9 As despite losing his dad
ACHIEVERS: LOCKDOWN COMES WITH HURDLES FOR SOME, FOR OTHERS IT IS A BREEZE
George Georgiades, Saheti’s top achiever, obtained the highest average of 94, 2% with a full house of nine distinctions despite the death of his dad last year.
Georgiades, pictured, explained how his father’s death affected him and his family: “My father passed away due to Covid-19, which affected us a family as it was difficult to get through but, with the support of my friends and family, I managed to stay focused and complete the year.
“I’m not sure if this is a situation where it can ever be dealt with or not, and I don’t know if I’m fortunate or not, but it happened in August last year which was during the school holidays so I had time to gather myself and received the support I needed to get back on track,” he said.
He got distinctions in English, information technology, isiZulu, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics, modern Greek, physical sciences and advanced programme mathematics
The top achiever said the transition to online learning was a huge shock for pupils.
“We experienced a shift in the entire education system and we did not know what to do or how to cope with this. This altered our learning times which went from 8am to 3pm to 8am to 4pm because online was definitely more demanding.”
Learning online helped him create his own schedule and lessons were recorded, which made things easier.
Georgiades enjoyed mathematics core and advanced programme mathematics and said when he studied for the two subjects, he didn’t feel as though he was studying at all.
The matriculant said his endeavours for the year include studying medicine, “which is what I’ve always wanted to study from a young age”.
He advised pupils to not go through tough times alone and remember that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
“If you feel anxious or scared, remember that you’re not alone.”
My father passed away due to Covid-19, but with the support of my friends and family I stayed focused.
George Georgiades Nine distinctions
Top performer says it’s better to take subjects you are ‘genuinely interested in’.
Yianni Dalakas, achieved an average of 86.9% and a full house of nine distinctions: accounting, Afrikaans, business studies, English, life orientation, mathematics, Modern Greek, physical sciences and advanced programme mathematics.
Yianni Dalakas learnt diligence and organisation the tough way through the pandemic. The Saheti School matriculant admitted the pandemic came with hurdles that affected his academic work.
“The pandemic definitely had a negative impact on my academics. In particular, digital learning and online assessment was a struggle. Over and above the technological complications that come with a complete transition towards working from home, the pandemic also had a negative influence on my work ethic. Namely, I became negligent towards certain subjects, later paying the price for my actions,” he said.
Dalakas achieved an average of 86.9% and a full house of nine distinctions: accounting, Afrikaans, business studies, English, life orientation, mathematics, Modern Greek, physical sciences and advanced programme mathematics.
He was ranked in the top 1% of IEB candidates in business studies nationally.
Dalakas’ plans include furthering his studies abroad.
“In September, I plan to begin my studies in a BSc data science and artificial intelligence at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.”
He advised other pupils to always look forward to the future. “Don’t allow past failures/disappointment to set them back,” he said.
“What [pupils] need to remember is that ruminating and worrying about past failures gets you absolutely nowhere; it’s merely a catalyst for negativity. Past failure should rather be channelled towards something constructive, such as attempting to improve in that with which you struggled.
“I can’t stress how important it is to steer clear of any of this negativity. I, too, was a culprit of this, but soon realised that letting these things get to me isn’t worth it.”
He said he had an “excellent teacher” who made the lessons very engaging and interactive. “He constantly pushed us to do our best, going the extra mile, to ensure that we understood the material and were prepared for all assessments.”
Dalakas said although the school was present and helping the pupils virtually, he later felt overwhelmed.
“The extreme emphasis placed on academic achievement at Saheti did become slightly overwhelming and unnerving at times,” he added. “This was compounded by the pandemic, [which] diminished my learning experience and student life quite significantly.”
Husnaa Choonara of Roedean Senior School, achieved eight distinctions, even though she expressed mixed feelings about how the pandemic affected her and her studies.
The top pupil said at first she found the flexibility of online learning beneficial as she studied and worked at her own pace.
However, as the lockdown progressed she felt exhausted and unmotivated. “Learning alone in the same spot every day takes a toll on one’s state of mind,” she said.
“Being in charge of my own learning forced me to adjust the way I learn. This turned out to be beneficial in the long run as I spent less time revising sections and more time on past papers.”
Choonara said identifying different strategies helped her cope in the previous academic year.
“Recognising the flaws in my study methods and understanding of concepts made my study time productive and beneficial. Sleeping early kept me energetic and focused and ensured that
“I did not reach burnout before the finals and the prelims. And lastly, crossing out dates on my planner and having the end in sight motivated me to keep working.”
She added that, she doesn’t think anyone could get through matric without a mental breakdown or two.
“When things became too much, it helped to just cry it all out and move on,” she said.
The matriculant said she participated in [Model United Nations] debating and equestrian throughout high school.
“I enjoy thinking critically and equestrian, which was calming, refreshing and a lot of fun.”
Choonara said her newfound love was sewing and enjoys the outdoors.
The matriculant added that she hoped to study medicine and specialise in trauma surgery.
The advice she would give other pupils would be for them to go after subjects they genuinely had an interest in.
“Pursue subjects and topics you are passionate about so that your education extends further than your classroom,” she said.
“Give everything your best shot and focus on self-improvement. Be your own competition and set healthy personal goals because distinctions, marks and awards do not define your learning or hard work.” –