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COVER:PAST AND PRESENT The first cover in the series,'Past and Present', showed the school chapel as it is today and that building, now a national monument, in which the first scholars worshipped. This year, the cover traces the growth of the school from the time of its arrival at Botha's Hill to the present In 1939, Finningley was based on a bare and windswept hilltop. Today,it rests amidst buildings and grounds which, over the last forty years, have been a mark of the generosity of those who have been members of the wider Kearsney Community. Consider. Twenty Five acres were given to the school by Mr C Stott; this year his son, Dr Halley Stott, was guest of honour at our speech day. The chapel, the Henderson Hall, Cricket Pavilion and Oval, Squash Courts, Resources Centre, even the plane trees so nobly flanking the approach to the chapel: these are a few examples of the generosity of this college's friends. To mention all would demand a magazine for that sole purpose. As a family grows, so is the affection and love of its members expressed.
cliiR KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 1979 KEARSNEY COLLEGE,BOTHA'S HILL NATAL,SOUTH AFRICA FEBRUARY 1980. CONTENTS Page The Headmaster's Report 3 School News 4 Music 8 Writing 16 SPORT Athletics 26 Cricket 28 Cross-Country Report 36 Hockey 37 Musketry 40 Rugby 41 Squash 47 Swimming 50 Tennis 52 Water Polo 53 Societies 56 Old Boys News 63
3k SjMSiiMlwl m sagr mim PI roa m. m Prefects — 1979 Back Row (left to right): M. Smith. M. Marshall. C. Millar. A. Trench.J. Nathan. Middle Row (left to right): S. Hendrie. C. Hopkins. M.Draper, T. Karnezos. M.Burton, C.Pilgrim. Front Row (left to right): K. Carson. C. Cleator(Head Boy). The Headmaster. M.C. Silcock. C.Beath. R.Small.
r-M y m KEARS HEY COLLEGE IC •^tV^L I-—^ ijr- •* ••— •• -[.'lii^ilMI I' 'n ,'.!!r^ 4#^ J* .-t- " r\- ■ S-i»- £i?PE nlM FROM THE HEADMASTER'S STUDY So we have come to the end of the Seventies! Many of us look on the change of a decade as an important landmark in our lives and Iam sure this particular New Year celebration will have special significance for us. Now 1980 is nearly here and even the turn of the century suddenly seems so close. Looking at 1979 from the end ofthe year I do notfind it easy to sum up. We had a good intake in January with plenty of potential to work up through the school We have had asuccessfulyear in all aspectsoftheschool as is shown in this Chronicle, and as I write this we are in the middle of the matriculation examinations. This is the dreaded time for which boys have been preparing for years. This isthetime when oneexaminer can undermine the confidence of hundreds of candi dates by showing just how hard a paper he can set. Thank goodness we are in a province where the Education Department is progressive and where the whole senior certificate examination structure is under active investigation and improvement. I think we are moving into the Enlightened Eighties. For example, boys maysoon be allowed to use electronic calculators in examinations. After all they use them all the rest of the year and cheap but adequate calculators are readily available. Slide rulestook overfrom logarithms,so now it istimethatelectronicstook overfrom'handraulics'. But this progressive and enlightened thinking is not only in the field of education. We hear of a revival of religious spirit in America and weread ofthe beginnings of the realisation in Europe that materialism is not nearly as important as people have been making it. Progress and development in our own country have certainly taken a realistic turn. If these are meaningful observations then they are all to the good. But the theoretists must be practical: the thinkers must also be the do-ers. In a school we too must combine theory with practice. Notwo years arethesame and certainly notwo decades are the same. 1979 saw some innovations in the school and 1980 will undoubtedly see some more. I hope boys who are leaving willlook back at Successful Seventies, while those who will be here next year will enhance the Enlightened Eighties. E C. W.SILCOCK, Headmaster December 1979
School News During the year we welcomed the following new members of Staff: Mr. R. A Andrews and Mr. C. F. Jones from Rhodesia and Mr. J. E Smith, all to the Science Department and Mr. C. V. Walters to teach History. Mrs. I. M.W.Rautenbach became Matron of Finningley and Mrs. G. Southam the assistant to the Caterer. Mr. Andrews left at mid-year and Mr.Smith came in to help out until the end of 1979. Mr. Jones, like Mr. Andrews, is leaving teaching to go into industry and Mr. Smith is going back to his happy retirement. Mr. A M. Arthur, who has been in charge of our Library/Resources Centre, resigned in September to take up a new position with General Mining in Johan nesburg. Mrs. Renaud helped out in October and in November Mrs. C. Silcock, Mrs. B. Storm and Mrs. I. Harper took over and kept the library going. Mr. Walters had problems in emigrating to S.A from England and could not take over when Mr. Ron Irons left. We were fortunate to have Mrs. Mackie