Publications
De Kuilen High Schools’ matrics of 2022 achieved a 97.5% pass rate and a 81% Bachelor pass rate.
Principal Herman Mellet said this is slightly lower than the previous year but all-in-all and considering the roll-on effect the pandemic had on this group of learners, they are satisfied with the results.
Eleven learners passed with distinctions. Jaden-Leigh van Schalkwyk, a former Labiance Primary School learner, was top of the class with an average of 88% and six subject distinctions.
Shyllene Ross and Kyle McKie took second and third position, respectively, on De Kuilen’s merit list.
Mellet said the group achieved 228 subject distinctions. The best subject average percentages were achieved for music (77,6%), visual arts (72%) and history (69,9%).
More than 100 Kuilies wrote the history examination.
Set goals
De Kuilen High’s top-achiever Jaden-Leigh van Schalkwyk will be studying towards a BCom degree in International Business at Stellenbosch University this year.
Jaden-Leigh’s main advice for this year’s matrics is to set goals from the very first week of school.
“Create an expectation for yourself to be great this year. Matric is very demanding. It is so easy to fall behind on work or be completely overwhelmed with all the content teachers are trying to shove into your brain day-in and day-out.”
To prevent a nervous breakdown Jaden-Leigh suggests making a list of goals – both academic and personal, for each term.
“I was able to keep myself motivated and focused through the toughest times because it reminded me of what I was working towards.”
She says being organised and structured is also important.
“This includes keeping the entire years’ notes and PDFs organised, finding the ideal study method for each subject and drawing up study schedules every exam season.”
She says even though she experienced highs and lows she is grateful for the years she spent at De Kuilen High as it shaped her into the person she is today.
“Throughout most of high school, I battled with extreme anxiety and having to persevere through Covid-19 did not make it any easier.
“My grandfather, whom I am very close with, dealt with several health complications throughout my final year, which was quite stressful.”
She is thankful for friends and family who were there to support her through prayer and encouragement.
“Before every exam, my grandma would tell me: ‘Just let go and let God’”. A simple statement, she says, but one she held dear to her heart throughout her matric year.
Jaden-Leigh says although the year was hectic she had much fun.
