This independent school in Knysna has achieved a 100% Grade 12 pass rate for the 17th consecutive year, and 93% of its 2010 Grade 12 learners received university exemption.
Not only can Oakhill School boast a 100% pass rate, but the school’s matriculants have also achieved exceptional results in their Independent Examination Board (IEB) final examinations.
The five top achievers of Oakhill School are Matthew Myers, (SRC president) with seven distinctions, closely followed by Wesley Robinson and Matthew Segers with six distinctions each, and Shivani Moodley and Anel Wessels both with five distinctions.
Oakhill principal, Shane Kidwell, said the greatest gift one can give one’s children is an independent school education. " Every matric pupil at Oakhill has fulfilled their expectation and I have no doubt that future pupils will continue to set themselves up for success as they experience the joy of learning at Oakhill. The staff and the community at large congratulate this group of matriculates warmly and continue to be proud of their achievements."
The matriculants are all ready to broaden their horizons. Some will be taking a break, while others will be furthering their education at different universities. Oakhill's top achiever Matthew Myers who scored seven distinctions, will be furthering his studies at the University of Cape Town where he will be studying chemical engineering.
Shivani Moodley will be off to Rhodes University soon to study law. "I have always dreamt of becoming a lawyer. I thought that I had wanted to pursue this career just because my father was a lawyer, but I realised that law is what I love and am passionate about."
Moodley said that her parents have always encouraged and motivated her to do her best. "My parents have given me a good foundation to build my success on. Education has always been my first priority," said Moodley. Her father passed away three years ago and she thought of him as she left her home to collect her IEB results at school. "I couldn't help but think about what he would've said to me today. I know my dad would've been so proud of me," concluded Moodley.
"It has been an incredible experience. I never really experienced a dull moment in my life, and if I felt down my parents and teachers always motivated me," said Wesley Robinson. Robinson explained how relieved he was once he received his results. "I didn't get much sleep last night. I expected the results I got, but I must say that there was a moment when I really started to have doubts and expected slightly worse results, due to the results being announced so late after the exams were written," he said.
" ‘Be upright and honest.’ Peter Bishop [a teacher] once said that. ‘Always remember that truth is purer than gold.' I believe that through honesty and being true to yourself and all the things you value, you can achieve all your goals in life," Robinson concluded.
Robinson will be studying computer science at the University of Cape Town.
Another successful matriculant, Pheliswa Dayimani said that the journey has been bumpy, exciting and good. About her future she said: "I am taking a break. I feel over-worked and would like to spend time with my family before I enrol to study drama at Rhodes University in the future." Dayimani attended Oakhill School on a scholarship. She feels that she had to work hard, not only to make those who paid for her education proud, but also for herself. "I want to be a good example to my child and youngsters who have lost hope and feel that they will fail due to certain obstacles. I want to prove that even if you fall pregnant, you can still achieve your goals," said Dayimani.
Moodley’s last words of wisdom to youngsters were: "Never underestimate yourself. Work hard and believe that you can achieve your goals."
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Matriculants of Oakhill school share a moment of joy and relief after receiving their IEB final exam results on Tuesday, January 4. From left are Lara Meter, Shivani Moodley, Wesley Robinson, Alexander Boomer, Romy Jansen, Matthew Myers and Jannah Ruthven.
ARTICLE: ROZANO ALIE
