Learner achieves excellent results against all odds
PARKTOWN – With support and being equipped, the Roedean Academy learner managed to achieve the academy’s record high six distinctions.
A former learner at Barnato Park High School and member of the Roedean Academy has been awarded an FNB Fiduciary Bursary and will study electrical engineering at Wits.
Laisha Mashingaidze achieved six distinctions in her matric finals. Caroline Green of the academy shared that Mashingaidze’s subjects were maths, physical science, life science, geography, Afrikaans and life orientation, and an extra 2% in English would have made it a full-house.
Green added the academy was an initiative spearheaded by Roedean School (SA) which provided extra tuition in maths, science and English to academically talented, disadvantaged learners. She said the academy relied on donations to provide all the necessary resources to support the girls, and they have partnered with Barnato Park High School in Berea.
Mashingaidze began attending the Roedean Academy from Grade 8 up till Grade 12. She said all the necessary study material was provided for her including Wi-Fi, transport money and access to computers.
“We had such excellent directors and teachers who gave up their free time to help us. There were leadership camps, seminars, and one-on-one counselling. All of this helped me develop academically. And I was offered so much support which helped me to be confident in myself. All the resources, free of charge, enabled me to be successful in my studies.” she said.
Mashingaidze added she was overjoyed with her results as she did not expect them to be so good.
“Matric itself is challenging and the Covid-19 pandemic made it worse. Another challenge I faced was the lack of a proper quiet area to study. In an apartment of five in Yeoville, there are always distractions. So, I had to set my priorities straight. There were subjects like maths, physical science and Afrikaans which I found especially challenging. With the help of my teachers and the Roedean Academy, I mastered these subjects.”
The achiever extended her gratitude to her extremely supportive teachers at Barnato Park and Roedean Academy, her family and friends as well as the people she consulted for study skills and time management.
She gave the following advice to the current Grade 12s. “Make your teachers your best friends and always consult. Form study groups with your friends. Always plan out your time. Plan to study, rest and to have fun. I saw many of my peers give up but my message to you is to never give up and never lose hope.”
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