to teach history until Mr. Walters arrived. Mrs. J. Edmunds was on the Staff again while Mrs. McCallum was on leave. Mrs. Marilyn Myhill helped with junior French on a part time basis this year. We regret losing two ofour MathsTeachers at the end of this year. Mrs. Rosemary McCallum is moving to Durban because her husband has been transferred there and Mr. Anthony Harris is leaving teaching for greener pastures in industry. We wish them good luck and God's blessing. The Blarneys moved out ofFinningley in June and have now taken up residenceonthe Old MainRoad opposite Kearsney College Road, To Barry Williams and his family, who have taken over Finningley, we extend our best wishes for a long and happy stay. Our new system of long leave has made it possible for Messrs. Harper, Fish, Buwalda, Tennant and Storm to take long leave during the year. Tony Chick and Brian Tucker spent some time in hospital during the year but we are pleased to report that they are both well again. Pip Townshend tore his arm ligaments in gym and Mervyn Myhill put his shoulder out when he attacked a mosquito(it was an old injury!)... both had operations and had their arms in plaster and slings for months. After missing Botha's Hill last year the mist cleared and the stork found Kearsney again. In 1979 we record the birth of a second son to Fred and Jill Cocks,a daughter to Ant and Hillary Harris and afourth son to Chris and Marita Diedericks. We welcome the new members of our Kearsney Family — Congratulations. VALE:Mrs Rosemary McCallum Rosemary came to Kearsney seven years ago. Since that time she has succeeded Mr D'arcy Alletson as Head of the Department of Mathematics, a task of considerable difficulty in any school In another part of this magazineshe writes ofthe challenges and demands of the teaching of Mathematics today. In that article, her concern for her pupils and her subject shines through. Apart from this natural concern. Rose has always remained quietly sure of herself. Her calm disposition has always been aguide to meofthe waysin which things can be achieved. She is leaving Botha's Hill for Durban, where her husband, who is a teacher, will be taking up a more senior post. To both we wish the best offortune. There are some very lucky budding mathematicians who will in future benefit from Rose McCallum's knowledge and concern. t.a
SPEECH DAY The association between Kearsney College and the name'Stott'hasindeed been long: at Kearsney we have the Stott Field; in Botha's Hill is Stott Road; in the Valley ofaThousand Hills is TheValley Trust, with Dr Halley Stott as its founder and Director. At this year's speech day it was appropriate that the College was privileged to hear and honour one who has held so long an association with the school Dr Stott has established a self-help centre for the education and care ofthe community in the Valley ofa Thousand Hills; today, his work is hailed internation ally. His address to the school on the development of the centre and its aims, particularly in the field of nutrition, was fascinating. Thefollowing boys received awardsfor their academic achievements: The George McLeod Essay Prize: T. Polkinghorne; The S. B. Theunissen Prize for Perseverance: R. Collingwood; Headmaster's Prize for Special Service: C. Cleator; Afrikaans Prize: A. De Andrade; Art Prize: T. Benningfield; French Prize: K. Surridge; History Prize: C. Pilgrim; The Alletson/Smith Award for Mathematics: P. Voysey; The Ben Milner Prize for Biology: D. Cohen; TheWm andSusan JonesPrizefor English: D.Cohen; TheHindson MemorialPrize for Literature: D.Cohen; The Patrick Moore MemorialShield and John Kinloch Memorial Prize for Physical Science: D.Pons; DUX OFTHESCHOOL: D.PRONS Finally, the following results reflect the performances of the members of Sixth Form in 1979: 'A'aggregate(above 80%) Cohen,D.W., Latt,E.A. Pons,D.J. Surridge,K.G.A. Subject distinctions(Total 13) 3 'A's Cohen, D. W.: Biology, Physical Science, Geography 2'A's Latt,E. A.: Physical Science,Geography 2'A's Pilgrim, C.R.: Geography,History 2'A's Surridge,K.G.A.:French, Additional Maths 1 'A'Baker, A.R.:Physical Science 1 'A'Baker, A.R.:Physical Science 1'A'Pons,D.J.: Physical Science 1'A'Voysey,P.J.: Mathematics 1'A'Watson,E.: Geography Nathan,J. P. Oldacre,M.J. Pilgrim,C.R. Pons,D.J. Rankin,G.B. RussellBoulton, M. Small,R.1. Surridge,K.G.A. Taylor,M.P. Thiselton,M.A. Thompson,B.J. Voysey,P.J. Walsh,A.R. Walters,D.J.D. Watson,E. Weineck,G.M. 'SM' Baker,A.R. Beningfield,T.P. Blamey,C.R. Brindle,R.O. Burton,M.J. Campion,P.B. Carson,K.F. Cleator,C.J. Cohen,D.W. De Andrade,A. Deenik,A. Dennison,A.C.R. Edwards,P. Forsyth,K.F. Goosen,F.D. Gower,J. M. Hackney,M.B. Hall,G.N. Hanunond,R.R. Hobbs,N.W. Kamezos,T. Kelly,H.R. Latt, E.A. Marshall,M.C. Millar,C.B. Molver,S. J. 'S' Alker,C.A. Beath,C.C. Benoporath,G.D. Butterworth,M.R. Cameron,D.B. Clark,B-G. Drake,J. R.S. Draper,M.C. Gerrard,K.W. Gerritsen,E.R. Hannan,C.W. Hendrie,S.C. Hill, J. J. Hopkins,C. Hume,G.L. Kennedy-Grant,D.J. Kidd,G.R. McKellar-Basset, S.B. Philips, M. Powys,V.M. Raw,P.J. Schoneberg,G.U. Smith,D.C. Smith,M.A. Thompson,K.C. Trench,A.B. Waddingham,D.
