Holy Rosary class of 2024 scores 100%

The Holy Rosary School (HRS) for Girls announced exceptional matric results for the Class of 2024.

The 82 matriculants boasted a 100% pass rate, while 99% achieved Bachelor passes.

With 197 distinctions achieved, the school had a distinction ratio of 2.4 per learner.

Two learners achieved averages above 90%, while 16 secured averages between 80 and 89%.

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On a national level, one learner was named on the IEB outstanding achievers list, achieving level seven in life orientation and six other subjects.

Two learners earned IEB commendable achievement recognition for scoring in the top 5% in five subjects and level seven in life orientation.

Another five ranked in the top 1% nationally in eight IEB subjects, while 31 achieved a B average (70-79%).

HRS maintained its strong maths tradition with 22 distinctions, matched by an equal number in English.

The school exceeded the IEB national averages in 16 subjects, with strong performances in IT and physical sciences.

Commenting on the stellar results, head of school Dr Deon Oerson said, “We are exceptionally proud of our learners.

“Their dedication, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence truly paid off, and these results are a testament to the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and parents.”

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While every girl at Holy Rosary succeeded, a few shone in their finals:
Kelsey de Witte, the school’s top student, achieved an average of 91.3% and a full house with nine subject distinctions for English (90%), Afrikaans (94%), life orientation (95%), maths (96%), physical sciences (94%), life sciences (92%), geography (91%), history (86%) and further studies in mathematics standard (82%).

She ranks in the top 1% nationally in five subjects – Afrikaans, geography, physical sciences, life orientation and life sciences – and Wits has already accepted her to study medicine this year.

De Witte has a string of accolades to her name, receiving the Holy Rosary’s coveted white blazer in matric and representing SA in Highland dancing.

The school’s second-highest achiever was head girl Boitumelo Maenetja. As the youngest in the grade, she earned eight distinctions – Afrikaans (93%), computer applications technology (CAT) (94%), English (86%), life orientation (93%), life sciences (89%), maths (91%), physical science (87%) with an overall average of 90%.

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Maenetja placed in the top 1% for CAT and also plans to study medicine.

Two other learners made the top 1% nationally for a subject – Carli Oosthuizen for consumer studies (88%) and Rozanne Mangauzani for English (92%).

Maenetja and Zoë Stock made the IEB commendable achievers list for the top 5% in five subjects plus life orientation on level seven.

The top achievers scored over 90% in accounting, Afrikaans, CAT, English, geography, IsiZulu, life orientation, life sciences, Mandarin, maths literacy, maths, music, physical sciences, visual arts and further studies mathematics standard.

All-rounder Amarachi Obiedelu proved one can excel in sports and academics, attaining five distinctions – accounting (90%), English (82%), life orientation (81%), life skills (80%) and maths (91%) – an overall average of 82% and the title of sportswoman of the year.

In between her studies, she played in provincial and national basketball and netball teams and represented SA in AfroBasket. Obiedelu hopes to study actuarial science.

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Oerson said, “These results are particularly significant given that this cohort began their high school journey during the Covid-19 pandemic – a time when the world was thrown into uncharted territory.

“Their resilience and determination to excel despite starting their high school careers behind screens, isolated from traditional school experiences, makes these achievements even more remarkable.

“I hope they continue to forge forward and thrive in every situation. Their unique ways have shown us what it means to live with courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of purpose.”

Several learners overcame personal hardships, showing resilience and determination to reach the finish line. One is Nicola Mc Donald, who attained seven distinctions and an overall average of 88.29%.

Her achievement is particularly remarkable given that she wrote her English IEB final just a day after her father was critically injured in a hijacking. Despite spending hours at his hospital bedside, she achieved 87% in English.

Mc Donald, the school’s rowing captain, represented SA at the Junior Rowing Championships in Canada last August.

Jessica Walsh’s four distinctions in accounting (86%), life orientation (83%), life sciences (84%) and maths (80%) are a personal triumph over dyslexia.

She has emerged as an advocate for dyslexia awareness, using her academic success to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Beyond their academic achievements, the Class of 2024 was recognised for its spirit of unity and support for one another.

“This group exemplified our 2024 theme of Hearts on Fire through their unwavering support of each other, whether in classrooms, on sports fields, or the stage,” said Oerson.

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“Our dedicated staff’s commitment to nurturing each pupil’s God-given talents, combined with our rigorous academic programme, has played a crucial role in these outstanding results,” added Oerson.

He said that as the matriculants step into their futures, they carry their academic achievements and valuable life lessons in resilience, authenticity and unity.

“They have proved that no challenge is insurmountable when faced with determination and solidarity.

“Congratulations to each of our matriculants. You have made us all immensely proud.”

For more information on the school’s results, see www.holyrosaryschool.co.za or www.facebook.com/HolyRosaryJHB