The secret to his success is consistency and balance. Aquil Heeralall. Picture: Leon Lestrade
Aquil Heeralall is among the top candidates for independent schools in KwaZulu-Natal - having placed third in the Pinetown district with a 94.2% aggregate.
At the provincial release of the 2024 NSC results at the ICC on Tuesday, the matriculant from Star College said: "I am still trying to catch my breath after being invited to the ICC. While sitting here, I still can't believe I have done so well.
“I am so excited for my achievement. It felt surreal to hear them call my name and walk on the stage. It’s a moment I will remember for a long time."
The 18-year-old, of Ballito, said the stress of his matric year had paid off "because I can now relax with these excellent results".
“It was great being at school with my teachers and peers but it was stressful to keep up with work and do well. Throughout the matric, I tried to remain consistent and it has paid off."
Aquil said the secret to his success was consistency and balance.
“Starting early is important. Working throughout the year will help you when the tests and exams start. Nothing can be done overnight, so always keep at your work."
He said he owed his success to his parents and teachers.
“My parents are my biggest supporters and throughout high school they have remained by my side, helping and guiding me to do better and for that I am grateful. My teachers also played a big role in getting me to where I am. They believed in me, especially when it came to difficult subjects."
He studied eight subjects: English home language, Afrikaans first additional language, life orientation, mathematics, information technology, engineering graphics and design (EGD), life science and physical science.
“There was a lot of pressure when writing exams for EGD and IT because those subjects are technical but I was able to get through it. There was no particular exam, which I found difficult. I just saw it through."
His mom, Natisha Heeralall, said: “I am extremely proud as a parent to watch him do so well. He has worked hard throughout the year and to see him receive an accolade makes all the late nights worth it.
“I don’t want to say we expected him to do well but we always knew he would be a top achiever. He has been topping his class and achieving high marks from primary school. This success shows his dedication to his studies over the years and is a testament to his future successes as well. I cannot wait to see what else he does."
Aquil plans to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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