Durbanville Reddam House top performers, from left, Keenan Kapnias (95% A-levels average), Victor Vermeulen (93% AS-levels average), Laura Brink (93% AS-Levels average), Zea De Bruyn (93% AS-levels average and 96% for maths A-Level) and Rachel Pereira (94% AS-levels).
Twenty pupils from Durbanville Reddam House’s Class of 2021 have scored averages over 80% for their AS-level results in the Cambridge International exams.
The school had a 100% matric pass rate while 35 pupils completed their International Cambridge AS (advanced subsidiary) levels and scored 112 distinctions across 16 subjects.
The Cambridge International A-levels and AS-levels, are part of the dual curriculum offered by the school. The other curriculum is South Africa’s Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
Durbanville Reddam House executive head Barry Nieuwoudt said 97% of the matrics had obtained a matric exemption with the overall average increasing from 80% in 2020 to 81.4% in 2021.
Rachel Pereria, who achieved a 94% average for her AS-levels and hopes to study veterinary science, said taking frequent breaks during her studies had helped her stay focused and alleviate stress.
She completed her AS-levels in physics, chemistry, biology, maths and English literature and language.
“I found that simple things like even walking around the neighbourhood helps to clear your head. You also need to find the right time and balance between friends and your studies, but I guess you have to sacrifice some things,” she said.
Victor Vermeulen scored a 93% average for his AS-levels in physics, chemistry, biology, English and maths. He is preparing to complete his A-levels in the coming months.
“My plan is to apply for university in Holland, and I’d like to study applied physics, as physics has always been my passion during my whole high school career,” he said, adding that he had cut back on socialising and studied consistently to get the results he wanted.
Keenan Kapnias completed his A-levels in physics, chemistry and maths with an average of 95%.
“I decided to do a post-matric course because it’s great when trying to apply for competitive courses at universities overseas and in South Africa. This year, I’m hopefully going to study medicine at UCT,” he said.