St Benedict’s College matric class has achieved a 100% pass rate for the past 45 years with a distinction ratio of almost two per learner.
Three learners from the matric class of 2019 achieved averages of over 90% and five learners were among the country’s highest achievers.
The school achieved 96.85% university entrance, 100% of its learners qualified for tertiary studies and 12 subjects exceeded the IEB national subject averages.
There were 219 distinctions achieved by 127 learners, giving a ratio of 1.72 distinctions per learner.
Five learners obtained a full house of distinctions.
Karl Etsebeth was the top learner with eight distinctions and an average of 92.6%. He is in the IEB top 5% nationally in five subjects with a distinction in life orientation.
He is also in the top 1% nationally in three subjects.
“I was passionate about everything I did. I excelled but it was determination, which I learnt from rowing at Bennies. Rowing taught me to push and work harder towards the achievement of my goals.
“If I wasn’t determined I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” said Etsebeth.
Yashin Govender achieved nine distinctions with an average of 91.6%.
“Keep setting goals. In fact, set ambitious goals because that’s what’s going to push you to succeed. I’ve built up a great work ethic over the last 10 years at St Benedict’s and that will serve me well in my future,” said Govender.
Julio Martins achieved a 90.1% average with nine distinctions.
“I learnt teamwork and time management and developed a work ethic that enabled me to put my head down and work through anything tough. I encourage those working towards their finals in 2020 not to give up when faced with a problem, work hard to solve it,” said Martins.
Andy Li achieved eight distinctions with an 88.7% average.
Joshua Kelly achieved an 88.3% average with eight distinctions.
Daniel Killian and Matthew Pienaar each received seven distinctions.
Six distinctions went to outgoing head boy Keagan O’Reilly, Byron Van Rooyen and John-Paul Kibuuka.
“I’m really excited to go out and be successful by making a difference in the world. I’m happy that I’ve done so well in matric, but the main goal now is to go on to bigger things,” said O’Reilly.
Aidan Kok, Ishaan Chhatwal and Lorenzo Smargiasso each bagged five distinctions.
“The class of 2019 has performed admirably in the National Senior Certificate exams. While we acknowledge the excellent results of our top achievers, I believe that our greatest success is the 100% pass rate and the high proportion of boys who achieved a bachelor’s degree pass. Our matriculants are on the cusp of the next chapter of their lives.
“It’s an exciting new journey and we believe they have been well equipped to move forward with confidence as they become the trailblazers of South Africa’s future success.
“We wish them all well as they move ahead, knowing they will create their own bright futures,” said college headmaster Dave Jeffrey.
