COOL-HEADED Javis Lumu is taking his extraordinary 10 distinctions in his stride.

COOL-HEADED Javis Lumu is taking his extraordinary 10 distinctions in his stride.

Javis, 18, pictured, of Greenside High School, Johannesburg, is one of the top pupils in Gauteng.

He obtained distinctions in English, Afrikaans, French, information technology, physical science, mathematics, probability, data handling and additional mathematics.

At a ceremony that he and other top candidates in Gauteng were awarded bursaries, Javis was modest about his achievements.

"I only achieved this because of hardwork and the assistance of myteachers ," he said.

"I studied the normal way and still went out with my friends. The important thing with studying is doing it at the right time."

Javis will study actuarial science at the University of Stellenbosch.

His father, Dr Samuel Lumu, said: "I am proud of him. I cannot say that I helped him in anyway except to give him all the support he needed."

Lumu said they would have a small family gathering to celebrate his son's achievement .

Greenside High School principal Nicky Whyte said: "He is such an intelligent but modest student. Throughout the year, he has worked hard and never became complacent."

Whyte said she was proud of her school.

Other pupils from the school, who received outstanding marks are Jessica MacKenzie, with nine distinctions, David Leibowitz with seven and Mohammed Pieer with six distinctions.