Dainfern College maintains 20-year streak
The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) celebrated a pass rate of 98.07 per cent and recognised some of the top-performing IEB schools in the country. In a statement, the board said that 88.42 per cent of learners obtained a bachelor's degree pass, 8.14 per cent of learners obtained a diploma pass and 1.51 per cent of learners obtained a higher certificate level pass
Dainfern College’s Class of 2020 made their educators proud as they continued the school’s history of a 100 per cent pass rate for the 20th year in a row.
Learners came to the school on 19 February, excited to see their teachers and friends one more time before dispersing into a life of gap years and university. Staff members congratulated everyone after learners were scanned and sanitised, with different drinks and finger foods waiting for them.
Principal Matthew Davies, said the school is very proud of the learners’ achievements and the educators for adapting to the many changes. “With 2020 being the year that it was, with so much online learning at home and limited physical exposure, it’s been a whirlwind for them,” he said.
“The biggest credit to them has been their ability to adapt to change. While a lot of their special occasions have fallen by the wayside, like their sports and cultural events. We are so glad we can have this special occasion today to celebrate what they have obtained.”
Former head boy, Matthew Pretorius achieved six distinctions with an average of 86.43 per cent. While obtaining high marks in the classroom, Pretorius invested his time in many different activities in the school such as the various bands, hockey, cricket, swimming, major production plays to name a few.
“Managing my time was very tough. I think you have to give yourself time for the things you love, so I would also always make time to do things like go for a run, practise my music, go to the gym,” he said.
Pretorious achieved distinctions in life orientation, mathematics, Afrikaans, accounting, physical science and information technology. The transition from face-to-face to online learning was difficult for him. “Adapting to online learning was really difficult. It became a lot of self-based work at home, so you had to work on your own. There was no teacher checking in on you and keeping you awake, so I was something I really struggled with,” he said.
He said he will be going to the University of Pretoria for a year to study applied mathematics.