xm ^ ■ .w> p m % * ■ at m ■ ■ On left. D.Pons.Dux discussing aspects ofScience with A.Barrett. The 1979 Youth Science Fortnight- London A. P. Barrett travelled to London in July as a result of his fine achievement in the Science Week examination. He was placed fourth in South Africa. The London International Youth Science Fortnight has been organised annually for more than twenty years by the Council for International Contact. The main aim of the Fortnight is to encourage understand ing between nations. Delegates were privileged to have H.R.H.The Duke of Edinburgh presiding at the opening ceremony which was a very striking affair, during which a representative of each participating country placed his nation's flag at the front of the hall. The four hundred delegates from twenty seven count ries were accommodated in three halls of residence at the University of London. To encourage contact between peoples of different countries, contingents were divided among the residences and people from separate countries frequently had to share rooms. There was usually a lecture, discussion or visit in both morning and afternoon, with something optional arranged for evening. Topics for discussion and lectures included medicine, multi-channel sound systems, micro-electronics and chemicals in plants. On one of the Sundays I went on an optional outing to Stonehenge and Salisbury. This was a washout in more ways than one: we were only allowed to move about one hundred metres from Stonehenge, and it poured with rain in Salisbury, forcing us to seek shelter in the cathedral! In spite of the many organised activities, there was plenty of free time for us to view the sights of London with our new friends. The trip was both enjoyable and illuminating. A. P. Barrett — Form VA
CHAPEL NOTES A special effort has been made this year to make the activities of the Chapel more meaningful to boys, staff and visitors alike. The main innovation has been to extend the idea of worship led by an individual to the participation of a group of boys in the ordering and leading of worship. This has been done a number of times both on weekday mornings and at Sunday services. It has been welcomed by the whole com munity at Kearsney as a means to making daily and weekly worship less ofa passive spectator exercise and more of a real and personal experience. We look forward to more such services being designed and presented by the boys in the future. Along similar lines we have welcomed two youth groups to Sunday services: one under the leadership of the Rev.Tim Attwell from Amanzimtoti and the other from Pinetown with Mr F. Beckerling. We were also delighted to have the Y-oners, asinging and witnessing group attached to Youth for Christ, share a weekday evening with us when they presented the witness of St. Peter in song and testimony. A very warm response from the boys indicated that the message ofthe evening had been appreciated. In these ways we have to tried to introduce a note of greater reality into our activities of worship. While we believe there is still a place for traditional worship with its preaching and worship, we must also be alert to the fact that God speaks to his children in many ways and we should provide the means whereby He may speak and the school may hear. Visiting preachers continue to play an important note in bringing us a wider vision and a fresh message and this year we have welcomed Joe Fourie, Cyril Wilkins, Victor Bredenkamp,Paul Shone,Derrick Jolliffe, Brian Fennell and Matt Elddy. Our traditional Easter and Christmas services were highlights of our year although we departed from the Tenebrae service this year and instead had an Easter Carol Service.(The orders of service for both Easter and Christmas Carol Services appear elsewhere in the Chronicle). Once again the S.A.B.C. invited us to share a regular Sunday service with a larger radio audience and we invited the President of Conference, the Rev. Dr. Donald Veysie, to be our guest preacher on that occasion. A large congregation braved a damp and chilly day to be present for our joint Anglican/Methodist Con firmation Service at the end of the third term. The Suffragan Bishop of Natal, the Rt. Revdr Ken Hallowes, and the President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev. Dr. Donald Veysie, respectively confirmed and received Anglican and Methodist members. We are proud ofour joint order ofservice which is as far as we know a unique attempt to express our committment to Christian union. It is interesting to note that at least two other private schools in