Music helps St Dunstan’s matric achievers hit the right notes
Marié, from Bredell, Kempton Park, who plays piano achieved nine distinctions, while Isabella, from Rynfield, who plays piano and violin, secured eight distinctions.

St Dunstan’s College top achievers, Marié Naude and Isabella Martins, have proven that music can be more than just a subject, it can be a source of emotional balance and a lifeline during one’s matric year.
Marié, from Bredell, Kempton Park, who plays piano, achieved nine distinctions, while Isabella, from Rynfield, who plays piano and violin, secured eight distinctions. Both learners obtained distinctions in music, a subject they credit for helping them manage the demands of their final year.
They both attained level seven for examinations through Trinity College London (TCL) and the Associated Board of the Royal Society of Music (ABRSM), respectively.
“I’ve always loved music as a subject and enjoyed it. It really spoke to me, and I found it interesting. Music was a stress reliever during the pressure of exams. Our music teacher was awesome, she made things fun, relatable, and was a great support system,” said Marié.

Isabella expressed her passion for music, particularly its historical, practical, and emotional aspects. “Hopefully, I’ll teach music one day with the diploma I currently have,” she said.
Marié attributed her academic success to the unwavering support of her parents. “They never got tired of driving me to extra lessons, and they never doubted me or my dreams,” she said. The 18-year-old plans to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Isabella, who served as head girl, credited her consistency and the motivation she received from her teachers and parents for her achievements.
“The support from my parents was amazing, they would bring me a cup of tea while studying and offer words of affirmation,” she said.
The aspiring teacher will be pursuing a Senior Phase and FET Teaching qualification at the University of Pretoria.
“My message to the Class of 2025, start studying early so that when exams come, you’re prepared. Don’t focus solely on the marks because you’ll miss the experience of the year. Matric is one of the best years, embrace it and everything that comes with it. Have a social life while balancing school work. It’s all these things that shape who you are,” said Isabella.
Also Read: WATCH: Ford SA boss visits St Dunstan’s College
Also Read: St Dunstan’s honours Remembrance Day