College Academics

At the assembly held at the beginning of October, a large number of Grade 11 students received Academic Colours. What was particularly impressive was that ten students met the criteria to qualify for an Honours award. However, excellent academic results do not happen by chance; they are the culmination of a sustained, collaborative effort between students, teachers and parents. It is thus not surprising that the University of Pretoria has recognised St Dunstan’s as one of their top feeder schools, where our students can gain access to courses of their choice.

At the recent Open Day held at the College, prospective parents commented that the students taking tours were proud to be at St Dunstan’s, the teachers were passionate and engaging, and that a ‘calm’ atmosphere was prevalent. Parents who are applying to enrol their children at the College overwhelmingly highlight two key factors which they have identified at St Dunstan’s that are vitally important for their child’s future success – excellent academic results and a low staff turnover. These two factors are intricately entwined – you cannot achieve one without the other. St Dunstan’s is blessed to have an experienced and professional staff, and I thank the teachers for their effort and commitment to ensuring that all students meet their potential. A Bachelor’s degree pass rate of 99% in 2024 speaks volumes to the fact that all students, no matter their ability, are encouraged and supported to achieve their best possible results. The relationships that are cultivated between teachers and students are also a critical component of a student’s success. Past students often reflect on the positive impact that teachers have had on their lives.

Of course, academic success does not only rely on teachers delivering the curriculum. The Academic programme is enriched by teachers understanding that extension beyond the curriculum is important. Outings, tours, participation in Olympiads, ‘Tour de Maths’, workshops and guest speakers, to name a few, add important variety to school life. Participation in sport and cultural activities also provides a critical balance to academic pressures, and it is not surprising that students who are achieving their academic goals are usually involved in extra-mural activities.

The academic build is starting to take shape. The hall is planned for completion in May 2026, which will accommodate the preliminary examinations, much to Fr Jerome’s delight. The STEM centre, comprising Mathematics classes, Life Science and Physical Science labs, and a Technology centre will add to the existing world-class facilities at our school.

Students who have achieved Honours and Full Colours for Academics:

Honours:

Cassidy Da Silva, Siphosethu Dlakudze, Matthew Hintze, Kayla Honey, Amanda Huang, Hannah Gomes, Saisha Govender, Andrew Keet, Chiu-Li Lan, Emmy-Lou Miles, Natalie Munsamy, Seshan Naidoo, Jayden Perumal, Phia Pretorius, Daelen Price, Jacinta Sardinha, Daniel Sherwin, Luke Subramany.

Full Colours:

Dyaana Beharie, Kaylynn Burns, Lucy Cairns, Kiasha Govender, Saishan Govender, Erin Hastings, Lara Hederman, Ingiphile Huhlwane, Kayden Kohl, Fanelesibonge Kunene, Thuso Malatji, Denley McCulloch, Siphokazi Mhlanga, Jamie Roux, Dharishan Sagathevan, Tharsinii Sagathevan, Ashreya Sewpersadh, Raieeka Subramanian, Kayla Tyson.