Natal have made use of this splendid service. The following boys were received into membership and confirmed: METHODIST: D. H. Barrett, C. I. Benporath, R. P. Brokensha, H.W.Browning,K.A Christie, Miss H.P. Clark, S. Clark, T. W. Emanuel, K. F. Forsyth, M.E C. Garner, M. J. B. Grant, J. Grohovaz, G. L. Hulett, B. D. C. Logan, M. W. Mostert, C. A. Mungle, A. Muzerie, D.A Polkinghorne, P. Short, M.J. C. Taylor, W.L Torlage, A G. van Wyk, J. S. du T. Viljoen, M. B. von Sorgenfrei, B. O. Webber, J. Wessels, A Weyer, A K. Whitfield, J. C. Wyatt. ANGLICAN: J. N. C. Aungiers, J. M. Baker, J. R. Bedingham, D. Boyce, D. C. Brown, C. J. Charter, M. R. Corlett, L Dicks, G. L. Edmunds, J. J. W. Emmerson, G. M. Green, R. G. Hewitt, J. W. Lawrence, S. R. Lutz, P. O. McNeill, A P. S. Meintjies, C. A Newing, G. J. Olive, W. N. Richards, S. A. Taylor, A M. Townshend, M. F. Waddilove, D. A. Westaway,P. Wilson, A G. Wishart, C. M. Wright. One of the most moving services of the year is the annual Remembrance Day service where there is always a strong sense of belonging to the larger Kearsney family. This year the names of an additional two Old Boys, Jonathan Peter Knight and Geoffrey Robert Plekker, who died while on active service, were included in the Roll of Honour for the first time. At the end of 1979 we bade farewell to the Revd.Hugh Atherstone who, as rector of the Anglican Church of Hillcrest, has been involved at Kearsney for a number of years. We will remember him as a friendly and co operative pastor and colleague and wish him and his wife and family well in their new appointment at Newcastle. In all the activities ofthe Chapel an attempt is made to conform, as the school constitution puts it, to"evangel ical doctrine and practice." That this is easier said than done in our day and age cannot be doubted, but neither can it be doubted that there exists in all our Chapel activities a note of down to earth reality and honesty that reflects the great love of God for every one of his children and the importance of their lives to Him. D. J. BUWALDA School Chaplain / • f t f k
Music im'-vmi V m iRji&l ^e&Li ass 1 4Hilil ■9m t m V Ir ■>■ ■m' ,.JiaiSISiSiI81siliS*IiP^^^^^WftESi The Kearsney Choir — 1979. Choirmaster:Mr. J. Harper. CHAPEL MUSIC The choir for 1979 has produced a consistently good standard of performance. It had to get into top gear early on in the school year in preparation for both the Easter Carol Service followed shortly afterwards by the yearly Broadcast Service. Both occasions went off very well indeed, and, at the time of writing, final preparations are being made for the Christmas Carol Service. EASTER CAROL SERVICE This, like the Christmas Carol Service, has to be held some time before the actual event which inevitably falls during school holidays. Nevertheless it was well attended and appreciated. The service is on much the same lines as its Christmas counterpart except, naturally, that it tells the Easter story together with appropriate hymns and carols. The details of the Order of Service are given elsewhere. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE The choir has worked steadily for this important service, and it should form, again, a suitable climax to the year's choral efforts. Thanks must be given'again to members of staff and staff wives who have given so willingly of their services, especially at a very congested time of the school year. The Order of Service is printed below. KLOOF CHORAL SOCIETY This choir, conducted by Mrs Mavis Hawkins made a welcome return visit to Kearsney, and gave a most pleasing performance of a cantata made up of music by Mendelssohn. The work comprised extracts princi pally from Elijah and the Hynm of Praise, and was based on the subjects of prayer and praise. We look forward to further visits of this choir. ORGANRECITALS Organ Recitals have been given each term and have been relatively well attended. In the fourth term the recital was given by Mr Mervyn Payne, an old boy of the school, the others being given by the College Organist, Mr John Harper, assisted on two occasions by his wife, soprano Mrs Irene Harper. THE CHAPEL ORGAN The instigator of the Kearsney College Chapel Organ, and ex Vice-Principal, Mr G. M. (Max) Oram left a considerable bequest for the enlargement and im provement of the Chapel Organ. Mr Harper, in consultation with the Pietermaritzburg organ builder, Mr Colin Hele, has drawn up specifica tions for additional stops and pipework. The pipes and electrical work are being made in the U.K. and will be installed during early 1980 by Mr Hele.
