Boys' High - the pride of Paarl
2011-01-20
Lise Beyers
AFTER outstanding matric results for 2010, Paarl Boys’ High School was not only once again placed amongst the top ten academic schools in the Western Cape, but this year they where at the top of the log. The mathematics department also received accolades with an award for a high expansion of the pass rate. Furthermore, the school also received an award as the school with the greatest percentage of learners who passed with university exemption. The criteria for the top academic school is determined over a period of three years. The school must have a continuous pass rate higher than 95%, as well as a high rate of learners obtaining university exemption. Out of 189 matriculants, the biggest Boys’ High matric class to date, 172 learners achieved university exemption. Paarl Boys’ High, one of South Africa’s oldest schools, has consistently featured in the top ten academic merit list, as well as the top 100 schools in South Africa for the last ten years. The headmaster, Derek Swart, said that his school’s exceptional results can be contributed to a well-qualified, dedicated and passionate teaching staff, as well as learners who strive to reach excellence. “Our matric class was very strong last year as well as highly spirited. From Grade 8 we encourage the boys to not only do their best, but to aim to make a difference. “We probably have some of the best teachers in the country who are continuously committed to inspiring our students.” But Boys’ High is not only about academics. Swart believes that a healthy balance must be maintained between academics, culture and sport. “It is important for us to do just as well in arts and culture as in sports such as rugby. “Our choir and brass-band excelled during last year’s Eisteddfod and our chess team is the strongest in the Boland.” Boys’ High looks forward to another promising year in 2011. An u.17 rugby team will be participating in a tournament in Japan, the school will be launching a community project which will focus on recycling and an inter-house theatre competition is on the cards. And that is over and above their already busy and exciting schedule. Even Helen Zille took note of Boys’ High’s achievements at Leeuwenhof last week, when she asked Swart whether there was something in Paarl’s water which contributed to their excellent achievements.
Due to incorrect information supplied by the Department of Education last week, Paarl Post incorrectly listed Paarl Boys’ High as 9th on the list of top schools, instead of first.
More
News
|
