Centurion matrics perform in spite of Covid hardships
We have all been exposed to the unpredictable. We are a small boat in a storm, having to do things that we have never done before.”
After a tumultuous year with many obstacles and doubts, the matric learners of 2020 persevered and received their results on Tuesday.
David Barnard, academic head of Hoërskool Centurion, said they had 165 matrics last year, of which 89.1% passed with university exemption.
“The school has one learner, Zanie Gorgens, who achieved eight distinctions. Carl Brandt, Kirsti Oelofse and Karli Snyman each got seven distinctions while Zea Cajada and Natasha Kotze had six distinctions each.
“Four learners achieved five distinctions, eight had four and 13 learners achieved three distinctions,” Barnard said.
“One of our learners, Danielle Pienewald, achieved 100% in tourism studies, and our head girl Kara Durie and head boy Maree van den Berg both achieved four distinctions.”
Barnard said having a 100% pass rate in any circumstances was “special, but having it during the 2020 lockdown, is remarkable”.
“Remember, everything was taken away from these learners. No sport, no school activities. Our learners were dazed when they returned.
“What I also find noteworthy and remarkable in this respect is that we had two full lockdown learners who could not attend school at all from 26 March due to comorbidities.”
Barnard said although the school provided online classes and homework, not all the learners had access to it.
“When the group returned, the school provided academic days from 07:30 to 15:30, with 50 minute periods in each subject to catch up three months’ work and write tests.”
School principal Johan Koekemoer said the school was blessed with committed staff members and hardworking learners.
Meanwhile at Southdowns preparatory school, parents, teachers and learners alike celebrated the conclusion of a challenging year and the beginning of a new adventure.
“We are extremely proud of the outstanding achievements of this group of talented and dedicated students while also paying tribute to the exceptional teaching and learning that is an integral part of the academics at Southdowns College,” said principal Magalan Pather.
The overview of the NSC IEB examination results showed that the class of 2020 boasted a 100% pass rate, a 92% bachelor’s degree pass rate and an 8% diploma pass rate which effectively means that the entire class of 2020 qualified to study at a tertiary institution.
In addition, there were 179 distinctions and at least a distinction each for 67 of the group.
“Well done class of 2020. The teachers and management at Southdowns College are all extremely proud of your achievements and we are confident that you will use this as a stepping stone to achieving even bigger things in the future.”
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