These additions will make the organ into a very fine instrument indeed and this, combined with the excllent acoustics of the College Chapel, will make it into a first class recital and recording centre. During 1979 Mr Harper wenton long leave and during that period a College pupil, D. C. Brown, and staff member Mr P. Taylor, very kindly acted as deputies. RECITAL:THE MONTPELIER QUARTET On Sunday June 10th. the Montpelier String Quartet gave a most enjoyable recital in the old College Library. This turned out to be a successful and enjoyable evening. Successful because this was the first time that this venue had been tried out for a musical event- and it proved to be quite satisfactory for musical perform ances acoustically. Their programme consisted of the C minor early quartet of Beethoven, and the C major (Dissonante) Quartet of Mozart. The players must have been encouraged by the sizeable audience even though the weather, as so often happens on these occasions, turned out to be less friendly. TALKS ON MUSIC Each term has had its quota of talks on various aspects of music. The last one, which was reasonably well attended, was on the topic"The funny side of music." Talks will continue on similar lines in 1980. GUILD REPORT Three Guilds,Junior,Intermediateand Senior,contrive to meet the need for Christian growth and informal fellowship among the boys. Regular meetings are either addressed by a visiting speaker or have a programme arranged by the committee. Speakers this year have included Malcolm Graham of Africa Enterprise and Messrs Griffin and Crossley from Scripture Union. Various Bible Studies have been most worthwhile. Whenever possible outings are arranged and the boys have enjoyed meeting young people from other schools and local churches. A Christian leadership course for Kearsney,St. Mary's and Westville High was held in August at the Koinonia Conference Centre. Talks were given on various aspects of Christian life and leadership. Group discus sions and bible study periods were most helpful, and good fellowship was enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere. On Saturday, 19th August a Christian Day Conference for private schools was held at Hilton College. Some 100 boys and girls met in the Centenary Centre for lectures, discussions, films and seminars on the theme "Knowing God". The distinction was drawn between knowing 'about' and 'knowing' God; the steps to knowing God were made clear to all and the day concluded with an exciting panel discussion on'The Adequacy of God'. Yet another opportunity for growth and fellowship was a "Serendipity Walk" with the girls of St. Mary's. Serendipity meansfinding pleasant things in unexpect ed places. The walk required the participants to move along a planned route in Gillitts thinking about, and meditating upon, various aspects of Christian living in relation to the things they observed as they walked such as natural beauty, pollution, wealthy homes and so on. It was a most interesting experiment, proved to be a stimulating exercise and was voted the best'do'of the year. K.G.F. and B.W. EASTER CAROL SERVICE 1979 Processional Hymn: 192 Ride on, ride on in majesty! Introit: The Call — R.Vaughan Williams THE BIDDING AND PRAYERS Hymn:180 There is a green hillfar away' 1st Lesson: The Shadow of Betrayal — Matt. 26: 20-25 Anthem: The Seven Joys ofMary —English Folk Carol 2nd Lesson: His Agony of Soul — Mark 14: 26-38 Anthem: The Crown ofRoses — Tchaikowsky 3rd Lesson: The Arrest of Jesus — Mark 14: 43-50 4th Lesson: Jesus is Crucified — Mark 15: 15-28 Hymn:182 When 1survey the wondrous Cross' 5th Lesson: The Empty Tomb — John 20: 11-18 6th Lesson: A Doubter Believes — John 20: 24-29 Anthem: Christ the Lord is Risen again — French Carol 7th Lesson: The Witness of Seven Disciples — John 21: 1-13 8th Lesson: The Witness of Paul-1 Cor. 15: 1-11 Hymn:213 Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son. 9th Lesson: The Authority of the Risen Lord — Matt. 28: 16-20 Anthem: Sing Songs ofJoy Today — Dutch Carol PRAYERS AND BENEDICTION Recessional Hymn:228 'Hail, Thou once despised Jesus'
CHRISTMAS CAROLSERVICE Organ Music: Fantasia on Christmas Carols John West Fantasia on "Adeste Fideles" Martin Shaw Meditation for Advent Charles Oxtoby Processional Hymn: 0come,O come Immanuel. PRAYERS 1st Lesson: Man's disobedience and salvation. Reader: A junior chorister. Carol; This is the truth sentfrom above(arr. R.V.W.) 2nd Lesson: God's promise to Abraham. Reader: A junior boy. Hymn: Hail to the Lord's annointed. 3rd Lesson: God's promise fulfilled and the foretelling of the Messiah to come. Reader: A senior chorister. Carol: Dingdong, merrily on high.(English) 4th Lesson: The glory of Bethlehem foretold. Reader: A senior boy. Hymn: Bethlehem of noblest cities. 5th Lesson: The visitation ofthe Angel Gabriel. Reader: The Head Prefect. Carol: Angelas and virginem.(14th century, arr. Willcocks) 6th Lesson: The birth of Christ. Reader: A lady chorister. Carol: Away in a manger(arr.J .H.) (The congregation is asked to join in the 3rd verse) Offertory Hymn:See amid the winter snow. 7th Lesson: The shepherds go to the manger. Reader: The Deputy Headmaster. Carol: Angel Tidings.(Moravian,arr. Rutter) Hymn: Angels from the realms ofglory. 8th Lesson; The wise men visit Jesus. Reader: The Headmaster. Carol: Jhe Kings. Jean Adams. Hymn: As with gladness,men ofold. 9th Lesson: St John unfolds the mystery of the incarnation. Reader: The College Chaplain. Carol: Flemish Carol(arr. Rutter) PRAYERS Recessional Hymn: O come,all ye faithful.(Choir only verse 2) Organ postlude: "Fanfjue" J. Lemmens.
