High marks achieved in far corners
Success seems to have also followed pupils based in the deeper reaches of KwaZulu-Natal.
|||Durban -Success seems to have also followed pupils based in the deeper reaches of KwaZulu-Natal, with pupils in far-flung areas also having produced noteworthy results.
Estelle Pretorius of Domino Servite School at Kwasizabantu Mission, Kranskop, said news of her academic achievement had not yet “hit” her.
She achieved distinctions in Afrikaans, English, geography, life orientation, life sciences, maths and physical science and made the outstanding achievements list.
“I still can’t believe I’ve finished school. While I can’t say I’m elated, because it still hasn’t sunk in, I’m so thankful,” she told The Mercury on Tuesday.
Estelle, who plans to begin a computer science degree via distance education next year while she pursues voluntary work in her home town, said she limited extracurricular activities so that she could focus on her studies.
“I tried my best, but I also tried not to have any expectations. When you have high hopes, you are often disappointed. Whatever happens, happens.”
School principal Dorothy Newlands, who received the good news from The Mercury, said they were proud of Estelle’s achievement.
Murray Louw, who attends Felixton College outside Empangeni and also made the list, said he began each exam day as he always did - with a prayer to thank the Lord.
“I have to say that I wasn’t surprised when I got the news because my marks throughout the year have been similar.”
Murray said he had tried as far as possible not to change his routine in the months leading up to the exams.
“I didn’t have a specific plan. I pretty much tried to do everything the same.”
Murray scored distinctions in Afrikaans, engineering, graphics and design, English, information technology, life orientation, maths and physical science.
He was “counting the days” until he began his mechanical engineering course at the University of Stellenbosch. Because there was so much pressure to perform well in the final exams, he had “over-prepared”.
Emily Bennett of Maris Stella School also achieved distinctions in Afrikaans, English, French (second additional language), life orientation, life sciences, maths and physical sciences.
The Mercury could not reach her as she and her family are overseas.
Emily also scored a spot on the list.
The Mercury