Grace Daly, Brescia House School's Deputy Head Girl, shares her transformative matric journey through academic excellence, sports achievements, and leadership roles. From navigating COVID-19 challenges to securing her path to study Law at Stellenbosch University, her story exemplifies resilience and determination. Picture: Supplied
Grace Daly, a class of 2024 learner from Brescia House School, shared how the syllabus played a significant role in shaping her academic journey. She explained that it was not just about academics, but also about physical wellness, as she had to adjust her mindset to effectively balance the demands of multiple subjects vying for her attention.
All her subjects proved that her mental health had to be “in check” as finishing her assignments was a task on its own. Her her finals were “a walk in the park” as she had time to prepare and the schedule was more understandable, and she made sure “you enjoy the content”.
"The 2024 academic year was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The matric syllabus enabled me to grow in many different arenas – intellectually, emotionally and physically. I had to learn to switch my brain quickly from essay-based subjects to mathematically-based subjects.
"Leading up to our July Preliminary exams in Term 2, completing all my assignments whilst studying for these exams proved to be a low point of my year as the stress and time pressure were difficult to manage,” said Daly.
Reflecting on her highlights, Grace said her biggest takeaway was learning more about herself. As Deputy Head Girl, she embraced her leadership role and found fulfilment as a sportswoman, stating that she felt “truly content“ on the field. She also credited the supportive environment for fostering her personal growth.
"The highlights of my Matric year were experienced in many different areas of the school. As an avid sportswoman, being a part of the swimming and hockey teams was a major highlight of the year, with the 2024 Inter-high Swimming Gala being particularly memorable. The inter-grade friendships I developed within these team environments reached beyond the pool and the sports field and into the school hallways, making my school year even more enjoyable.
"Moreover, my academic journey was another highlight of my Matric year as it proved highly rewarding, having achieved all the academic goals I had set for myself at the beginning of 2024. My leadership journey was another notable part of Matric, as I learnt a lot about myself and others in my role as Deputy Head Girl."
Grace attained eight distinctions in the 2024 IEB matric exams.
Grace aspires to achieve even more in the future, expressing a keen interest in pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Law. She aims to positively influence and represent those around her, striving to build meaningful connections much like the ones she experienced at Brescia House School
"As I enter this new chapter of my life, I plan to study a Bachelor of Commerce in Law at Stellenbosch University. During my studies, and thereafter, I hope to continue engaging in meaningful interpersonal interactions as I did at Brescia House School. Ultimately, I aspire to become a successful Lawyer, able to positively influence and represent those around me," said Daly.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important lesson was learning to be confident while studying indoors. Grace noted that the greatest challenge was staying highly motivated and learning to rely on herself.
"Having been forced into the COVID-19 lockdown just three months into our grade 8 year, the Class of 2024 was met with many challenges that the pandemic presented to high school newcomers. Academically, the pandemic forced us to develop self-reliance sooner than the average 14-year-old. Online school, whilst challenging at the time, had positive effects on my academics in the long term. It ignited a great level of self-discipline in me, and enabled me to become a highly motivated and focused student independent of external pressures."
To the Class of 2025, Grace advises them to fully embrace their matric year. She emphasises the importance of embodying everything they learn, stating that it is an experience they should not miss.
The Star
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