mi;« Mt afiWEW *JJ-1 »fcfiamilit:3s-„»g^:.T.iBt:^ ■1 «t» m ■ m. ««r»^ SMI, mM K. C. Band — 1979;DrumMajor C. Hopkins, BandMaster Mr. J. Harper. CADETS Cadet activities during 1979 have, for the most part, followed the usual parade ground pattern. All boys in Forms 3-6 are members of the detachment, and many of them have achieved considerable proficiency in drilling. This was evidenced during the annual Inspection Parade and on Remembrance Day. Apart from learning drill movements and preparing for these parades, the detachment has attended interesting lecture-demonstrations on military hygiene and infantry weapons. Thanks to the help of Mr Harper, the quality of music producedby the Band has improvednoticably. Special mention should be made of the five trumpeters and buglers whose rendering of the Last Post during the Remembrance Day service was very moving. With the arrival at Kearsney of Mr Walters (ex-R.A.F.), shooting has taken on a new lease of life. Many afternoons have been punctuated by rifle shots and many cadets have experienced considerable satisfac tion during their spells at the range. We have several very competent and enthusiastic shots in the detach ment, and we plan to hold a series of inter-school contests next year. A recent and most welcome innovations has been the participation of three of ©ur senior cadets in a 3-day gunnery exercise held near Ladysmith by the Leader Group of our affiliated regiment, the Natal Field Artillery. The boys were allowed to fire cannon and mortars and they learned a great deal about military matters. We look forward to an increasingly profitable association with the N.F.A. and are indeed grateful to the Officer Commanding the unit for his interest in our detachment. BOS HOEK: CADET EXERCISES The Natal Field Artillery holds an annual exercise at the Ladysmith artillery range, "BosHoek", to brush up on their drill and to boost the morale of the troop. "Bos Hoek" is situated 40 km west of Ladysmith and has an area of 10 km^ consisting of artillery, grenade and mortar ranges. On Thursday 29 November 1979, the Leader Group of the N.F.A. (consisting of 60 sergeants and men of higher ranks) arrived at "Bos Hoek" at about 13h00. With them were six cadets, three from Kearsney and three "from the Northlands Boys High School de tachment. After setting up camp, the rest of the first afternoon was spent by the troop in firing 'dry rounds' with four 25-pounders. This was done so that the men could brush up on technique before using live ammuni tion. That night. Commandant Guthrie (O.C. of the N.F.A.) gave a lecture on leadership to his officers. 11
Next morning, the troop fired live rounds at targets in the mountains about 7 km away. The cadets were assigned either to the guns or to the command post. At the command post, officers calculated ranges and direction adjustments for the guns after receiving reports by radio from the observation post about the accuracy of previous shots. In the afternoon, the cadets went to the observation post and watched the fall of rounds from a distance of about800 m. The 25pounder can be very accurate although it has a range of up to 13 km. On Saturday, we went out to the range before the others to observe the damage done on the targets by the guns. An old kraal had been completely destroyed. We collected some of the shrapnel as souvenirs. The guns were then used to fire off the remaining ammuni tion. After we had breakfasted and cleaned the guns, we went to the mortar range where everybody(includ ing the cadets) had a chance to fire a mortar. We were then shown the effect of a Claymore mine on a tree and an old ruin. This kind of mine can be activated by a trip-wire and has the same effect as 300 rifles being fired simultaneously. The sergeant-major then ex ploded 200 g of plastic explosive under a huge junk pile to demonstrate the power of such a small amount — terrorists, we were told, use 24 kg of the same explosive in their mines! That evening we had a braai and then, on the Sunday morning, broke camp and returned to Kearsney. R. C.Jordan FINNINGLEY HOUSE REPORT Being a housemaster of a senior house for this half year has been an enriching experience for our whole family. It is we who have benefitted from the contact with boys and parents. Some matters have been distressing but far more have been joyous. The importance of caring one for the other within the House, is for me, paramount. Those that can, must be prepared to help those in need. I quote from an address delivered by the Hon. Justice Shearer in Pietermaritzburg in 1975: "1 have practised in the law and now help in its administration. A system of law is fundamentally a compromise — a convenient code designed to allow people to live together peacefully and comfortably. Any effective compromise involves sacrifice or the surrender of some right or privilege. In our courts (house), we try, within the framework of precedent and legislation,to reconcile as harmoniously as possible the conflicting interest, of different persons... Above all we try to recognise the essential dignity of each man. That we often fail is because the courts(house) administer not absolute, but human justice. We have our frailties and errors of judgement, but we do the best we can. We do not make law. We administer the law as it is ... In any case of ambiguity, the starting point in interpretation is in favour of the liberty of the individual." The Annual Athletic Sports proved to be one of the most exciting in years. With only the Open4 X 100 m relay to be run,the points of Gillingham and Finningley were level. It is fitting that the head of house, C. Heath, was able to hold off a strong challenge from Rattray of Gillingham to clinch victory for Finningley. One of the outstanding athletes of the season was T. Beningfield who thoroughly deserved his Honours. Well done. C. Hopkins was the 1979 Sportsman of the Year having been chosen to represent S. A.Schools at rugby; no mean feat in this country. On the academic front I am very