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KNYSNA BUSINESS NEWS - Last year marked the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth. Upon reflecting on Madiba's views on education, famously characterised as "the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world", it is befitting of his legacy to acknowledge his aspirations for the youth. Mandela also said, "Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom."

Oakhill School strongly believes in Madiba's philosophy and aims to grow the potential of each child at the school. Head of school Jannie de Villiers remarks: "Whole child education happens in the broadest sense of the word at Oakhill and this involves much more than the excellent academic standards we maintain. From Grades 000 to 12 we strive to ignite the imagination of our pupils by encouraging them to explore and discover, question and create, and to experience the joy of learning."

100% pass rate
The joy of learning is evident throughout the school campus, and making the most of the many opportunities afforded is emphasised to all pupils who attend the school. The fact that Oakhill has achieved a 100% IEB* pass rate since inception and continues to perform above the IEB national average in almost all subjects is testimony to the dedication of not just the pupils, but staff who strive to prepare the students for the examinations and, more importantly, to find their niche in a far bigger and globalised world one day.

With a focus on finding their niche, our 2018 matrics notably all achieved 100% university exemption – attributed to the quality of education at Oakhill. All 2018 matrics seeking entry to tertiary education have achieved their choice of course of study for 2019, many with exceptionally difficult entry requirements. 

USE AS INSETOakhill 2018 matrics who are currently studying in their chosen fields: (from left) Sven Botha (electronic engineering at Stellenbosch University); Jason Matter (physiotherapy at UCT; and Aidan Riley (food science at Stellenbosch).
Photo: Supplied

These included BSc degrees in computer science, physiotherapy and occupational therapy at the University of Cape Town, with others accepted to study electronic engineering and BSc food sciences at the University of Stellenbosch and BSc biological sciences at the University of Pretoria to name a few.

Invitation to Grade 7s
Oakhill offers the opportunity for many Grade 7s to also reach their dreams one day by starting or continuing their high school career at Oakhill College. It is that time of year when applications for high school are being completed and parents and pupils are carefully considering the options available. Oakhill invites all those Grade 7s considering Oakhill to apply for the scholarship for Grade 8 in 2020 – an excellent opportunity for all pupils to participate in a merit-based programme which allows them to challenge themselves with the end prospect of financial aid to support their high school education.

Distinguished from a bursary, which is offered to provide educational opportunities to pupils from less privileged circumstances in our community, a scholarship is awarded annually to learners who excel academically with the additional consideration of cultural and sporting excellence.

Oakhill 2018 matrics at their valediction last year. Photo: Supplied

The scholarship examinations are always strongly contested with a selection of candidates from local, national and even international schools over the past few years.

The joy of learning
Over and above the academic challenge of the examinations, the scholarship programme allows an applicant an opportunity to experience the unique Oakhill ethos of "the joy of learning". Says De Villiers, "We have been thrilled with the high calibre of candidates attending in the past and will be most pleased to award scholarships to attend Oakhill – to entice aspiring minds and expose them to the wonderful opportunities that our school has to offer."

To be acknowledged as a top student and awarded a scholarship is a great honour. The award offers a promise of entry to the highest level of secondary education with access to intellectual, cultural, sporting and many other opportunities.

The exams take place on Friday 8 March 2019 and applications close on Wednesday 27 February 2019.

* Independent Examination Board

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