100% pass rate for Bennies boys

Despite the loss of many weeks of in-class teaching due to the pandemic, the St Benedict’s Class of 2020 has once again produced an impressive set of results in the IEB National Senior Certificate exams.

Two St Benedict’s boys achieved averages of over 90 per cent and eight boys are among the country’s highest achievers in particular subjects.

With a distinction ratio of two per learner and a 97.27 per cent bachelor’s degree pass rate, there is much to celebrate.

Notwithstanding this, the most incredible coup is that against all odds, the boys retained the school’s 100 per cent pass rate, bringing this record to an all-time high of 46 consecutive years.

“This is a solid set of results and the culmination of years of hard work. As if prophetic, ‘young man I say to you arise’ was our school’s theme in 2020, and this is exactly what was asked of this group of matriculants. In our school’s history, no other group of learners has completed their high school career during a pandemic,” said St Benedict’s headmaster David Jeffrey.

“There were no signposts to success and at times the challenges to be overcome felt insurmountable. But the Class of 2020 showed incredible determination and their resilience is reflected in the marks they have produced.
“Their dedication to getting to this point will serve as an example for generations to come. We could not be more proud of how they persevered and answered the call to rise.

“Now, we encourage them to take on the world and go and do the great things they are called to do,” he added.
With an average of 92.4 per cent and eight straight As, Matt Oosthuizen clinched the position of top Grade 12 learner at St Benedict’s.

He is listed on the IEB’s Commendable Achievers List, which means he is ranked among the top five per cent nationally in five of his subjects and also achieved a distinction in life orientation.

ALSO READ: Reddam announces junior executives

He plans to study medicine next year and has already published his first novel.

“I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for St Benedict’s. The school builds character,” he said.
Aiden Plotz achieved a 90 per cent overall average and an A in eight subjects. He placed in the top one per cent nationally in business studies.

Akhil Govan achieved an 88.4 per cent average, eight distinctions and was placed in the top one per cent nationally in mathematics.

Jacques Theron, Ricardo Coelho and Gordon Grossett all banked eight distinctions with overall averages of 89 per cent, 87.4 per cent and 86.1 per cent respectively.

Grossett was an integral part of the St Benedict’s Pipe Band, which won the national championship three times during his high school career.

Renowned for an unprecedented run as SA Rowing Champions for 27 consecutive years, personal success and team excellence is nothing new to St Benedict’s. Although a holistic approach is adopted, the core focus has always remained academics, with 2 895 distinctions recorded over the past 13 years.

During this same time frame, an impressive 26 boys have been listed as IEB Outstanding or Commendable Achievers.

“Humanity constantly faces new challenges; new normalities with multiple situations that require ingenious solutions to survive.

“Thanks to Covid-19, the Class of 2020 has been trained to find them. They are equipped with a unique set of skills that will serve them well as they go out into the world, ready for the next chapter of their lives,” Jeffrey said.

WATCH:

Aiden Plotz 

Gordon Grossett

Jacques Theron

Matt Oosthuizen

Ricardo Coelho

Serema Tshesane

Also follow us on: