Eketsang Secondary School celebrated another 100 per cent pass rate for physical science when the Class of 2020 managed to maintain the high bar set by the 2018 and 19 matriculants.
The physical science class was followed by the history class, which took a slight drop of five per cent compared to the previous 100 per cent pass rate.
One of the top-performing learners, Yamkela Qhutyelo (19), said he was not expecting to be one of the top performers, but he was certainly expecting more distinctions.
He obtained a bachelor’s certificate with two distinctions in economics and physical science. He said his final year was not a walk in the park, but he persevered despite the challenges.
“It was difficult. I was under a lot of pressure because at some point we could not go to school. We had to stay at home, and we lost time due to the lockdown. But I always told myself that I want to pass my matric with flying colours,” said Qhutyelo.
He was more grateful for his mathematics results, adding that he struggled with maths since he started the subject in Grade 10. But that headache is gone now; he managed to score 60 per cent for the subject.
“Every university I applied at has accepted my application, but I chose to go to the University of Cape Town to study Bcom and accounting, specialising in charted accounting,” said Qhutyelo.
Physical science teacher Patricia Kamusoko said she is thrilled and motivated by the results because it is a black child who is getting good results and the school knows that some of their learners are going to make it out there.
“It is very encouraging and pleasing because we are producing engineers, scientist and doctors so they must go out there prepared,” said Kamusoko.
She said when the pandemic broke, she started WhatsApp teaching with shorting video clips and assisted learners with challenging topics.
Eketsang Secondary School’s overall results
The school obtained an overall of 81.86 per cent with at least 84 bachelor passes, 50 diplomas and 13 higher certificates.
The overall results dropped by 9.64 per cent this year with at least 30 learners qualifying to write the supplementary exam.
The school principal, Fumbata Mzodidi, expressed mixed emotions about the results.
“We have mixed feelings because our results dropped, but what makes us a bit happy is the fact that we have quality results this year, we have so many bachelors, compared to last year,” said Mzodidi.
When asked how Covid-19 affected their academic year, Mzodidi said that the pandemic affected the school negatively.
He said although they never had a Covid-19 case as an institution, they were psychologically affected.
“We did not know what would happen tomorrow, we were at risk at all times and even had to close the school,” said Mzodidi.
Adopt-a-School Foundation also sent their good wishes to the class of 2020.
“Congratulations and well done to the Class of 2020 for their hard work and dedication in these difficult times. The 81.86 per cent achievement is a true testament that hard work pays off. We congratulate them and wish them well for their future endeavours,” said communications manager Zelda Zukiswa.
