112 Sals students graduate |28 April 2018

. Sonam Tsultrim wins President’s Cup

Sonam Zam-Lha Aryak Tsultrim-Gaytso has clinched the President’s Cup at the graduation ceremony of the School of Advanced Level Studies held yesterday at the University of Seychelles auditorium at Anse Royale.

Vice-President Vincent Meriton presented her with the cup on behalf of President Danny Faure.

Eli Louise was the best overall academic performer and won the Minister’s Cup and the Gold Medal Award. Second and third were Chloe Edmond and Curtis Mondon respectively.

One hundred and twelve (112) students who studied at the School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals) during the last two years - 2016 to 2017 - graduated yesterday.

Present at the graduation ceremony were the principal secretary for early childhood, primary and secondary education, Dr Odile de Commarmond; the principal of Sals Lester Omondi; high officials of both the ministry and Sals, and parents of graduates.

As is customary in all graduation ceremonies, prizes were also awarded to students who have come out best performers and there was also the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) award for most improved student.

Emilie Desire came out best in accounting; Chloe Edmond in both biology and chemistry; Francesca Vital in geography; Curtis Mondon in computer science; Santosh Padayachy in economics; Joshua Sophola in English; Carlos Hoareau in history; Rennie Mondon in law and psychology; Anna Lespoir in business and Literature in English; Annie Low in sociology; Eli Louise in mathematics and physics; and Mickael Jean in travel and tourism.

“The subjects I studied at Sals were physics, chemistry and biology. As for other activities whenever there were debates and competitions, I participated. I took part in public speaking and science fairs and I also helped out the teachers at school whenever they needed a hand or in any other activities at school. I also took part in other out-of-school competitions like the Commonwealth essay contest or did things that have to do with the environment. I have been doing it since primary school so I just kept on doing it,” said a beaming Sonam, who wishes to go into medicine and is eagerly hoping she wins her entrance exam so she could start her course.

As for Eli Louise, he got an A* in physics, an A for both mathematics and computer science and a C in chemistry. He is currently working as an assistant teacher at the English River secondary school. He wishes to go to Oxford University to pursue a degree in physics as he hopes to follow a career in either research or finance.

“I have always been consistent in my studies and had the passion for the subjects I chose to study, which are in the field of science and technology. Students who decide to sit for A-Levels should choose subjects that reflect their passion,” said Eli.

Addressing the audience, principal Omondi said in 2017 students have attained 100% pass rate in eight subjects and that for the first time since the opening of Sals, accounting and business formed part of this group.

“The School of Advanced Level Studies continues to undertake critical transformations to make it a better school. However, more distinct changes were witnessed in 2015 in line with the ministry’s national education strategic plan 2013 to 2017 and beyond. The school has tried its best to align its strategic objectives to those of the plan,” said Mr Omondi.

Though there are challenges, he said the school has been transformed and has made a number of improvement and changes in infrastructure including renovations and building new laboratories.