Bay learners reel in top results
DISCIPLINE, planning and hard work paved the way for Richards Bay’s top matric learners who navigated their way through a global pandemic crisis to bag a number of distinctions.
For Richards Bay High School, where 190 learners sat for the final examinations, the school attained a 93% pass rate with the top academic spots by percentage, being scooped up by Danae Small (7 As), Kelvin Aidan (5 As) and Kirel Reddy (5 As plus another A for an additional subject).
Following closely behind with exceptional results were Akhil Harripersadh (7 As), Andrea Moodley (6 As) and Zethu Ntuli (6 As)
Principal Herman Muller said teachers and parents did an outstanding job in supporting learners and, while every effort was taken to ensure a record success, he was sad for those learners who did not make it.
‘It was indeed a difficult year for everyone amid the global pandemic and we are proud of all those who attained excellent results.
‘We had to make a number of changes and adjustments to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and we are grateful for the support from Department of Education officials, the parents, and our staff complement,’ said Muller.
Richards Bay High’s star pupil Danae, who achieved top marks in Afrikaans, English, mathematics, physical science, life sciences, engineering graphics and design, and life orientation is planning to pursue studies in physical sciences and chemistry this year.
She said the pandemic worked to her advantage as she enjoyed studying from home.
As a top academic achiever since Grade 4, Danae said it was an emotional breakdown during her younger years that pushed her to take her studies seriously and put all her energy into her schoolwork.
For Kelvin, who earned five distinctions, keeping a balance helped him see the light at the end of the tunnel, and kept him focused throughout the year.
He plans to study towards becoming a chartered accountant.
Kirel has his sights set on studying medicine or bio mechanical engineering, and attributed his success to the support of his parents and his brother.
Overcoming the odds by contracting Covid-19 while nearing the end of his final examinations, Akhil had to write a few papers in isolation and still went on to earn seven distinctions.
While it was a challenge fighting off the symptoms of pain, nausea and generally feeling ill, the 2020 headboy said he pushed through to write all his papers.
‘My overall health and fitness helped improve my immunity and that helped me fight off the virus.
‘I am waiting for acceptance to study medicine or in the chiropractic field,’ he said.
Meanwhile, at Aquadene Secondary School, principal SG Pakathi said their top learner, Lungelo Maxase earned four distinctions in physical sciences, isiZulu, mathematics, life orientation, as well as three Bs, of which two were 79% for dramatic arts and life sciences.