Exceptional results from our #ClassOf2019

483 distinctions from 137 students; 13 students with eight or more distinctions each; 65 distinctions in mathematics; 43 distinctions in physical sciences and 56 distinctions in English

The 137 students of the St John’s College #ClassOf2019 have returned an exceptional set of matric results with a 100 percent pass rate and with more than 99 percent of students having achieved BD (Bachelor Degree) passes. The class returned a total of 483 distinctions (80 percent or higher achieved in a subject) of which 142 were A+ distinctions (90 percent or higher achieved in a subject).

A third of the class achieved at least six distinctions each, with 13 students achieving at least eight distinctions each.

Nine St John’s College students achieved an average of 90 percent or higher, while 43.1 percent of students achieved an average of 80 percent or higher. Sixty five students (more than half taking the subject) achieved distinctions in mathematics; 43 students achieved distinctions in physical sciences, and 56 students achieved distinctions in English.

The excellence of all-round education was highlighted by the exceptional results in Dramatic Arts (95 percent distinction rate), Information Technology (68 percent distinction rate) and History (54 percent distinction rate). 9 out 15 students achieved over 80 percent in AP English and 15 of 55 students achieved distinctions in AP mathematics.

Mr Paul Edey, outgoing Executive Headmaster at St John’s College, says: “We salute the class of 2019 and their teachers. St John’s College thanks them for all they have contributed to the school. We send the students off into the next exciting phase of their lives confident that they are equipped with the skills, insight and solid grounding they need to make the most of themselves and contribute to their communities in a world that grows increasingly challenging and demanding.

“Most of these young men were active outside the classroom, participating in sports, cultural activities and community programmes. The five years of high school are about more than just matric results. We aim to develop happy, successful young men who are critical thinkers, problem solvers and are innovative and collaborative members of society who contribute to the collective well-being of the world. We remain mindful of our responsibility in a society that remains so unequal, especially in access to quality education.”

Mr Stuart West takes up the reigns as new Executive Headmaster at St John’s College at the start of this academic year. He adds: “The St John’s College class of 2019 have built on, and once again celebrated, the exceptional academic record and legacy of the College. These results stand testimony to the dedicated leadership, staff and educational journey that guides each student. I am privileged to be joining the St John’s College family.”

Top academic achievers of the St John’s College #ClassOf2019 were:

• Gregory Basslian and Andrew Raney (with eight distinctions and an average 93.6 percent each). Andrew was a First Team hockey player, an outstanding musician and chorister. Gregory achieved a Gold Award in the President’s Award.
• Benjamin Kahanovitz (nine distinctions and an average of 91.9 percent). He plans to study Chemical Engineering this year. “The opportunities to learn and grow at St John’s are unparalleled. My advice to the new boys of 2020 is to make the most of every opportunity that you get.”
• Tariq Seedat (nine distinctions and an average of 90.6 percent). He says: “I have a really supportive family, and I doubt I could have done this well if it were not for them. The St John’s teachers were also amazing. It was like my teachers and I were a team working together to get good results.”
• Matthew de la Rey (7 distinctions and an average of 90.6 percent). Matthew wrote and directed Pink Balls, a play about toxic masculinity that won Best Ensemble at the 2019 FEDA (Festival for Excellence in Dramatic Art). He played First Team hockey and soccer and was Head of Nash House.
• Michael Hoffman and Muhammad Moosajee (eight distinctions and an average of 90.4 percent each). Michael was a prefect, Head of Clarke House and a member of the Johannesburg Junior City Council. Muhammad was head of Student Affairs at St John’s College.
• James Geldenhuys (10 distinctions and an average of 90 percent). James is a flute player. He’s presently in the UK auditioning for the Royal Academy of Music in London and for the Birmingham Conservatoire. “I’m looking forward to my new life, but I will miss the school, my teachers and all the friends I made. I cannot thank St John’s enough for all its given me.”

Andrew Raney was named on the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) outstanding achievement list by being placed in the top five percent of students nationally in six subjects (in addition to achieving a distinction in Life Orientation). Also, Barend Badenhorst, Gregory Basslian, Sean Millar and Muhammad Moosajee were included on the IEB commendable list by being placed in the top five percent nationally in five subjects (in addition to achieving a distinction in Life Orientation).

Two of the #Classof2019 Centenary Scholars Warren Masombuka and Tshegofatso Mphake have excelled. The St John’s College Centenary Scholarship programme offers scholarships to talented young black South Africans who could otherwise not afford a St John’s education. Warren and Tshegofatso both achieved six distinctions with Warren attaining an average of 86 percent while Tshegofatso achieved an 83 percent average. Warren has been shortlisted for the prestigious Allan Gray Scholarship and heads off to Wits this year to do either a BComm or a degree in economic sciences. Tshegofatso is hoping for a bursary to study law at UCT.

Outgoing Executive Headmaster, Mr Paul Edey concludes: “We wish the St John’s class of 2019, and indeed all of South Africa’s 2019 matrics, the very best for the future, wherever the future may take them. We believe that the St John’s students will be guided by the College motto Lux, Vita, Caritas to live lives filled with Light, Life and Love.”