By STAFF REPORTER
The Matric Class of 2021 has not had only one but two years of navigating their education amid a pandemic. The two fundamental years of their school career have been marred with lockdowns, online learning, and other challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Kingswood College Matric Class of 2021 garnered 91 distinctions despite the setbacks.
Tracy van Molendorff, Kingswood Senior School Head, said, “We are very proud of the class of 2021. They have navigated a year with disruption and online learning and have shown true resilience and determination. We commend those who achieved distinctions and are incredibly proud of those who, through perseverance, have achieved their academic goals.
“The dedicated staff are to be commended on how the class of 2021 was able to flourish and achieve their full individual potential. We wish the class of 2021 much success as they embark on the next leg of their life journey.”
Anna Timmermans, the school’s Dux Scholar for 2021, and Colby Cockcroft received a full house of distinctions. Anna ranked in the top 1% for Mathematics and Engineering Graphics and Design. Colby ranked in the top 1% for Business Studies and Mathematical Literacy. Jenna-Rose Smith achieved 7 out of 8 distinctions and made the top 1% for English Home Language.
Colby Cockcroft, who comes from Makhanda, joined Kingswood College in his Grade R year, making him one of only a few to make the journey from the Pre-Primary right through to Matric. Colby is a keen academic, achieving his Honours for Academics at the beginning of last year. Colby is a diligent young man who showed great tenacity towards all aspects of his academic journey. Colby achieved an overall average of 89.2% with his full house of distinctions. His distinctions were for Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Business Studies, Economics, English Home Language, History, Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy. Colby has also been ranked in the top 1% for Business Studies and Mathematical Literacy. Colby plans to go to university and study towards an LLB Degree at Rhodes University.
His advice to the 2022 Matric Class is: “Hit the ground running. Plan, prioritise and make the most of your remaining days. Most importantly, enjoy your final year – it will be over before you know it”.
Jenna-Rose Smith, who hails from Gqerbha (Port Elizabeth), achieved an overall average of 86.5% with seven (7) distinctions, one of which was for Advanced Programme English. She has also been ranked in the top 1% of English Home Language. She received distinctions for Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, English Home Language, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Advanced Programme English.
Jenna has big plans for the future. She will be going to the University of Cape Town this year, where she will be studying Actuarial Sciences. Asked where she sees herself in five years, Jenna hopes to be completing her honours degree and studying towards her master’s degree in preparation for a career in the UK.
Anna Timmermans, who also comes from Makhanda, achieved an overall average of 89.7%. While at Kingswood, Anna was awarded her Honours for Academics and Music. Throughout her time at Kingswood, Anna demonstrated a remarkable tenacity in her achievements for excellence in both the content and quality of her presented work. She obtained seven (7) distinctions for Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Engineering Graphics and Design, English Home Language, Information Technology, Life Orientation, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Anna has also been put into the top 1% for Engineering Graphics and Design and Mathematics.
On navigating her final year still amid a pandemic, Anna says: “While the year presented its challenges, and although I found the exam period to be stressful, I was well-prepared thanks to my teachers who were all committed to giving us the best education during the Covid-19 pandemic, whether online or in-person”. We wish Anna well and hope to see her achieving her dream to work at an Innovative Computer Software Development Company.
Rebecca Crook (Gaborone, Botswana) and Daniel Reid (Makhanda, Grahamstown) both received six (6) distinctions in their final examinations.
Like Anna, Daniel hopes to make an inroad into the technology space upon completing his tertiary education. He hopes to ultimately work as a game or software developer.
Daniel also has some sound advice for the Matric class of 2022: “Take your tests throughout the year seriously. Preparation is the key to making your exams easier”.
From Gaborone, Botswana, Rebecca Crook joined Kingswood College in her Grade 8 year. Rebecca will be attending university in the United States in the hopes of studying Law. Before University commences in September, Rebecca will be doing an art course to explore her creative side.
Khanyi Mosoeu (Westonaria, Gauteng) and Phatisimo Tekane (Gaborone, Bostwana) both got five (5) distinctions each.
Kingswood also wishes to recognise the accomplishments of the following three pupils, Sibulele Xia Bizana, Wanda Lwazi Madasa and Anke Muller, who all achieved three (3) distinctions in their final examinations.
An honourable mention must also be made of Bella Ludski (Knysna, Western Cape), ranked in the
top 1% for Mathematical Literacy.
