Class of distinction
JOBURG - Two pupils of St Mary’s School, Waverley obtained 11 distinctions each in a record breaking matric year.
Clare Walker and Julia le Maitre excelled in the school’s class of 2013 which produced the best National Senior Certificate results in the school’s 125-year history.
Walker achieved distinctions in English, maths, life orientation, Afrikaans, life sciences, physical sciences, history, French, advanced programme maths, advanced programme English and maths paper 3. She was in the top one percent in English, maths, history and maths paper 3, and in the top five percent in six or more subjects. Her average was 93 percent.
An excited Walker who received the news while holidaying on the south coast said, “ I am very happy about it. My mom called me while I was on the beach and I just smiled. I could hear over the phone that my parents were very emotional about it.
“I am also excited because it’s something that I have been working on since Grade 10. I really enjoyed the challenge, it comes with a lot of hard work.”
Walker said she was going to study business science and economics at the University of Cape Town. She attributed her achievement to hard work and balance in her life. “I am a very organised person. I know how to have fun and prioritise my school work,” she added.
Le Maitre obtained distinctions in advanced programme English, advanced programme mathematics, Afrikaans, English, French, history, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics, mathematics paper and physical sciences.
Le Maitre said, “I am happy, it’s really amazing. I am grateful to my parents and the huge support I received from my teachers. Those long hours after school and early mornings. My teachers really pushed us to achieve what we were capable of. I feel very privileged to come out on top.”
Maitre was undecided about her career choice but was considering studying a Bachelor of Science (Genetics) or Bachelor
of Commerce degree, majoring in philosophy, politics and economics.
Maitre and Walker were named on the IEB’s list of outstanding candidates for having achieved in the top five percent in six or more of their subjects.
