St John's College Academy students Zandile Habile and Tshepang Mokoto achieved distinctions in Further Studies Mathematics Standard (formerly AP Maths) in 2022.
Zandile and Tshepang attended Further Studies Mathematics with Mrs Kim Jacobs for the past two years with Zandile achieving a Further Studies Maths mark of 84% and Zandile 80%.
Zandile said: "The course was challenging, and I didn't think I could do it, but I did! Even though we couldn't join our friends on Friday afternoons for two years as we attended lessons, it was worth it."
Tshepang said: "Taking Further Studies Maths made my Core Maths a lot easier. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I am proud of my result."
The St John's College Academy is an after-school enrichment programme catering to promising young men from Hillbrow, Yeoville, and Berea. They attend St John's three times a week for additional support and extension classes in mathematics, English and physical sciences. In recent years they have begun participating in public speaking, debating and drama.
Five Academy boys from Highlands North Boys' High School took Further Studies Mathematics as an elective subject. Two other boys obtained a “B”, and one a “C”.
Philani Mgquba, who obtained 79%, said: "Even though I just missed my ‘A’, I am still proud of my result. It was a good two years, and we were lucky to have an exceptional teacher."
Kim Jacobs, who taught the Further Studies Mathematics class, said: “I am incredibly proud of these fine students. Their commitment to our lessons, enthusiasm and hard work culminated in these outstanding results. ”
The St John's College Academy strives to develop confidence, empowering boys to achieve the matric results required for tertiary education and enabling them to become meaningful citizens in their communities. In addition to subject tuition, the Academy boys are taught life skills to help them reach their goals.
Mickey Mashego, the St John’s Head of Community Engagement, said: “The Academy is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these five remarkable students. The Further Studies programme requires Academy students to commit to an extra day of the programme as well as occasionally sacrificing some of their holidays to complete the syllabus. Their achievements are a just a reward for the determination and consistency they have demonstrated over the past two years. We applaud the expertise and tutelage of Mrs Kim Jacobs, who has nurtured these talented students to attain these excellent results.”