Saheti pupil lands 10 distinctions
JOBURG - As the Saheti School matric class of 2013 maintained its unbroken 100 percent pass rate, there was one learner who came up above the rest: Matthew McGurk was the school’s top achiever with a full house of ten distinctions.
McGurk achieved distinctions in Afrikaans, English, history, information technology, life orientation, mathematics paper 3, modern Greek, physical science, and advanced programme mathematics. He scored 100 percent for mathematics. He was ranked within the top five percent of Independent Examination Board learners nationally in six or more subjects, and within the top one percent in English, information technology and mathematics.
McGurk said, “I am very happy, I worked very hard, it’s very nice my hard finally paid off.” He emphasised that his achievements were based on his consistent hard work. “I always work very hard, I can’t take shortcuts, they don’t bring you success. I also believe that my teachers are the best, they helped me a lot. I thank them for giving me this opportunity.”
However, the Saheti pupil, who is just shy of turning 18, was still not sure what he was going to study next year. “I have two choices: it’s either Civil Engineering at the University Of Pretoria or Actuarial Science at Wits.” He added that his mother was “ecstatic” about his achievements, and he was glad that his work made her proud.
The Observatory resident advised the 2014 matriculants to work hard so they can have time to socialise with friends. “You must have a balanced life. You cannot expect to cram everything in the last moments, you must work consistently, and if you do that you will get time to spend with friends and play sport.”
The fun-loving pupil was also hopeful that a good Samaritan might offer him a bursary for his studies.
