Birchleigh learners rewarded for academic excellence

Hoërskool Birchleigh’s Grade 12 learners are setting their sights firmly on higher education, with the school’s Term 2 Top 10 achieving aggregates ranging from 78% to 92.3%.

The school celebrated the learners’ achievements with a special lunch sponsored by Nando’s Norkem Park on August 14.

The school features 484 Grade 12 learners writing the National Senior Certificate examinations this year.
Among the top performers is Karabo Hlengani Maluleke, who was placed fifth in the Ekurhuleni North District Top 30 for both Term 1 and Term 2.

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According to principal Carmen Govender, Maluleke is a self-motivated and consistent learner who continually strives for excellence.

“Having a learner secure fifth place in the District Top 30 is an immense honour for our school. It serves as a powerful testament to the dedication of both our learners and our educators, reflecting the steady upward trajectory of our school’s academic standards,” said Govender.

The school provides structured, multi-tiered academic support to meet learners’ varying needs. This includes specialised interventions for learners requiring additional support, as well as a High Flyer programme aimed at challenging high-achieving learners.

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The school library also remains open until 16:30 daily, providing learners with a dedicated study space and internet access, where they can work through past examination papers.

To encourage academic achievement across the school, Govender hosts a quarterly breakfast or lunch for the Top 10 learners in Grades 8 to 12. Due to budget constraints this term, the recognition event was limited to the Grade 12 top performers.

In search of local partners to support the initiative, the school approached Nando’s at Norkem Park Mall, which agreed to sponsor the lunch.

“This strong performance is a direct result of our top learners’ relentless dedication. Their success is built on consistent daily attendance, active participation in afternoon and Saturday extra classes, and a strong personal drive to achieve high Admission Point Scores (APS) for university entrance,” said Govender.

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Each learner received a meal consisting of a burger, chips and a soft drink.

The learners welcomed the recognition, with the school saying the gesture provided a morale boost as they prepare for their final examinations.

“Our goal for the Class of 2026 is to maximise university bachelor passes and push overall pass rates higher. To our Grade 12s writing prelims: Stay focused. The end is in sight, and your sustained effort will pay off. Believe in yourself, stay focused and determined and you will finish strong,” said Govender.

Grade 12 Term 2 Top 10 achievers:
• Karabo Hlengani Maluleke
• Rhea Danielle Pillay
• Tshepiso Solomon Phore Polo and Reneiloe Matseleng Legodi
• Reneilwe Shamain Seaba
• Jaivir Ranchod
• Ayabongamahlobo Ntombela
• Ntlantla James Mantjiu
• Owam Mashamaite
• Esther Grace Pillay
• Kgatlhiso Richard Lepule