Two ’Plain schools tie for top spot with 100% matric pass
Two Mitchell’s Plain schools both achieved first place with a 100% pass rate for the matric class of 2024 within the Metro South District.
Spine Road High School’s matrics reached this milestone in their 40-year anniversary last year and Darul Arqam Islamic High School had a back-to-back 100% pass rate.
They’ve also reached 100% pass rates in 2017, 2020 and 2023 (“Darul Arqum Islamic High matrics record 100% pass rate”, Plainsman, January 24, 2024).
Western Cape matriculants achieved an 86.6% pass rate and the Metro South Education District achieved a 83.8% pass rate.
Beacon Hill High School has improved their pass rate, jumping from 69.9% in 2023 to 88.6% last year. Mitchell’s Plain High School with a 79.8% pass rate and Summerdale High School with a 72.4% pass rate, had their first matric classes last year.
Spine Road High School’s principal, Mark Fairbairn, said they achieved their highest Bachelors pass rate of 91.8% with 213 pupils out of the 232 achieving this.
“Congratulations to the parents and pupils for achieving this in the 40th year, which is the cherry on top.”
Former deputy head boy Kurtley Randelhoff, who placed first at Spine Road High, said he’s proud of what he has achieved with seven distinctions and an 88.8% aggregate.
“It took a lot of hard work as I had to prepare ahead of time and make sacrifices. It’s very rewarding having seen my results in the end.”
He’ll be studying at the University of Cape Town for a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in computer science.
Spine Road High matriculant Ashlin Alexander, who placed sixth in her matric group, said she did not anticipate her aggregate but was very proud of what she has achieved. She got offers to study at UCT, the University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University, from which she has yet to choose.
Carla Smith, who placed third at Spine Road, said she’s relieved. She was concerned about her results but she got what she wanted.
Darul Arqam’s principal, Sheik Ebrahiem Dawood, said they pledged their pass rate to “their beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine”.
“We’re very proud of our back-to-back pass with a 80% Bachelors pass. In the same breath, we’re also saddened with the teachers affected by the budget cuts,” (“‘Gutter education’ warning over budget cuts”, Plainsman, September 11, 2024).
This means classes would likely increase and place a strain on the school with discipline being a huge concern, he said.
They rely on subsidies from the Western Cape Education Department, school fees and fund-raisers. They have to do well in their academic performance as they’re not directly affected by the budget cuts.
“We all want our pupils to have bright futures and give them a good education. It’s the way out of poverty,” said Sheikh Dawood.
He’s very proud of the class of 2024, the top 10 pupils, especially his son, Jawaad Dawood, who made the seventh position in their school’s top 10.
First-placed pupil at Darul Arqam, Mogamad Mukhtaar Goodheart, said he was nervous about his marks but relieved it’s over.
“It was a very special time, sharing it with my friends and family.”
He said he will study actuarial science or accounting at UWC or Stellenbosch University.
Aaishah Moos did not expect to place second but was very proud she made it.
Saafia Cassiem, who placed sixth, was absent most of the year due to her health. It was stressful but through her faith she managed to make it through, Saafia said.
MEC for Education, David Maynier, congratulated the Class of 2024. “We’re so proud of you, and can’t wait to see what you go on to achieve in the future.”
He said Western Cape schools are full, and they’re working to expand capacity, especially as new applicants arrive once schools reopen.
“We urge parents who haven’t yet applied to do so immediately at their education district office, or at pop-up admissions sites over the next few weekends.
“We encourage all pupils who didn’t pass their exams not to give up and to continue doing whatever they can to complete Grade 12,” he said.
He said counselling is available for matrics who are disappointed with their results. They can access this via their schools, which will put them in touch with the relevant officials in the district offices, or by phoning the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47.
Mitchell's Plain High Schools matric results 2024
1. Spine Road High 100%
1. Darul Arqam Islamic High 100%
2. Mondale High 99.2%
3. Portland High 94.9%
4. Rocklands High 92.7%
5. Oval North High 91.7%
6. Beacon Hill High 88.6%
7. Aloe High 86.7%
8. Strandfontein High 80.1%
9. Mitchell's Plain High 79.8%
10. Westridge High 78.5%
11. Cedar High 77.4%
12. Tafelsig High 74.8%
13. Woodlands High 73.6%
14. Glendale High 73.3%
15. Summerdale High 72.4%
16. Princeton High 68.4%
17. AZ Berman High 66.7%
18. Lentegeur High 64.2%