It's not possible to beat 10 out of 10

By Nontobeko Mtshali

A distinction in one matric subject at the end of the year is great. Three is even better. Ten distinctions in all 10 subjects is almost beyond comprehension.

Kyle Hanck, an 18-year-old from St John's College, a private school in Johannesburg, did just that.

"I'm still trying to take it all in," he said on Monday while accepting congratulatory hugs and handshakes from pupils, parents and teachers.

Kyle is one of 15 matriculants who achieved a "full house" - an A in every subject - at the school.

Despite his outstanding academic achievements, Kyle maintained he didn't focus only on his books.

"I'm not just a pure academic," he said, adding that he was part of the team that participated in the national rowing championships in 2008.

Aside from Wednesday, he had to practise every afternoon until 7pm on weekdays for the championships

As required by the school, Kyle had to do sport and cultural activities. He also did music, which required hours of practice, and has done 150 hours of community service in the six years he has been at St John's.

Kyle, who wants to do a business science degree at the University of Cape Town in 2009, said he managed to juggle his studies and extramural activities because of "effective time management".

After rowing practice, he would squeeze in three hours of school work. His weekends were dedicated to catching up with his studies.

For his final exam preparations, Kyle said he used previous exam and exemplary papers provided by the school.

"St John's were competent in helping us with our studying. They gave us a lot of papers to prepare I did all of them."

Kyle said he didn't believe in cramming at the 11th hour, ensuring he had a good night's sleep before an exam.

"I prepared well. I had good prelims I looked at the mistakes I made to see where I could improve. I revised everyday to stay on top of things."

• This article was originally published on page 1 of The Star on December 30, 2008