Union was also one of only 38 (out of the Eastern Cape’s 941 schools) that achieved a 100% pass rate, placing them in the top 4 percent in the province.

Union’s top achiever, James Rose-Innes – who achieved six distinctions and one B symbol, has also been acknowledged as Graaff-Reinet’s top matric learner, a title he shares with Volkskool’s Petroné Fourie.

James received distinctions for:

• Afrikaans FAL
• Mathematics
• Life Orientation
• History
• Physical Sciences
• Tourism and was a mere 1% short of getting another distinction for English HL

The school’s 56 matric candidates achieved 52 subject distinctions.

A spokesperson for the school told Awsum News the school is “proud of how adaptable and resilient the Union High School learners and staff have been through the difficult times of the past two years, particularly the 2021 Grade 12s, who have spent their toughest school years studying through Covid-19 restrictions and then managed a 100% pass rate, which is quite remarkable.

“Not only does it speak to the dedication and quality of our teaching staff but also to the work ethic and the determination of our learners. As a school we did everything in our power to protect the Grade 12s so their studies were not interrupted. If they can achieve this kind of success during this historic time of the pandemic, they will certainly be successful in their future endeavours”.

Union’s Top 10 candidates are:

James Rose-Innes (86,71%)

Kyle-Luke du Preez (79,57%)

Hannah Watermeyer (77%)

Catelyn Anthony (75%) & Amzolele Relu (75%)

Melissa Swart (74,29%)

Petra Japhta (73,71%)

Mekisha Manzana (72,57%)

Michaela Price (70,57%)

Ayanda Nyama (70,14%)

James Rose-Innes

Kyle-Luke du Preez

Hannah Watermeyer