Top performers of Cambridge Schools

Mariselle Stofberg
Name: Refat Mollah

School: St George's Diocesan School

Symbol: AS-level

Refat’s, who holds the second place in AS-level, recipe to success is to not view studying as a chore and more like a stepping stone for the future because a lot of students tend to lack motivation as they have no clear end goal. He urges all grade 12’s to picture themselves in the future and strive towards that ideal because if they do that at that point then studying and completing assignments will no longer feel like a chore. He is currently studying electrical and computer engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Name: Julian Nel

School: Private School Swakopmund

Symbol: AS-level

Julian’s recipe for success did not come easy. He mentions that initially it was a bumpy road of laziness and being unmotivated for any form of school work. Soon enough he realised that if he would like to have the option of studying anything he would like to study, then he has to put the hours in for the final exams. He advises the grade 12's of this year to listen carefully in class. He also adds not to forget to ask questions when you don’t understand, pay attention to questions other learners ask as explaining an answer to someone often helps you understand the work better. “A good rule is to understand the work, not know it. Finally, revise the work of each morning the same afternoon. “I decided to take a gap year, mainly because of the uncertainty of what he should go and study and currently I am working at a tour company and will be applying to Stellenbosch as soon as applications open for next year.”

Name: Muazzam Hoosain

School: St George’s Doicesan School

Symbol: AS-level

Muazzam Hoosain is currently studying actuarial sciences at the University of Cape Town and was the number one candidate of George’s Doicesan School in 2019.

“I'd focus in class until I properly understood the content and did the homework until I was confident in my abilities. I also learned the value of self-studying. I also discovered that finding trends and patterns in past papers was enormously helpful.”

His advice to this year’s grade 12’s is to make used of past exam papers. “The best way to prepare for an exam is to write an exam. Cambridge makes this process smooth by allowing free online access to these resources. Don't fret over the little mistakes you made in the year. Focus on learning from them and not repeating them. The exam is the endgame.”

Name: Tafadzwa Mashamba

School: Private School Swakopmund

Symbol: A-levels

Tafadzwa Mashamba is currently a first year studying chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town and was one of the top two students of Privatschule Swakopmund (PSS) during the A-level exams of 2019.

“My recipe for success last year was consistency in maintaining a high work ethic, followed by listening, enquiring and applying what was taught and discussed by my teachers and peers. My message to the current grade 12’s is to trust in the abilities and knowledge that God has given us. You should not limit yourself based on your circumstances or background. Strive to be the best version of yourself!”

Name: Karin Schommarz

School: Private School Swakopmund

Symbol: AS-levels

Karin Schommarz was one of the top two students in the AS-levels of PSS. She is currently studying Biochemistry at the University of Cape Town.

“I think what helped me the most was keeping up with my work from the beginning and not falling behind in class. If you work a bit every day, then the workload won’t be that overwhelming before the final exams.”

Name: Kyra Kempkes Melani

School: International school of Walvis Bay

Symbol: AS/A-level

Kyra Kempkes Melani was one of the top two students of the International school of Walvis Bay.

“My game plan has always been these three simple tricks. Plan it out. This is organising my time, for example, creating a study schedule. Sticking to it. Which is actually the most difficult part! It is super easy to create a nice plan but if you don't use it then there's no point. Lastly, giving it your all! Be eager to learn and really understand and apply the knowledge you are gaining.”

Melani is currently working at French Safari agency and doing her A-level. “I first want to work a bit before I go to university in 2021 to gain some work experience and to save money. I am taking things step by step.”

Name: Maria Kirov

School: International school of Walvis Bay

Symbol: AS/A- level

Maria Kirov was one of the top two students of the International school of Walvis Bay.

“I believe reading assisted me with English, and consistently practicing past exam papers helped for all my subjects. My message to the current year 12’s is to summarise the material thoroughly from the beginning of the year to avoid unnecessary stress and cramming.”

Kirov is currently studying her A-level at the International School of Walvis Bay, as she hopes to study abroad next year.