By Gerda Potgieter, Devoted Magazine
The Eduplex School in Pretoria and the Domino Servite School (DSS) in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have again both achieved an impressive 100% matric pass rate for 2024, continuing their legacy of excellence.
Hundreds of kilometres apart, with different histories and opportunities, both are independent Christian institutions grounded in a biblical worldview and dedicated to providing a globally-relevant education.
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At DSS, an impressive 66 distinctions were celebrated among a cohort of 31 determined candidates who earned a total of 210 A symbols. Joshua Combrink, Megan Engelbrecht, and Adelle van der Walt each achieved a full set of distinctions while Kaat Schobben and Michelle van Hasselt each achieved six distinctions. A total of five candidates achieved within the Top 1% of candidates per subject for Afrikaans First Additional Language, Geography and IsiZulu Home Language.
The achievement of DSS is remarkable as it provides equal opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. The 2024 matric class includes three international learners, 26 learners from KZN, one each from Gauteng and the Free State. And it represents six language groups.
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The Eduplex Class of 2024 boasts 160 distinctions among 72 learners, including five learners with hearing impairments. The group average is 72%, and they obtained 100% tertiary education approval.
The two Christian schools focus on academic excellence and emphasise moral and spiritual development, nurturing values such as compassion, integrity, and service to others. Through a curriculum that integrates faith-based teachings with rigorous academics, they provide a supportive environment where students can grow intellectually and personally.
Additionally, they engage in community service projects and outreach programmes, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership among students. By instilling a strong ethical framework, such Christian schools are equipping young individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world around them.
Despite the similarity in achievements and values, the differences between the two schools are enormous. DSS is nestled in the picturesque Kranskop area of KZN, an underdeveloped area by all standards. Deep in a remote corner, DSS stands as a beacon of hope in a community grappling with unemployment and hardship.
Eduplex found a home in Queenswood in Pretoria, a beautiful, well-developed, tree-rich area. The school serves as an international model for inclusive education. It offers an extensive IEB curriculum and strives for high academic standards in a fully differentiated programme. The preschool, founded by Nico van der Merwe, was opened by the then-president, Nelson Mandela, in 2002. The primary school was opened in 2003 and Eduplex opened the doors of the high school in 2011. The Eduplex Training Institute (ETI) was established in 2014, and in 2017, the new Audiology facilities were opened.
Learners at both schools benefit from an exceptionally skilled and devoted teaching staff, engaged in fostering a value-based educational experience that equips them for the myriad challenges of the 21st century. What truly sets them apart from others is the unwavering commitment to collaboration – they thrive on the synergy between educators, parents, and the wider community. They make progress by coming together to forge innovative development programs that address shared goals and tackle challenges head-on, rather than waiting for government intervention. This dynamic partnership makes a profound difference, nurturing a thriving educational environment where every learner can flourish.
It’s disheartening to witness the struggles faced by many schools, particularly in underdeveloped areas where resources and opportunities are painfully limited. Reading about thriving schools in our country feels like a breath of fresh air amidst the troubling tales we often hear and see on social media platforms about the state of our education. Hearing these success stories rekindles a sense of optimism, reminding us that there are still places where determination and resilience can lead to positive change.
You can learn more about the schools on their website at www.dss.org.za and www.eduplex.co.za.
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