When looking for our future engineers, doctors and scientists we will find them right here in the Western Cape.
Maths and science were celebrated when Stem school Protea Heights Academy (PHA) excelled in the recent provincial matric exams and the top learners were recognised at an awards ceremony held at Leeuwenhof, residence of the Western Cape Premier, last week.
Four of the school’s 2023 matriculants, dux learner Janevah Gordon (91,4% ), Arabelle Langenhoven (90,6% ), Gemma Segers (89,4%) and Isuamfon Ekpott (89%), were placed in the top-40 matric achievers of the Western Cape class of 2023. PHA also grabbed the award for showing the greatest increase in the percentage of candidates achieving subject distinctions from 2022 to 2023.
Handing the awards over was Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier, who expressed his admiration for the learners who excelled in trying times.
“The past year was a tough one for our candidates and schools,” he said. “After years of disrupted learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2023 we faced minibus-taxi blockades and strikes, two major floods and severe load shedding. Despite this, the Western Cape Class of 2023 increased the matric pass rate, for the third year running, to 81,54%.”
Dux learner Janevah said being awarded a position in the top 40 meant all her efforts and hard work paid off.
“My matric year was filled with sacrifices, and I mean lots,” she said.
“I had to develop discipline to stay dedicated to focusing on studying while at the same time living a balanced life. Even though I worked hard consistently, the top 40 always seemed out of reach, and I never imagined being a part of it. It is truly an amazing feeling being recognised for all the work I’ve put in and accomplishing something of such great significance. I am immensely grateful to the staff of PHA who assisted greatly in providing all the aid, support and countless resources that made this possible.”
For Gemma Segers this achievement was a blessing.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have crossed my path, and it was just a full-circle moment to see my hard work paying off,” she said.
To Isuamfon Ekpott it was a big surprise.
“I just didn’t expect it at all. There are so many brilliant people. I’m grateful to my school and teachers who made sure we had all the resources we needed, and we were ready for our matric exams.
A total of 50 520 candidates who passed met the requirements to access higher education, with 26 182 candidates (or 42,2%) qualifying with a bachelors pass to attend university.
This was the highest number of bachelors passes ever in the province.
The top mathematics pass rate, said Maynier, was 75,4%, while the top physical-science pass was 82,2%.
“These are critical subjects for the national and provincial economy, so we are pleased to see improvements in both compared to 2022,” he said.
“We also have the second highest distinctions rate, with 24 982 subject distinctions awarded to candidates in the Western Cape.
Equally impressive is the 69,3% increase in the province’s retention rate, or the percentage of the Grade 10 class of two years ago who wrote their matric exams this time round.
“Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and our school staff, particularly our principals, are making the choice to give more learners a shot at passing their matric exams, instead of holding them back to improve their school pass rate.”
Maynier wished them well. “We are so proud of you, your commitment, hard work and the investment you have made in your own future. Keep hold of your drive and determination. It will serve you well in the years ahead.”
Andrea Coetzer, principal of PHA, said she took immense pride in the outstanding results achieved by the 2023 Grade 12s.
“Being a mathematics and science focus school, the commitment to pure mathematics by all our learners has played a pivotal role in these remarkable outcomes. This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work demonstrated by both our students and teachers.
“I would also like to acknowledge and extend gratitude for the invaluable support provided by parents, which undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of our learners.”
The school had a 96,4% pass rate with 12 A-aggregates and a total of 297 As, and 126 B-degree admissions.
