Pretoria - Matrics at Ho%rskool Waterkloof in Pretoria have begun their final year of schooling aiming to beat the 60.6 percent pass rate achieved by last year's matrics.
Lueinda Arlow, 17, told BuaNews that she would rise to the occasion and work hard from day one. The bubbly matriculant said she was aiming for nine distinctions and hoped to be ranked one of the best matric learners in 2010.
"Nothing is impossible. I have to focus on my studies this year and spend less time with friends because this is going to be a short year."
She said her strategy was to make sure she left every class understanding what had been taught.
"I will also read extra study materials and make sure that I attend weekend classes throughout the year," she said.
The Department of Basic Education has come under fire for the poor matric pass rate, but Grade 12 learner, Yolandi Odendaal, said learners should also be held accountable for their poor performance.
"It is our responsibility to work hard for our own future and not rely solely on teachers. If we work extraordinarily hard and enjoy our studies nothing will stop us. I wish this year's matriculants all the best and I urge them to stay focused throughout the year and spend more time on studies then on leisure," said Yolandi.
While most matrics entered the school with an air of smugness at being the seniors of the school, scores of Grade 8 learners started their high school years dressed in bibs and nappies
However, most of the learners took their being regarded as the "babies" of the school in their stride and wore their dummies around their necks with pride.
One of the school's "babies" Arina van der Merwe told BuaNews that she was looking forward to starting her high school education.
"It's a bit scary and I'm nervous but I will be fine. The mood is fantastic and the teachers and senior learners have made us feel at home.
"I want to enjoy my high school and work hard to pass all my studies at the end of the year. I'm aware that the challenge will be more difficult but I'm ready," said the 14-year-old.
Arina's new classmate Olivia de Kock said she was not intimidated at all, adding that she wanted to stay disciplined and take her studies seriously throughout her secondary education.
The cheerful Olivia said she wanted to finish high school in record time so that in 2015 she can go to university and study cultural studies and music.
