The Matrics Class of 2021 have not had only one, but two years of navigating their education in the midst of a pandemic. The two fundamental years of their school career have been marred with lockdowns, online learning and various other challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite the setbacks our Kingswood College Matric Class of 2021 must be congratulated for navigating this space and for the excellent results, which they produced this year. Our Class of 2021 gathered a total of 91 distinctions.

Mrs Tracy van Molendorff, Kingswood Senior School Head, said: “We are very proud of the class of 2021. They have navigated a year with disruption and on-line learning and have shown true resilience and determination. We commend those who achieved distinctions and are incredibly proud of those who, through perseverance, have achieved their academic goals. The dedicated staff are to be commended on the manner in which they ensured that the class of 2021 was able to flourish and achieve to their full individual potential. We wish the class of 2021 much success as they embark on the next leg of their life journey.”

Anna Timmermans, our Dux Scholar for 2021 along with Colby Cockcroft received a full house of distinctions. Anna ranked in the top 1% for Mathematics and Engineering Graphics and Design. Colby ranked in the top 1% for Business Studies and Mathematical Literacy. Jenna-Rose Smith achieved 7 out of 8 distinctions and made the top 1% for English Home Language.

“While the year presented its challenges, and although I found the exam period to be stressful, I was well-prepared thanks to my teachers who were all committed to giving us the best education during the Covid-19 pandemic, whether online or in-person” – Anna Timmermans, 2021 Dux Scholar, 7 distinctions, ranked in the top 1% for Mathematics and Engineering Graphics and Design

Anna Timmermans who comes from Makhanda (Grahamstown) achieved an overall average of 89.7%. While at Kingswood, Anna was awarded her Honours for Academics and Music. Throughout her time at Kingswood, Anna demonstrated a great tenacity in her achievements for excellence in both the content and quality of the work that she presented. She obtained seven (7) distinctions for Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Engineering Graphics and Design, English Home Language, Information Technology, Life Orientation, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Anna has also been put into the top 1% for Engineering Graphics and Design and Mathematics.  

On navigating her final year still in the midst of a pandemic Anna says: “While the year presented its challenges, and although I found the exam period to be stressful, I was well-prepared thanks to my teachers who were all committed to giving us the best education during the Covid-19 pandemic, whether online or in-person”.

We wish Anna well and hope to see her achieving her dream to work at an innovative computer software development company.

Colby Cockcroft who comes from Makhanda (Grahamstown) joined Kingswood College in his Grade R year. Colby is a keen academic, achieving his Honours for Academics at the beginning of last year. Colby is a diligent young man who showed great tenacity towards all aspects of his academic journey. With his full house of distinctions, Colby achieved an overall average of 89.2%. His distinctions were for Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Business Studies, Economics, English Home Language, History, Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy. Colby has also been ranked in the top 1% for Business Studies and Mathematical Literacy. Colby plans to go to university and study towards an LLB Degree at Rhodes University.  

His advice to 2022 Matric Class is: “Hit the ground running. Plan, prioritize and make the most of your remaining days. Most importantly, enjoy your final year – it will be over before you know it”.

Jenna-Rose Smith who comes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) achieved an overall average of 86.5% with seven (7) distinctions, one of which was for Advanced Programme English. She has also been ranked in the top 1% of English Home Language. She received distinctions for Afrikaans 1st  Additional Language, English Home Language, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Advanced Programme English.

Jenna has big plans for the future. She will be going to the University of Cape Town this year where she will be studying Actuarial Sciences. Asked where she sees herself in five years’ time, Jenna hopes to be completing her honours degree and studying towards her master’s degree in preparation for a career in the UK. 

Rebecca Crook (Gaborone, Botswana) and Daniel Reid (Makhanda, Grahamstown) both received six (6) distinctions in their final examinations.

Like Anna, Daniel hopes to make an inroad into the technology space upon completing his tertiary education. His hopes are to ultimately work as a game or software developer.

Daniel also has some sound advice for the Matric class of 2022: “Take your tests throughout the year seriously. Preparation is the key to making your exams easier”.

Rebecca Crook who comes from Gaborone Botswana joined Kingswood College in her Grade 8 year. Rebecca will be attending university in the United States in the hopes of studying Law. Before University commences in September, Rebecca will be doing an art course to explore her creative side.

Khanyi Mosoeu (Westonaria, Gauteng) and Phatsimo Tekane (Gaborone, Bostwana) both got five (5) distinctions each.

Kingswood also wishes to recognise the accomplishments of the following three pupils, Sibulele Xia Bizana, Wanda Lwazi Madasa and Anke Muller who all achieved three (3) distinctions in their final examinations. 

An honourable mention must also be made of Bella Ludski (Knysna, Western Cape) who was ranked in the top 1% for Mathematical Literacy.