Ferrum High School’s class of 2025 has produced a standout star, with Ruby Beukes making Newcastle proud after being named Amajuba District’s top matric achiever.

She achieved an outstanding eight distinctions and a remarkable average of 94,57%.

Still coming to terms with her success, Beukes admitted the accolade was never part of a grand plan. “It was never really a goal for me,” she said.

Study routine

Ruby said it was her ‘normal study routine’ that saw her achieve:

• Afrikaans First Additional Language – 96%
• English Home Language – 95%
• Mathematics – 94%
• Life Orientation – 96%
• Accounting – 97%
• Business Studies – 92%
• Physical Sciences – 92%
• Alpha Mathematics – 88%

Ruby added to her routine by watching Kevin Math Science videos on YouTube and followed a strict regimen of going to bed at 10 pm every night. “Constant study and revision also helped me a great deal.”

Support system

She says her parents were among her strongest support systems

“Their message to me was that I only need to be my best and they will still be proud. My teachers would message me after every exam asking how the paper went. My friends, of course, were also a source of great support – a prayer before every exam also gave that faith and boost.”

Her message to the class of 2026 is to ‘start studying early.’

“Keeping a balance between school and your personal life is just as important, and don’t cram everything in the night before!”

Ruby plans to study Chartered Accounting at the North West University this year. She is excited to swap the comfort of the known for the unknown.

“It is my turn to spread my wings.”

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