Top matriculant advises Class of 2020 to work consistently

EDEN College’s School Dux, Aaron Naidu excelled in the IEB examinations and was placed first in KZN.

Aaron achieved an aggregate of 96,71 per cent and nine distinctions, including 100 per cent for maths and 99 per cent for applied maths.

Stefan Friedrich, runner up to Dux, was placed third in independent schools in KZN with an aggregate of 93 per cent. The Class of 2019 produced 16 A aggregates and an average of 3,97 As per candidate.

Commenting on his achievements, Aaron said he was thrilled when he received his results and felt very satisfied that the work that he had put in throughout the year paid off.

“My advice to matriculants, based on personal experience, would be to work consistently throughout the year. If you study adequately for each test instead of cramming at the last moment, you will still remember most of the work at exam time, which significantly reduces the pressure and allows you to focus on practising difficult questions right before the exam instead of being stuck learning the basics,” he said.

VIEW: PHOTOS: Matrics celebrate as results are released

Aaron advised learners to maintain a healthy balance during the year. “Although there is a lot of work to be done, you should also pay attention to your spiritual life. I still made the time to go to church weekly and pray daily during my matric year, and this helped me maintain a healthy mental and emotional state during my exams. I also made time for social and recreational activities during the year,” he said.

Aaron said another factor that he believes contributed strongly to his results was his school. “I have always found the teachers to be extremely passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and always willing to provide extra lessons and help whenever a student needed it. It is no coincidence that Eden was the top school in South Africa in terms of distinctions achieved per candidate,” said Aaron.

He said a loving and supportive home and family environment added to his success. “My parents and my brother always encouraged me throughout my matric year, without putting undue pressure on me to perform well. This helped by ensuring that I was able to write my exams while remaining relaxed and confident,” he said.

Aaron will be studying a BSc in data science (maths and computer science) at UKZN this year.

Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.