From newcomer to academic trailblazer

Having joined Cape Town Torah High (CTTH) in Grade 8 as part of his conversion journey alongside his mother and brother, few could have predicted just how remarkable Matteo Coscia’s school trajectory would be. Yet, in just a few short years, Coscia not only flourished academically and personally, he set new benchmarks for excellence. 

Adjusting to a new school environment while embracing a fully observant Jewish lifestyle was no small task. “Keeping Shabbat and full kosher was a big challenge,” Coscia said. “But it taught me the value of self-discipline and restraint.” Academically, however, the transition proved smoother than expected. “I was welcomed from day one at CTTH, and I had no trouble fitting in, as the school is really just one big family.” 

That sense of belonging helped create the foundation for Coscia’s extraordinary academic achievements. He recently set a new school record with an exceptional 98% result in the SAT examination, and went on to complete three Advanced Placement (AP) college board exams, an achievement far beyond what is typically expected of a South African matric student. 

For Coscia, academic excellence is driven less by competition and more by curiosity and ambition. “It’s easy to stay where you are and not push yourself, but then you’ll never know what you could possibly achieve,” he said. 

While natural ability has played a role, Coscia is quick to credit mindset and perseverance as the real driver of his success. “Tenacity and determination are important,” he said. “Being able to see things through to the end and not give up at the first sign of struggle plays a huge role in academic success.” 

Even so, there have been moments when the pressure felt overwhelming. Coscia’s approach to managing workloads is practical and grounded. “Sometimes I wonder how I will ever get through a project or test. Breaking things down into small parts makes it mentally easier and helps you keep moving forward.” 

Beyond the classroom, Coscia’s Jewish journey has been deeply formative. Becoming part of the Jewish community exposed him to what he describes as an incredible network of organisations built around care and responsibility for others. This sense of selflessness led him to join Bnei Akiva as a madrich. 

Maintaining balance has been key to sustaining such high levels of achievement. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Coscia enjoys hiking, running, weight training, cycling, and rock climbing. “These activities balance out the academic demands,” he said. “Many of my friends enjoy them too, so it’s a great way to decompress together.” 

Coscia also acknowledges the educators who helped shape his journey. Rabbi Avigdor Ashtar, who taught him in his early years at the school, played a pivotal role in making Torah learning engaging. His mathematics teacher, Mr Sage, was instrumental in pushing him academically. 

Looking back, Coscia said his greatest pride lay not in grades or accolades, but in his personal growth. “My spiritual development stands out most,” he reflects. “The pride I have in my Jewish identity; the discipline from keeping Shabbat and kosher; and the sense of purpose and direction I’ve gained have shaped who I am today.” 

Coscia plans to study computer science, a field he sees as central to the future. “I hope to play a part in the progress of humanity,” he said.