James Clark
July 12, 2021
Studying – Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
When – September 2021 to September 2026
Where – University of Liverpool
My goal to becoming a Veterinary Surgeon started in 2017 while completing a grade 9 Life Orientation project at Pecanwood College. This project called for work experience of a profession you would be interested in pursuing and I spent some time with a local vet. I then continued to work every holiday, without knowing this experience would be a key part of my university application in the future. After 3 years of hands on experience I finished school in the midst of a pandemic and online schooling, to achieve my IEB matric. I applied to multiple Universities in the United Kingdom, and I was unconditionally accepted into the University of Liverpool.
University in the UK only starts in September, as such I had 8 months to wait before university started. I managed to get a Job with the local Vet practise in Botswana called VetPro Specialists. I have been working at VetPro for 6 months now doing 55 hours a week and the experience that I have gained has only solidified my dream to become a Veterinary Surgeon. Luckily for me Botswana has a chronic shortage of Veterinarians and as such Vet nurses/assistants, so while at VetPro I have been trained to become a Vet assistant. This training has more than adequately prepared me for the practical aspect of Vet school, and I can’t wait to start in September.
Twenty years of trusted education meets expanded opportunities, greater accessibility and future-ready learning from January 2027. Families across Hartbeespoort can look forward to an even stronger independent school offering as Pecanwood College becomes Pinnacle College Pecanwood from January 2027. The transition brings together two decades of local educational excellence with the academic strength, innovation and opportunities offered by the expanding Pinnacle Colleges network. Current and prospective families stand to benefit from a school that retains everything the community values while opening the door to even greater opportunities. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will preserve the school's caring culture, close relationships, boarding facilities, IEB curriculum, sporting tradition and vibrant co-curricular programme, while providing students access to a broader network recognised for academic excellence, future-focused learning and preparation for life beyond school. Pecanwood College has proudly served the Hartbeespoort community for 20 years, offering education from the early years through to Grade 12, including boarding. Dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong IEB academic results and diverse sporting and cultural opportunities have established the school as a respected educational institution in the region. That solid foundation will now be enhanced through the wider Pinnacle Colleges network. Students and teachers will benefit from shared academic expertise, established operational excellence and opportunities to participate in broader academic, cultural and sporting initiatives across multiple campuses. Pinnacle Colleges equips students for tertiary education and successful careers through a balanced approach that combines academic excellence with innovation, career guidance, coding and robotics, technology-enabled learning and holistic personal development. Respect, responsibility and a strong sense of community remain central to every campus experience. Academic success already defines Pecanwood College. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 98.59% matric pass rate, a 94.36% Bachelor's Degree pass rate and an average of 1.9 distinctions per student. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will build on these achievements through strengthened academic systems, shared expertise and continued commitment to outstanding IEB education. The name Pinnacle College Pecanwood honours both the school's proud heritage and its exciting future. Twenty years of commitment by students, teachers, families and the wider community remain firmly embedded in the school's identity, while its new name reflects membership of one of South Africa's fastest-growing independent school groups dedicated to innovation, accessibility and student success. Hartbeespoort families can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit community lifestyle paired with access to a high-quality independent education close to home. Pinnacle College Pecanwood is well positioned to become the school of choice for families seeking exceptional academic opportunities, future-ready skills and an environment where every student can thrive.
A huge thank you to our community for supporting Slipper Day 2025! See how your contribution makes a difference for children in need. Read more here!
As part of our WESSA Eco-Schools commitment, Pecanwood College has adopted a black leopard cub. Learn about our conservation efforts. Read the full story!
Pecanwood College partners with Pure Care to launch a new water treatment project, promoting sustainability on our campus. Learn more about this initiative!
What are weekends like at Pecanwood College? Get a glimpse into a weekend well spent with our boarders and day scholars. Discover more on our blog now!
Love was in the air at our Pre-Prep! See how our little learners celebrated Valentine's Day with creative and fun activities. Explore the cute moments now!
Kicking off the year with a commitment to our environment! See our students in action during the first campus clean-up of 2025. Read about their efforts!
Discover the groundbreaking SA-developed digital learning platform now at ADvTECH schools. See how we're shaping the future of education. Learn more today!
Year-end fatigue hitting hard? Get expert tips on how to beat exhaustion and help your child finish their final exams with confidence. Finish the year strong!
Make your High School Open Day count! Our essential checklist helps parents ask the right questions and get the info they need. Download your free checklist!