proud of the large number of Finningley boys who have done so well throughout the school. Several have been awarded Colours and many others by virtue of consistently hard work have seen their labours rewarded. We congratulate H. Hillestad on being awarded Academic Honours during this standard9 year. While these awards are memorable peaks of achieve ment, particularly for the boys concerned, it is the consistently high standard of behaviour and general discipline of the House that has impressed me most. For this, the previous Housemaster, Mr. R. Blamey, musttake a bow.He laid thisfoundation,and the boys, guided by the prefects, have maintained his standards. I wish to thank my House Matron, Mrs. Rautenbach, whose service to the boys is quite outstanding. Then for their time and effort I thank those staff members who do duty in the House. Their participation in the welfare of the boys in appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Harris leave us at the end of this year. We wish them success and happiness as Anthony seeks a place in the textile side of industry. To the Sixth Form we wish you good health and good fortune. May the time you have spent at Kearsney prove useful as you move into the World of Work. May 1980 be a year of Peace and Joy for us all. B. Williams GILLINGHAM HOUSE REPORT Once again Gillingham can look back on another very successful year. This can be attributed to the efforts of the prefects, Chris Cleator, Mike Marshall, Nobby Nathan and Craig Pilgrim, the staff and, particularily, the great cooperation of the boys in the House. At the beginning of the year we welcomed Mr Andrews and Mr Jones and his family to Gillingham, but unfortunately, they left us in June and at the end of the year respectively. We wish them the very best of luck in their new careers. Gillingham achieved success in both the academic and sporting spheres of life. A. Barrett qualified for the final round of the Maths Olympiad as well as winning a trip to London for coming fourth in the Science Week examination. C. Polkinghorne and S. Pienaar were placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the McLeod Memorial Elssay Competition. K. Forsyth ably led the spelling team to an unexpected victory, mainly as a result of J. Bedingham's prowess in this direction. 12
School academic achievements were as follows: P. J Voysey Maths prize C. Pilgrim History prize D.Cohen: English, English Literature& Biology prizes A.Barrett Academic Honours C. Parle Academic Honours C.Polkinghorne Academic Honours D. Houston Academic Colours H. Markram Academic Colours D.Polkinghorne Academic Colours Our heartiest congratulations go to these gifted and hard-working types. Sportswise the year had a dismal start when, despite the efforts of C.Cleator, D.Cohen and J. Aungiers, we only managed to come 3rd in the swimming gala. However, some pride was regained when we managed to win the inter-house water-polo competition. Despite the Stirling efforts of our 1st team we were narrowly beaten into 2nd place in the inter-house"7-aside" rugby tournament. There was an excellent spirit among the Gillingham players, and,at one stage of the season, the entire 1st XV backline were Gillingham boys. Let's hope that this continues! Seven of our boys played in the 1st XI hockey team. (C. Livingstone captain) Not surprisingly, we won the inter-house hockey. Gillingham boys were to be found in the first teams of squash and tennis also. M. Grant was the best Senior Shottist, and W. Hols had the best average through the year. Polo continues to attract, and members of the House did particularly well in inter-provincial competition. The inter-house athletics meeting was brought to a dramatic climax when, in the final race of the day (open 4 X 100 m relay) we were beaten into second place by Finningley after being neck-and-neck in points for most of the day. Our senior cross-country team won their event with H. Markram and C. Livingstone coming in 1st and 3rd respectively. The inter-house cricket competition was also won by Gillingham; seven of our men played in the 1st XI this season! Seven Gillingham boys have been chosen as prefects for 1980, this must surely be some kind of a record! They are:- G. Mungle Head Prefect C.Polkinghorne Head of Gillingham G.Groom Gillingham C. Livingstone Gillingham H. Markram Gillingham M. Miller Head of Haley H. Mandy Haley Congratulations and every success in the year ahead. The following were the sporting awards this year:- C. Cleator Honours; Natal School's Swimming captain; Natal School's Waterpolo. D.Cohen Swimming Colours J. Augiers Swimming Colours M.Oldacre Waterpolo Colours C. Livingstone . Honours; Natal School's HockeyXI; Natal Under 21 Hockey XI I. Oehley Tennis Colours A. Deenik Squash Colours G.Mungle Cricket Colours; Capt. of 1st XI M. Miller . Cricket Colours; South African School's Polo. H. Mandy South African School's Polo M.Rattray . . .South African School's Polo; Athletics Colours D. Walters Athlectics Colours A.P. B. and T. C. P. £S«PE Olfec LIBRARY REPORT A Resources Centre is a recreational reading centre as well as a work and study centre. 1979 has been a busy year with classes working in the Centre, many of them on self-study Social Studies Projects. On the recreational side, chess has been a popular afternoon activity while the magazines are always well read. Displays in the library have been varied and interesting and the monitors are to be congratulated on their initiative. Subjects this year included the Eastgate Shopping Centre, a tour of Japan, the Golden Hind, Prevention of Road Accidents and Old Duban. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Natal Provincial Library Services who supply so many of our books, as well as the invaluable help of the Library Monitors who have included P. J. Butterworth, D. C. Brown, B. Webber, D. Westaway, A. G. van Wyk,D. Flottow.and S. N. Nalson. We pay tribute to Mr A. Arthur who was resources Centre Librarian from its opening in July 1976 until September 1979 and whose enthusiasm was largely responsible for the relaxed atmosphere which results in its wide use, enabling it to take its rightful place at the centre of school life. We welcome Mrs J. Reynolds who willjoin usin 1980. 13
