Eight distinctions for St Andrew’s College pupil

The 2018 St Andrew’s College Matrics achieved a 100% pass rate, and all the boys have qualified to study at tertiary level for degree (96%) or diploma (4%) courses. The 103 College boys who wrote the exam achieved a total of 153 subject distinctions. 11 514 candidates wrote the National Senior Certificate through the IEB this year with a 98,92% pass rate nationally.

Daniel Erasmus, from Port Elizabeth, achieved eight distinctions (7 IEB distinctions and one A Level distinction).

“Daniel’s incisive mind, sporting and cultural prowess and achievements, and his ability to organise his time in order to pack as much productive work into every single day for five years, was simply awe-inspiring and remarkable,” the school said in a media release. Daniel was placed in the top 1% of all the IEB candidates who wrote Accounting, Mathematics and Physical Science. In addition, he was placed on the IEB Commendable List for candidates who achieved results in the top 5% in five subjects (and received 80% for Life Orientation).

Grahamstown pupils Jonathan Gouws and Head of School, Peter Jarvis, both achieved a full house of seven IEB distinctions.

Kieron Baart and Alistair Ferguson each achieved six distinctions. Scott Cuthbert, Nathan Graham and Geir Wilson each achieved five distinctions.

Daniel, Jonathan, Peter, Kieron, Scott and Geir are joined by Sanele Mboto and Oscar Liss in achieving A Aggregates.

James Baker, Jonathan Campbell and Geir Wilson were placed in the top 1% of all the candidates nationally who wrote Mathematical Literacy.

Of all the subject results, 21% were above 80%, 55% above 70%, and 80% of the results were above 60%.

Below are the percentages of boys who achieved distinctions in each subject:

• Accounting 67%
• Dramatic Arts 43%
• isiXhosa FAL 30%
• Life Orientation 31%
• Mathematics 31%
• Mathematical Literacy 59%
• Music 67%
• Visual Arts 50%

The school also acknowledged the following boys who achieved results in the 90s “because it takes unusual single-mindedness and determination to achieve mastery at this level”.

Accounting: Daniel Erasmus (99%)
Design: Oscar Liss (92%)
Information Technology: Jonathan Gouws (93%)
isiXhosa FAL: Sibabalwe Vabaza (93%), Sanele Mboto (92%)
Mathematics: Kieron Baart (92%), Scott Cuthbert (92%), Daniel Erasmus (98%), Jonathan Gouws (96%), Peter Jarvis (90%), Oscar Liss (91%), Andrew Smith (91%)
Mathematical Literacy: James Baker (94%), Jonathan Campbell (94%), Nicholas de Jager (92%), Callum Skinner (91%), James Waddell (93%) and Geir Wilson (94%)
Music: Daniel Erasmus (90%)
Physical Science: Daniel Erasmus (94%)
Visual Arts: Andrè Renaud (92%)

The school also acknowledged boys who had improved significantly on their Grade 11 Promotion Mark aggregate:

Headmaster Alan Thompson said, “I am delighted with this year’s Matric results. They not only reflect some outstanding achievements at the top, but also provide some inspiring examples of what is possible when good attitude meets with a great work ethic. There have been some notable improvements throughout the year which have culminated really positively here.

“The Matric class of 2018 has been a truly exceptional group of boys. They have given of themselves generously over many years and enjoyed much success in their time at College. They have finished a good year very well indeed, with an excellent set of academic results that reflect that positive approach.

“Of course, a great end to the academic year does not come about by chance. It reflects the hard work of many -boys, staff, and parents – all working together to create excellence in this place. I record my grateful thanks to a great team for a job done well!”