Throughout the year, several pupils excelled academically. Here is a round-up of pupils who did well at their schools across Roodepoort in 2015.
In March, pupil Connor McBirnie was awarded the top achiever in South Africa for AS business studies, while pupil Matthew Frangakis was awarded the top achiever in South Africa for International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) physics, chemistry and geography, by Charter College International High School. Frangakis also achieved a highly commended award for an IGCSE in information and communication technology. The pupils are from Charter College International High School and excelled in the Cambridge examinations.
In May, pupils at Trinityhouse High School Little Falls were honoured at a special awards assembly for special extra-curricular achievements.
The assembly identified the top academic achievers from Grade 8 to 11 at the school. The school carries academic standards at a high level.
In June, two Zandspruit pupils Keketso Ramorola and Didintle Malebane geared up to represent SA at the PAMA Global Abacus Mental Arithmetic Competition in San Fransisco this December. The Grade 3 pupils from Masakhane-Tswelopele Primary School have been using an abacus since they were in Grade R when they were in the CMATHS programme, before moving on to the Master level this year. Be it English, maths and life skills, the pupils produce great results and perform diligently in class.
In June, a Panorama Primary School pupil was awarded a full scholarship at St John’s college.
The Grade 7 pupil Tumelo Mogano wrote an entrance exam at St John’s College at the beginning of the year with hundreds of other hopefuls, but only just a handful of the pupils were chosen. The scholarship covers Mogano’s boarding and tuition fees from Grade 8 to 12 and is valued at about R2 million for the academic period and only 10 other pupils were accepted. Mogano’s favourite subjects are maths and science and he wants to be an astronomer.
In June, a commitment to increase access to education for young children in marginalised communities in South Africa earned Lebo Sekhotla – a third-year student at Monash South Africa (MSA) – global recognition for her work. The psychology and management student was recently awarded the international Here for Good award by the chairperson and CEO of Laureate International Universities, Douglas Becker. The ceremony held in Miami, was attended by higher education leaders from around the world and other dignitaries. Sekhotla developed a motivational programme for Grade 9 pupils from nearby communities designed to give them life skills, confidence, and career guidance they need to stay in school, apply to university, and contribute to their communities.
Layla Norman, the ultimate top pupil at Maragon Private Schools, was in November awarded with the prestigious top honour blazer, the highest award at the school. It is given in recognition to a pupil who receives three full colours in three of the five pillars at Maragon Private Schools. The five pillars are: academics, culture, sport, leadership and outreach.
Layla achieved three full colours in academics, sport and service.
In November, 23 graduates at The Travel Learning College received their diplomas after completing an 18-month course in travel and tourism.
The number of distinctions (more than 90 per cent), were called out as well as the module with the highest mark. Three special trophies were handed out – a warrior award for the most lovable personality, an award for personal growth and a trophy for focus and determination. Some of the students also received trophies for exceptional academic achievements. The last trophy handed out went to the student of the year, Venita Kuun, who not only excelled in academics, but in the job placement as well.
