St Benedict’s College is proud to announce that its matriculants have once again demonstrated outstanding academic prowess, with 110 learners producing an impressive 256 distinctions. This surpasses last year’s total by six and translates to a distinction ratio of 2.33 distinctions per matriculant. Nine boys achieved an incredible seven or more distinctions and 11 made it onto the IEB top 1% nationally within a subject. Additionally, the Class of 2024 attained an overall average of 71.5% (B), highlighting the dedication and hard work of its students and staff.
“Our college continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, as is evident in these incredible performances in the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations,” says College Head David Jeffrey. “Our theme for 2024 was ‘Live with Purpose,’ and these results demonstrate how our boys have embraced this mindset – approaching their studies with clear goals, unwavering dedication, and a deep understanding of why their academic journey matters. Their achievements reflect their hard work and a purposeful commitment to excellence.”
The College was ranked as the third best boys’ school in South Africa in 2023 and has a tradition of producing well-rounded, high-achieving individuals. Of the 109 boys who passed the NSC exams, 99.1% qualified for tertiary studies, with 94.6% being awarded University Entrance (Bachelor Degree) passes.
As a Catholic school which prides itself on Academic excellence, St Benedict’s ranks highly amongst the IEB schools with 13 subjects exceeding the IEB national subject averages (including Further Studies subjects).
St Benedict’s top achiever Dylan Topham led the Class of 2024 with an outstanding average of 92.3% and eight distinctions. His enviable report includes straight A’s: Eng (89%), Afrik (88%), LO (94%), Maths (96%), Sci (90%), Hist (93%), IT (96%), FSM Stats (79%), FSM Calc (86%). This top achiever has a string of awards to his name including to list a few, Best Afrikaans pupil, Soderlund Cup for Mathematics, Overall Academic Dux, the Serafino trophy – awarded to the pupil who achieves the highest average in the three subjects making up the Golden ratio (Mathematics, Further Studies Mathematics and Physical Science). Topham’s exceptional academic performance has opened doors to prestigious educational opportunities. His strong results, particularly in mathematics and analytical subjects, align perfectly with his aspirations to study Computer Science or Engineering.
Following closely on his heels was Shaldon Moodley who clinched an equally impressive overall average of 91.3% and notched up seven distinctions. Moodley also had a heavy workload and finished with: Eng (94%), Afrik (87%), LO (89%), Maths (97%), Geog (88%), Life Sci (92%), Sci (92%) and FSM Calc (76%). An accomplished debater, Moodley topped the school’s rankings in Geography and Life Sciences. He plans to pursue studies in either Actuarial Science, Biomedical Engineering, or Energy Engineering.
Two further students achieved eight distinctions, including Raahil Ranchod (89% average) and Matthew Joubert (86.1% average).
The boys who achieved results in the top 1% nationally within a subject include: Matthew Joubert in Mathematics; Parth Patel and Alessandro Pupillo in Business Studies; Marciano Teixeira, Shaldon Moodley, Nathan Gebremichael, and Tapuwanashe Muganyi in English Home Language; Marciano Teixeira and Dylan Topham in History; Marciano Teixeira in Life Orientation; and Shaldon Moodley in Life Sciences.
Nine candidates obtained seven distinctions or more, they were: Dylan Topham – 92.3% average (8 Distinctions); Shaldon Moodley – 91.3% average (7 Distinctions); Marciano Teixeira – 90% average (7 Distinctions); Raahil Ranchod – 89% average (8 Distinctions); Nathan Gebremichael – 87.4% average (7 Distinctions); Jamie Goncalves-Maluleka – 87.3% average (7 Distinctions); Keagan Bates – 86.7% average (7 Distinctions); Matthew Joubert – 86.1% average (8 Distinctions); and Mihir Mangali – 85.6% average (7 Distinctions).
Dylan Topham also featured on the national IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List (Top 5% nationally in six subjects and a distinction in Life Orientation) and Shaldon Moodley and Marciano Teixeira made the IEB Commendable Achievers List (Top 5% nationally in five subjects and a distinction in Life Orientation).
Proving that leaders can also be top achievers; Head Boy of the school Marciano Teixeira just missed a 90% overall average clinching 89,9% and seven distinctions. This all-rounder was awarded an Honours blazer for full colours in Oratory, Hockey and Academics and is set on studying Actuarial Science at Stellenbosch University.
Among the outstanding achievers is Parth Patel, who balanced national cricket commitments with academic excellence, achieving an 82.3% average and five distinctions. As the first St Benedict’s student to represent Cricket South Africa, Patel was also named the school’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
Similarly impressive were Byron Sikiotis, who achieved an 88% average and six distinctions, and Giacomo Riccardi, who achieved a 78.3% average and three distinctions while representing South Africa in rowing internationally. Both students exemplify the school’s commitment to nurturing both academic and sporting excellence.
Jeffrey adds, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of our students, and this year’s results give us every reason to celebrate. They reflect the culmination of 13 years of hard work, determination, and commitment by our boys. We are incredibly proud of how they have persevered, and we acknowledge – with gratitude – their parents and teachers for helping them cross the finish line.”
In closing, Jeffrey says, “As you embark on this exciting new chapter, we send you forth, our young trailblazers, with a reminder to lead with integrity, pursue knowledge with curiosity, and carry the values of our school into all that you do. May your journey be marked by excellence, resilience, and compassionate leadership, as you strive to create a brighter future for yourselves and others. Over the years, we have been proud to produce outstanding sportsmen, advocates, judges, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and principled leaders. We are confident that the Class of 2024 will continue this legacy. You possess the essential qualities needed to excel in all areas of life and to make meaningful contributions to your communities, society, and the world at large. Go forward with confidence and purpose for you are a light in the world.”
For more information on the school’s results – go to www.stbenedicts.co.za or Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.
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