Learner impresses with numerous achievements

Tsebo Mofokeng, a Grade Seven learner of Laerskool Generaal Delarey, received numerous awards at the school’s annual award ceremony on November 9.

About her achievements, Tsebo said she feels ‘good’. Her mother, Ipeleng added, “I’m so proud, it’s the best feeling ever, as a parent. You send children to school and they’ve got very good teachers but as a parent, you still have to do your part if they need help with homework or anything like that, but to see the result is mind-blowing.”

Tsebo’s accomplishments include 80% in maths, English, Afrikaans, social sciences, economic and management sciences, technology, life orientation and natural science.

“Tsebo also received an overall grade award for attaining an aggregate of 90% and above consistently from grade 4–7 with an overall of 91% aggregate currently in grade seven,” said Ipeleng.

She further received a Dux Award and a Most Promising award for chess, along with one for being head girl. This is all on top of an A+ in Eisteddfod for drawing. She added to her collection with medals for both hockey and netball.

Tsebo is also not afraid to reach out to others, she volunteers at a tutoring centre where she offers academic support to learners. As part of her community service, she helps grades 1–5 learners with their homework.

Earlier this year, she participated in The Queen’s Common Wealth Essay Competition, where over 60 countries participated with over 30 000 applications, for which she received a certificate.

To top it all off, Tsebo is turning her talent for art into a business, where she does face painting for children’s birthday parties.

When asked how she could do all her extra mural activities as well as achieve such impressive marks, Tsebo explained her routine. She wakes up between 4:00 and 5:00 in the morning and starts studying. On weekends she studies three subjects a day and the day before the exam she simply goes through the work again. She also makes use of the study sessions offered before and after exams.

To others, she advised, “Discipline is the key because usually we rely on motivation because you say ‘I’m going to study this’ and then you get distracted from a text message or you want to play with your friends. The way I keep it fun is because you kind of think that you have to be on the books all the time, I sometimes sing it to myself or make up some kind of limerick. I started doing it in grade six and it helps a lot.”

Her mother mentioned she hopes to become a scientist someday, however, their biggest concern as of yet is finding her a placement for high school. She explained they’ve had difficulty finding her a space, despite her stellar record. Finances are the other concern, she would need a bursary, however, there are certain requirements for the school she must attend, it does not only depend on her marks but also her grade average.

Tsebo concluded, “I feel ready for high school.”