Loadshedding during final matric exam. Disrupted classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
These were just some of the challenges the class of 2021 had to endure.
But despite this the Western Cape matric class of 2021 still managed to record an 81% pass rate.
The province’s top achievers were celebrated for their exemplary achievements at the annual national senior certificate (NSC) awards ceremony at Leeuwenhof on Thursday 3 February.
The event honours top learners and schools for their remarkable achievements.
The group not only boasts the country’s top learner in a public ordinary school but also the country’s top three mathematics candidates.
The class also recorded the province’s highest bachelor’s pass rate to date at 45,3%. This is also the highest nationally.
Debbie Schäfer, Western Cape Education Minister, says she is proud of what the class of 2021 has achieved.
“I said, last year, that the Class of 2021 had big shoes to fill. And boy, did they fill them and more. They have achieved a 1,3 percentage point increase in the pass rate, to 81,2%, which puts us back up over 80% after just missing it last year. And the highest percentage of distinctions in the country – 2 percentage points clear of the second placed Gauteng.”
Schäfer says to date they have also recorded the province’s highest grade 10 to 12 retention rate, at 70,3% – an increase of 3,7 percentage points.
The top 20 schools in the province with an NSC enrolment of 30 or more candidates (including independent schools) that have achieved excellence in academic results, using an inclusive basket of quality criteria, in 2021, were Herschel Girls School, Westerford High School, Diocesan College, Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary, Rustenburg Girls’ High School, Claremont High School, Star College Bridgetown, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Paarl Girls’ High School, Wynberg Girls’ High School, Paul Roos Gimnasium, SA College High School, Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle, Herzlia High School, Parklands College, Cannons Creek School, Wynberg Boys’ High School and Oakdale Landbouskool.
The top 10 schools with 30 or more candidates that have shown the greatest increase in the percentage of candidates achieving access to Bachelor’s degree studies between 2019 and 2021 are Silikamva High School, Sea Point High School, Delft Technical High School, Albertinia High School, Somerset High School, Elswood Secondary School, Vuyiseka Secondary School, Pelican Park High School, Jan Kriel-School and Darul Arqam Islamic High School.
Ulrich le Roux, the top candidate from public ordinary schools in the country, is from Paarl Boys’ High School. He was also awarded for his outstanding achievement in accounting.
Jana Grobbelaar is the top learner in the province from an independent school. The Parklands College teen also achieved an award for excellent achievement in accounting. She said she was elated over her 98% aggregate achievement.
“This was one of the most challenging exams that I’ve written because it was three sets of different exams, which was quite stressful. I prepared by using past exam papers. I received an A for all my subjects. So I’m very glad.”
Jana now has her eye set on completing a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business at the University of Stellenbosch.
Schäfer also honoured two learners with the special ministerial awards. This is awarded to learners who have excelled despite hardship, ill health and personal obstacles.
Celise Rix from Bellville High School and Jason Filander from Scottsdene High each received R10 000 and a certificate.
At the tender age of 2 it was discovered Celise had a mass on her spine that could not be removed. Despite several operations she has been in a wheelchair from the age of 5.
Celise encourages others always to stay positive despite their challenges.
“You just need to play your part no matter what and just try to keep smiling, and try to keep positive. I know you also have circumstances and difficulties, but just keep working hard and stay positive.”
Jason’s road to matric was marred by tragic events, which had led him to attempt suicide thrice. He said he persevered despite battling with mental health.
“I am doing well now. Every day I tell myself you are strong enough to tackle this day. And the people that support me also help me. I am doing better than I was doing a year ago.”
Premier Alan Winde congratulated the group and encouraged them to “build a better world. “I can think of no-one more well placed to change the world than you, the class of 2021. This is your future and your opportunity, and I look forward to watching you as you do that.”
