of results, and we congratulate the class of 2022 on their excellent achievements.
“The matric final results are the culmination of 13 years of hard work and a nod to the boys’ unyielding efforts, their parents’ unequivocal support, and the determination of their teachers.”
St Benedict’s top student Danny (Yan Ming) Gao achieved 100% in mathematics and earned 11 distinctions. He fell just 3% shy of a 12th distinction.
He also passed his Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade Seven piano exam. The exam is for those who have extended their advanced level of playing.
Passionate about making a difference in the world, Gao hopes to study either medicine or IT this year.
Magna Cum Laude blazer recipient Thashil Mistry clinched a full house with 10 distinctions. His overall average was 92.8%.
Gao and Mistry feature on the IEB’s outstanding achievers list for being in the top 5% nationally in six subjects and obtaining a distinction in life orientation.
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They also achieved results in the top 1% nationally within a subject.
Of the 113 boys who wrote the final exams, 26 bagged an overall average that exceeded 80%.
Two learners, Keaton Muller and Tiago Matias, obtained eight distinctions across a broad spectrum of subjects.
Yabsira Gebrermichael, Turidu Di Bella, Nicholas Mostert, Xavier Prospero, Nicholas McDonald, Joshua Sammons and Chidiebere Umah earned seven distinctions each.
These students achieved results in the Top 1% nationally within a subject: Mistry, Gao, Muller, Gebremichael, Mostert, Umah, David Zhu, Joshua Adank, Matias, Matteo Perrone, Enrico Vollo and Thando Tshabalala.
Max van Niekerk joins Di Bella and Matias on the IEB commendable achievers’ list for the top 5% nationally in five subjects. They also obtained a distinction in life orientation.
“It’s hard to believe that the Covid-19 restrictions only fell away in June last year. The impressive results show no signs of the many challenges the students faced in Grade 11 and the first half of their matric year,” said Jeffrey.
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“Our matriculants are now on the cusp of the next chapter of their lives. They will join the other old boys who have passed through the gates of St Benedict’s, among them many notable achievers.
“Over the years, we have produced great sportsmen, advocates, judges, businessmen, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and values-based men. We are confident that we will see great things from these new old boys.”
He said they hope the class of 2022 will forge happy and successful lives while making the world better for their place in it.
“They have certainly been equipped to move forward with confidence as they become the trailblazers of South Africa’s future success,” concluded Jeffrey.
