We are delighted to announce that the Class of 2021 has excelled in the WCED NSC Examinations. Despite the uncertainty created by the pandemic and the disruption which the Matrics experienced in their Grade 11 year, they have performed exceptionally well! We are so proud of the commitment and determination that they have shown. Supported by a hard-working and dedicated team of teachers and their families they have done themselves and all of us proud. This morning’s celebrations were special. We will be sharing more information with you in an extended newsletter next week so be sure to look out for that!

The Class of 2021 has endured two years of the pandemic, completing the senior phase of high school with all manner of protocol applied to monitor movement and distancing. They have had to wear masks, try to ‘read’ eye expressions, and connect with each other and their teachers in restricted ways. Much of the extramural programme that provides the balance in a holistic school programme, has been lost to them, intensifying the academic focus. While this has been challenging, I have no doubt that it has also grown the girls and they will have acquired an adaptive quotient and a responsiveness which will stand them in good stead in their studies, careers and lives down the line.

We are conscious of being a well-resourced school, and of having been able to minimise disruption to the teaching and learning programme, and so while we celebrate these excellent results, we do so with humility and gratitude within the context of an unequal South African educational landscape, aware of the access and opportunity that our students have. This does not, however, detract from their exceptional achievements and we applaud them and recognise their courage and commitment in trying times.

Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, MP. in her keynote address delivered at the release of the 2021 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examination results left the students with a message of hope and inspiration when she said: Your future is in the palm of your hands. Make the correct choices. In a session that I had yesterday with this year’s Grade 8 students, I spoke about the notion of privilege implicit in simply having a choice. Within this context, my wish for each of the 2021 Matrics is that they make good choices and that they make courageous choices; choices that will grow them and enrich their lives with a sense of purpose; but also choices that will impact positively on the lives of others. They also need to know that choices and especially correct choices take time and often courage. It can be overwhelming being uncertain about the direction and area of study that one is supposed to take, especially when others around you seem to have it all mapped out. I would encourage those who may feel a little uncertain (or very uncertain) to give themselves grace and remember that it may take time for them to realise exactly where it is that they are supposed to be. This thought took me back to that wonderful conversation between Alice and the Cat in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland:
‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’
‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.
‘I don’t much care where -‘ said Alice.
‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.
‘- so long as I get SOMEWHERE,’ Alice added as an explanation.
‘Oh, you’re sure to do that,’ said the Cat, ‘if you only walk long enough.’

My sincere thanks to all staff cohorts at Herschel: academic, grounds and maintenance, administrative, catering and security; thank you for your special operations in each of these areas. Collectively they amount to the success of a school’s daily business and each of us plays an important role in this holistic delivery. Thanks too to our parent body for your commitment to the education of your daughters and especially for entrusting them with us. The Herschel community can indeed be proud of the Class of 2021 and my final message is for these fine young women who we hope will continue learning to make a difference as they leave for this next chapter of their young adult lives. We wish each of you every success and look forward to seeing you back on campus as Old Herschelians. You are always welcome!

If you celebrate your difference, the world will, too. It believes exactly what you tell it—through the words you use to describe yourself, the actions you take to care for yourself, and the choices you make to express yourself. Tell the world you are one-of-a-kind creation who came here to experience wonder and spread joy. Expect to be accommodated. ― Victoria Moran, Lit from Within

2021 RESULTS ANALYSIS

We are once again #proudlypink with the impressive results achieved by our 2021 Matric students. Through a particularly challenging two years they have achieved exceptional results!

• The Class of 2021 achieved a 100% pass rate and a 100% bachelor’s degree pass.
• The 100 candidates achieved 485 subject distinctions (including Advanced Programme Mathematics and Advanced Programme English). This equates to an average of 4,85 subject distinctions per candidate.
• 17 pupils attained an aggregate over 90%.
• 61 pupils attained an A aggregate (over 80%).
• In total, 95 pupils attained an A or B aggregate (over 70%).
• 14 subjects achieved a subject average of over 80%. These are English, Afrikaans FAL, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Accounting, Dramatic Arts, French, Geography, History, Life Sciences, Music, Physical Sciences and Visual Arts. Advanced Programme Mathematics had an average of 74.1% and Advanced Programme English, 64.3%.
• 44 pupils achieved 6 or more subject distinctions and 70 pupils achieved 4 or more subject distinctions.

OUTSTANDING PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS:

9 subject distinctions (1 pupils): Safiya Mia.

8 subject distinctions (10 pupils): Aliya Bhorat, Emily Dalley, Robyn Dunn, Laura Formby, Lucy Frater, Ghanaan Mohamed, Natasha Paul, Kendal Pillay, Jessica Prevôst, Emma van der Velden.

7 subject distinctions (23 pupils): Amaara Abdulla, Jenna Betty, Samiya Bhorat, Kayla Casewell, Zoë Cohen, Jodie Collins, Melissa Dalley, Kristen Fabing, Hannah Golding, Caroline Hooper, Georgia Horrigan, Hannah Meyer, Rachael Mol, Hannah Pearse, Sarah Philander, Amy Raichman, Chloë Rumbelow, Zeeka Sellidon, Louisa Siebel, Saskia van der Byl, Megan Van Rooyen, Aria Ward, Gemma Wellington.

6 subject distinctions (10 pupils): Sarah Gordon, Shazia Kader, Katelin Kruger, Julia Levett, Kimberley Makin, Anastasia Mondry, Victoria Moxley, Layla Omar, Epiphany Stransham-Ford, Ella Tomlinson.

5 subject distinctions (14 pupils): Zaakirah Adams, Farah Ahmed, Maryam Ameen, Bibi Aishah Balim, Gemma Ball, Annabelle Bowman, Lauren Butler, Noa Duckitt, Haadiyah Ebrahim, Ella Manthorp, Sophie Miszewski, Jaryd Stewart, Alexandra Swanepoel, Caitlin Wilson-Trollip.

4 subject distinctions (12 pupils **): Olivia Beauchamp, Olivia Duffus, Rebecca Glanvill, Maria Guerrini, Jungyeon Lee, Emma McElroy, Saarah Osman, Olivia Sieff, Indigo Thorpe, Emily Warwick.

The Dux for 2021 is Jessica Prevôst (96,2%) followed by Safiya Mia in second position (95%). In third position is Natasha Paul who achieved (94,3%).

** Some pupils did not consent to the publishing of their names and some were not present to give their consent to the publishing of their names. Herschel Girls School respects and upholds the regulations set out in POPIA and therefore these names are not reflected above.