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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Oakhill’s matrics of 2018 have done themselves and the school incredibly proud in their final Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams, says the school.
According to academic director Sharon Brown, the Class of 2018 has made the school and everyone involved in their education extremely proud. The group managed the examination process in a calm and mature manner. The outstanding results are a testament to the fact that they worked with staff and put in the hard work when it really mattered.
82 distinctions
An impressive total of 82 distinctions was achieved by Oakhill’s 34 matriculants. Veda Vosloo (2018 dux scholar) earned a full set of seven distinctions, while Luc van den Handel (fellow joint dux), Leila Turner and Zoë Venter each achieved six distinctions. Five distinctions each were awarded to Neena de Klerk, Jason Matter and Liam Watson. Achieving four distinctions were Jamie Hattingh, Shaun Riley, Mia Venter and Michaela Vogt, while Jordan Shrosbree, Sven Botha and Annie-Rose Thomson each earned three distinctions. Several other learners made up the balance of the distinctions.
Top 1% nationally
Three of Oakhill’s learners also placed in the top 1% of candidates nationally – Jordan Shrosbree and Danté Signorelli achieved this accolade in computer applications technology and Kiara Smith in mathematical literacy.
In addition to the record of 100% pass rate for 26 years, for the first year in Oakhill history, every matric candidate achieved a bachelor’s degree pass. Collectively the 2018 group produced their best set of results in the FET phase of school and the highest number of distinctions per candidate, as well as the highest composite subject average at Oakhill over the last four years.
Head of school Jannie de Villiers congratulated the Class of 2018 on doing the school, their parents and themselves proud. He commended the teachers at Oakhill Pre-Prep, Prep and College on their contribution over many years, which brought this group of learners to the point of leaving school with excellent matric results and so much more.
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Says de Villiers, “We are thrilled with the fact that every single one of our candidates was sent off with a Bachelor’s Degree pass which allows them access to tertiary institutions anywhere in the world. In addition, they leave Oakhill with competencies, values, resilience and adaptability that will stand them in good stead in a rapidly changing world with many challenges but also limitless opportunity.”
Some of the top learners share their plans for the future, as well as some valuable advice for younger learners:
Veda Vosloo
Veda was Oakhill’s 2018 dux scholar and the top student in life sciences, accounting and life orientation, as well as the captain of the 1st hockey and 1st water polo teams. She says her 2019 will be centred on going to America and working at a summer camp teaching children to ride horses, which is one of her passions.
A proud group of 2018 matrics collecting their official results on 3 January. From left: Zoë Venter, Luc van den Handel, Veda Vosloo, Mia Venter, Kevin Laughton, Jody van der Byl, Sven Botha, Jordan Shrosbree, Shaun Riley, Sebastian Hampshire and Jamie Hattingh. Photos: Supplied
The rest of the year will be spent experimenting and finding new interests. Veda grew up in Knysna and has attended Oakhill since Grade 00, excelling in both sports and academics throughout her school career. Her advice to younger pupils is “be kind and respectful, everyone is struggling”.
Luc van den Handel
Luc shared the dux accolade with Veda and was the top student in maths, physical science and IT. He reveals that “the aspect of school I most enjoyed was the feeling of accomplishment after working hard and seeing the fruits of my work, slowly improving myself over time, finally building to winning the dux”.
Luc plans to study a BSc computer science degree at UCT, with his sights set on a masters at least. Luc’s advice to younger grades: “Do the work and it will pay off.” He adds, “Even if your marks are average or low now, just find what you love, find something that you can work hard at and enjoy, and do the work. If you like to draw or paint, then take art, work hard, persist – at the end of matric you can step back, look at all you’ve done and you will be amazed. The same applies to all subjects.”
Leila Turner
Leila plans to study occupational therapy at UCT and hopes to inspire change in the future. Leila has a passion for people and for her, her friends were her favourite thing about Oakhill. She also says, “Oakhill is special because our teachers really care about the students. I always knew they had my back.”
She advises younger learners: “Oakhill gives you the chance to be unique. Take the opportunity, do as much as you can and try as many things as possible. Don’t be another face in the crowd.”
Neena de Klerk
Like Veda, Neena is also passionate about horses. Her motivation to achieve in this field also trickled through to her academics, especially business studies and dramatic arts where she was the top student. Says Neena, “This was a result from changing the mind frame, instead of learning from a book… I questioned what I would have done were I to, for example, own a business. After manipulating my process of thought I began to enjoy business immensely.”
She adds, “Oakhill is unique in its ability for students and teachers to maintain an easy-going relationship, the ability to retain respect while removing unnecessary formalities.” Neena plans to study at Stellenbosch University, and leaves younger students with a little pearl of wisdom, especially her younger sister who will be entering high school this year: “Be honest with yourself, if you got a bad mark did you really study properly?”
Jason Matter
Jason reveals he will be studying BSc physiotherapy at UCT and plans to specialise in sports physio one day. His passion is sport and some of his fondest memories are of “playing soccer and hand tennis at break time”. Says Jason, “If I could give younger students advice, I would tell them to worry a lot less and have a lot more fun. Try to cherish what you have, because you’re definitely going to miss it one day.”
Liam Watson
Like Luc, Liam is also going to UCT to study computer science. The aspect of school that Liam most enjoyed was making some amazing friendships, and he advises younger pupils to “have fun and focus on your personal goals.”
Zoë and Mia Venter
Twins Zoë and Mia both share a passion for art, and excelled in visual arts, earning top marks in both their practical and final written exams. These two talented sisters will be making the Philippines home next year to learn about different cultures and explore new experiences and people.
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