St John’s matric learner achieves outstanding 96.4 per cent average
HOUGHTON – Qu believes the experience he gained in maths and programming Olympiads helped to develop his problem-solving ability.
St John’s College matric learner Andi Qu believes that practice makes perfect.
“Keep going until you completely understand,” said Andi, advising fellow learners.
Andi completed matric at the top of his class with eight distinctions and an average of 96.4 per cent.
He described 2020 as an extremely tough year, with many struggling to remain motivated to study when they were at home.
“St John’s handled lockdown really well and the teachers were well prepared. I forced myself to focus and in a large part, my success is the result of luck. I am fortunate that no one in my family got sick and I remained healthy.”
He attributed his success to the support given to him by his school, his teachers and his parents.
He took advantage of not only the academic but cultural offerings at the school. Andi participated in maths and programming Olympiads from a young age, which he believes helped to develop his problem-solving ability and give him the edge.
This year, he began an internship at a local software development company and hopes to study computer science in the United States, United Kingdom or Singapore from September.
His interest in computer science began as a child when he enjoyed playing online games.
“In Grade 9, I picked up a programming language and started making fun websites.”
This helped to grow his interest and understanding of the subject.
“Computer science allows us to create what we want from our imagination and helps us to build things that are helpful for the world.”
After graduating, he hopes to work at a big tech company or start-up his own company while attaining a post-graduate degree.
He advised the Class of 2021 to start their projects early, trust their teachers and not rely on random tutors. He also advised that learners teach one another for mutual benefit.
Andi made the IEB Outstanding Achievements list, being placed in the top 5 per cent of candidates nationally in six or more subjects (including a distinction in life orientation). He also featured in the top 1 per cent of candidates in subjects including English, life orientation, music and physical sciences.
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St John’s College Class of 2020 achieves outstanding results
