Top matrics look forward to next chapter

TOTI High School was a hive of activity as 2014 matric pupils streamed in to collect their long-awaited results on Tuesday, 6 January.

The school secured a 96% pass rate from 135 candidates. Top pupil was head girl, Noluthando Mqudi with six A symbols for isiZulu, Maths, Life Orientation, Accounting, Engineering and Physical Science. She scored 79% in English. Her overall average was 89%.

“I am relieved the waiting is over. I am satisfied with my results, but my goal was 7 As and a 90% aggregate. I will ask for a remark for English,” she said.
At the end of January, Noluthando leaves for the University of Cape Town, where she will study actuarial science having secured a bursary from Old Mutual. She sees the start of the next chapter of her life as one with mixed emotions. “I have had a sheltered life. My parents have laid a solid foundation for me, which I am grateful for. While a little scared, I am looking forward to university life.”

Noluthando advised 2015 matrics to start a study timetable and to stick to it. “It’s important to know your weaknesses, use it to your advantage. See the good, not the bad, find solutions, not problems. It’s important to stay calm to be able to concentrate well.”

Following close on Noluthando’s heels in the results stakes was deputy head girl, Michelle Foord with an 87% aggregate. She obtained five A symbols in English, life orientation, business studies, geography and visual arts. In Afrikaans and maths she achieved B symbols.

“I am over the moon with my results.” However, she will also send her B symbol subjects for a remark. As Michelle is not entirely sure what she wants to study, she intends to enrol for a bachelor of education degree at Unisa, with the intention to teach maths at senior level. “I did not want to take a gap year to decide. If I do decide to change my mind and pursue full-time studies, it would not be a wasted year. I am keen on becoming a teacher.”

Principal, Louise Lemmer is pleased with the results. Some 142 matrics will sit for the exams this year. “Our focus this year is to complete the syllabus in advance, leaving more time for revision.”
Scottburgh High School had 88 candidates and obtained a 98% pass rate with 77% Bachelors’ passes. The top pupils are Shenika Ramsamy with 7 As – she is also top in the Ugu district – followed by Nicholas Govender with 7 As. Other top students were T Mzimela, M Shunmugam, and A Ingram, all of whom achieved 6 As. In total, the school’s class of 2014 achieved 128 A symbols.