Top IEB matric achievers reveal their secrets to success
Time management and working consistently throughout the year are the secrets to success, according to top achieving matric pupils.
The pupils, who spoke to The Mercury yesterday, were among those who appeared on the Independent Examinations Board’s Outstanding Achievements list for having achieved within the top 5% in 6 or more subjects and achieved a rating level of 7 in Life Orientation.
Jenna Kunz from Epworth High School for Girls said her matric year was busy but she enjoyed it.
Jenna, who was the Dux at her school, said the key factor for her year was to ensure she got a good night’s rest.
“Getting enough sleep so that I was properly rested was my secret weapon. I also put in a lot of consistent effort.”
She wants to study electronics engineering with a specialisation in data engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Her advice for this year’s matric pupils was to manage their time well.
“Practice also is important so do as many past papers as you can and ask for extra work from teachers.”
William Kitching from Hilton College, who will be studying medicine at UCT, said he enjoyed his matric year and felt well prepared for the final exams.
“A highlight of the year was being with the matric class of 2024 for the last time and seeing how far we have come in the past five years.”
William said his advice for this year’s matrics came from an investment strategy called dollar-cost averaging which involves investing the same amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions.
“Working consistently is far more profitable than trying to time your productivity only for periods when it matters most.
“Have an end goal in mind, remind yourself about it daily, and want it more than anyone else – but work consistently and remain humble.”
Jake Savage from Clifton School, who will be studying towards a BCom in International Business at Stellenbosch University, said time management was key.
He said the trial exams were more stressful than the finals as he was well prepared. “I made sacrifices to ensure that I stayed on top of the work.”
Jake’s message for this year’s matrics was to trust themselves. “Have confidence in yourself that you will get through it and don’t be afraid to go to teachers for help.”
