Former St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls learner Morgan Robinson, who led the school’s 2020 matric class with an outstanding eight distinctions, averaged 88 per cent.
Robinson’s highest mark was mathematics, where she was just six per cent short of the perfect 100, followed by engineering graphics design and life orientation, where she finished with 92 and 90 respectively.
Robinson, who is currently in Cape Town, will continue her studies at the Mother City’s University of Cape Town where she will be completing a BSc in mechanical engineering.
“I am so happy with my overall performance in the final exams. I was in absolute disbelief when I got my results,” she enthused.
With 2020 plagued by the coronavirus and causing disarray in many departments, including the education department, it appeared that it would result in a major drop in performances for top learners but Robinson emerged to be part of the group that defeated the odds.
This is how she said she did it: “Having to suddenly learn from home during lockdown was certainly a big shock, but it forced me to focus differently and be more disciplined with my school work. Having access to the online resources my school offered and support from my teachers made it easier to adjust to the changes.
“Staying focused and staying motivated was tough at times, especially without things such as seeing friends and playing sports as an outlet,” elaborated Morgan on some of the biggest challenges she faced.
Also Read: Status quo maintained at St Dom’s as matrics excel
Commenting on which subject she found most challenging, her answer was surprising.
“AP mathematics was quite challenging without normal face-to-face lessons where our teachers could immediately spot our confusion.”
Robinson, who used the word ‘introspective’ when asked to describe matric in a single word, added that she ensured she took breaks and paced herself where she could as part of her studying regimen.
“One thing I did was take a nap almost every afternoon to relax and recuperate,” she explained, before touching on her regrets.
“Unofficially, I regret not taking more naps, but officially, I regret procrastinating on small tasks that got in the way of more important things,” explained the Boksburg girl.
She celebrated her outstanding pass with champagne and sushi with her family.
Morgan’s advice to the 2021 matric class
“Work hard from the beginning, pay attention in class and be vocal when you are confused because understanding is more important than merely learning things off by heart. Take care of yourself and your physical and mental health.
Also Read: What Matrics must know before choosing their field of study and career path
