The matric class of 2021 experienced a challenging academic year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but learners from Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard, Constantia and Durbanville excelled against all odds and raked in a total of 379 distinctions.
In all, 37 learners achieved an A aggregate while 109 learners received a B aggregate or higher.
In the Western Cape Reddam House matriculants achieved 18 rankings in the top 1% and 91 rankings in the top 5% of all Examinations Board examinations (IEB) candidates per subject nationally.
The National Senior Certificate 2021 pass rate for IEB schools is 98,39%.
The IEB, which released the NSC results on Wednesday 19 January, says the pass rate for the class of 2021 was slightly better when compared with the previous year’s pass rate of 98,06%.
Top achievers in the province are Erin Fischer and Hannah Mackie from Reddam House Constantia, with eight distinctions each, while Noah Maclou and Eleni Tsombanellis from Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard, Julia Chowles, Alexander Cristaudo, Sean Jerling, and Robynne Stephenson from Reddam House Constantia achieved seven distinctions each.
Fischer also made it to the IEB Outstanding Achievement List. She achieved a national ranking within the top 5% of all IEB students in six subjects or more. Stephenson made it to the IEB Commendable Achievement list and achieved a national ranking within the top 5% of all IEB students in five subjects.
Maclou says his goal was simply to give his best and to pass matric, but adds he is “satisfied” with his achievement.
He also shares study tips which he says were helpful for him.
“Plan well. Have a calendar. Whenever you have a project plan your time sufficiently because you won’t have much time. It’s quite a rushed year. Do sport. Sport helped me calm down after a long day.”
He encourages the class of 2022 to work hard despite the challenges and to enjoy their last year of school. The teen plans on studying computer science in Melbourne, Australia.
An elated Fischer says while she was aiming to excel better than the year before, receiving eight distinctions was a bonus.
Fischer says keeping a healthy balance between academics and your social life is key.
“There can be a lot of pressure to focus on your matric year, but it’s important to keep a balance. Partake in an extra mural activity or spend time with friends and family too. It’s important not to isolate yourself, because it can all feel overwhelming. So, keeping a balance makes it easier.”
She now has her eyes set to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics and bio chemistry at the University of Cape Town.
The teen thanked her parents, family and friends and teachers at Reddam House Constantia for all their support.
Nationally, Reddam House Schools in South Africa, which form part of the international Inspired Education Group, again achieved a 100% pass rate in the IEB examinations. 254 matriculants achieved a B-aggregate or higher.
Reddam House students obtained a total of 30 rankings in the top 1% and 209 rankings in the top 5% of IEB candidates per subject nationally. Sheena Crawford-Kempster, Reddam House School’s Managing Director of Education and Ethos, says the learners have shown “incredible optimism” and adapted and stretched themselves mentally and emotionally.
“We believe, beyond doubt, that our outstanding Reddam House 2021 matric results affirm our students’ resolute commitment to the task at hand and their resilience during another year of Covid disruptions. This success was achieved as a result of the proactive, strategic and operational measures we adopted as well as the unfailing commitment and dedication of our heads and teachers in the holistic pursuit of academic excellence at our Reddam House Schools.”
Ravi Nadasen, Chief Executive Officer of Inspired South Africa, says she is incredibly proud of the learners’ achievements.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has altered our lives and this group of students has shown true strength in dealing with adversity, evidenced in the way they coped with these challenges. I have a huge amount of respect for these students and the dedication that they have shown. They have a solid grounding for life, and I know that they will excel in the next steps of their lives.”
