Her matric year may have been demanding, but Jia Patel, from Durban Girls' College, has a lot to smile about. She achieved a 96% aggregate placing her in the top 1% for seven subjects in the Independent Exam Board (IEB).
She attained 8 distinctions with 99% in mathematics and history.
The 18-year-old, of Musgrave, said her matric year was exciting yet demanding.
“Matric was particularly stressful as it was challenging to complete assignments, while studying for tests and preparing for exams. However, I was able to manage the workload through planning. Using a timetable helped me to allocate and visualise my time,” said Jia.
She studied accounting, Afrikaans, English, history, further studies mathematics, physical sciences, life orientation and mathematics.
“Although I found most of my papers tough, the further studies mathematics papers were particularly difficult. Physics paper 2 also challenged me."
Patel achieved 96% for accounting and Afrikaans first additional language, 91% for English home language, 99% for history, 85% for further studies mathematics standard (calculus and algebra), 88% for further studies mathematics (statistics), 96% for life orientation, 99% for maths and 94% for physical sciences.
“I am happy with my results, especially my maths and history marks, as well as my overall aggregate."
She hopes to study actuarial science at the University of Pretoria.
“My motivation to study actuarial science stemmed from a deep love for maths and inspiration from professionals in the field, who use their expertise to solve real-world problems."
She advises future matriculants to try their best to remain organised amidst the chaos that Grade 12 holds.
“It is important to plan well and have a structured study programme to remain on top of your studies, while still being able to enjoy other aspects of the year, such as your matric dance,” said Jia.