Headmaster Francois Moll said that York High School, like the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), has concentrated on quality education and not quantity. "In 2009 the WCED took a decision to increase the percentage of matriculants obtaining a Bachelor's Pass. The Western Cape has the highest number of Bachelor's Passes in the country and at our school over 90% of Yorkies achieved a Bachelor's Pass."
Moll continued, "At York we are quiet about our achievements so when we talk, people listen and today we are going to talk. York was in the top 25 schools in the Western Cape and we are the best achieving school outside the Peninsula." To get into the top 20 the school will have to concentrate on increasing the numbers of learners taking mathematics.
Peter Thompson, who Moll describes as a 'humble all-round gentleman', achieved seven distinctions attaining 10th position in the province for maths, life sciences and visual arts plus a joint sixth for mathematics paper 3.
The 2013 matric class gave the learners some serious and at times light-hearted tips on how to study successfully and prepare for that final exam.
Khaya Gould encouraged learners to work through past matric papers. "It is vital as this will enable you to complete your exam quicker."
Stephanie Süllwald was adamant that if you must study with music make sure that it does not have lyrics as you will listen to the words. "Classical music is soothing."
Tamryn Oates said that her success was due to the fact that she explained her subjects where she could to her younger sister. "If you have taught someone you will know your subject and, more importantly, understand it."
Cheslyn Gardiner's advice was, "Listen and listen in class and question and question because if you understand you will require less studying."
Deryk Eckersley, vice-principal and academic head of York High, is excited about 2014. "We will introduce even more improvements to our systems."
More photos here.
Bright sparks... From left: Khaya Gould, Peter Thompson, Headmaster Francois Moll, Cheslyn Gardiner, Stephanie Süllwald and Tamryn Oates. In front is Sharon Kern. Photo: Myron Rabinowitz
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