PEMBROKE HOUSE REPORT Pembroke was particularly successful in the cultural sphere this year. A.Baker received the Hanley Cup for contributing most to cultural activities, H. Kelly was awarded the Suttlergore Trophy for being the best Parliamentary speaker of the year, and Main and Karnezos represented the school in the E G. Jansen and Jan Hofmeyr speech contests respectively. Kelly, Baker and Main were also awarded cultural honours for their participation in two of the school's dramatic presentations — "Double Bill" and "The Kubinsky Affair". Six boys received academic colours this year. They were Baker (his was a re-award). Campion, Bush, Emery, Jordan and M.J. Taylor. Collingwood won the S. B. Theunissen award for the scholar showing the most perserverance during the year. In the Inter-House swimming gala Pemroke was placed second. Hoole was awarded the Matterson Cup for the best U 15 swimmer, Carson won the Philip Hind Cup for the Open 100 m backstroke, and Carson, Ethelston and Hoole represented North Durban and Districts in the Natal Schools Gala held in Ladysmith. Karnezos (the school vice-captain of swimming) and Carson were both awarded swimming colours. The former also received water-polo colours. We were very suc cessful in this area — five Pembroke boys represented the school's first cricket XI, we fielded six of the second team members. On the other hand we were unbeaten in the senior inter-house hockey competition. M. P. Taylor and Baker made the Durban A and B sides, both being awarded colours. Taylor, Baker and Millar were part of the very successful group who toured the Witwatersrand at the end of the second term. We came last in the inter-house athletic competition, but were certainly not disgraced — winning over half of the trophies presented, as well as winning the Tugo-war for the second successive year. The climax of the meeting was the Open 4 X 100 m relay which determined the winning house. It was good to see the Pembroke underdogs break the tape in the decisive event. The cup winners included Kennedy-Grant(best field event), G. Hall (best record), Christie (best hurdles), Lawrence (runner-up U 15), Bremner (best U13) and the Tug-o-war trophy. Hall was re-awarded honours for his representation in the Natal men's athletic team and Kennedy-Grant was awarded colours. Newing(5th form)was appointed captain ofthe school shooting team. Pembroke won both the senior and junior shooting competitions, with Wright taking the honours for being best junior shotist. Wearne won the junior cross-country and collected the cup on the team's behalf for winning the UI3team event. In tennis Van Noordwyk, with his partner, won the senior doubles championship. Inter-house table tennis was played for the first time this year, and Pembroke won 10 out of 12games. The acquisition of the snooker table during the first term was welcomed, it has claimed many an idle hour. A healthy respect for Carson's forehand developed amongst the boys. Carson (head prefect) was ably aided by the other three prefects — Hendre, Karnezos and Smith. We acquired a new member during the 3rd term — Mark Peake, and American Field Scholar from Colorado, U.S.A. — and welcomed the arrival of Diedericks junior numer4 in the fourth term. The following boys have been elected prefects for 1980 — B. Main(Head prefect), C. Doria, J. Wessels and P. Morrison and we wish them everything of the best for their term of office in 1980. HALEY HOUSE REPORT The year in Haley House was very enjoyable for everyone concerned. The three prefects feel that without the close co-operation they had from the boys, the house would not have run as smoothly as it did. The Boys had tremendous spirit and go and put their hearts into any challenge offered them. When it came to inter-house sports, the junior boys made as much of a contribution to the houses as a whole as did the senior boys. On many occasions flagging spirit was built up by points gained in the junior age groups. Many boys gained great success in sport. A.Hall was a good all-rounder,not onlyin cricket butin othersports too. He took many wickets and made many runs for the U13 A team. M. Pearse in the UI4 a team had a great year. He had a batting average of over 70 and received the Zululand Old Boys award for the most promising junior cricketer in the school. B. Oliver captained both the UI3a cricketand rugby teams,and is another up and coming sportsman, while R. Lewis excelled in both athletics and swimming. Many other boys showed ability in all sports. Prefects R. Small and A. Trench played for the 1st Rugby Side, while C. Millar played for the 1st Hockey XL R. Small also captained the 2nd Cricket XI. The cultural and academic side did not go un-noticed in any way. Although many boys leave their working to the last minute, a number of boys are to be congratulated on their fine academic achievements. D. Taylor and G. Gray won prizes in speech contests. C. Millar took a leading role in one of the school plays. Without the junior boys the school choir would not function. They are to be congratulated on their performances during the year. Christian fellowship became a regular and popular feature during the year, with S. Barry and R.McLelland often holding bible studies within the house, aided from outside by J. Ponsand P.Butterworth and guided by Mrs. Hall. We thank the assistant-masters in the house — Mr. Kassier, Mr. Allen and Mr. Williams (until mid-year, when he left us to become housemaster of Finningley). They devoted much time to the boys in the house, especially in the prep room. We also thank Mrs. Wynn,the matron,for her service to the house. Finally without the backing of our housemaster, Mr. Hall, the house would not have run as smoothly or as well as it did. The boys and the prefects would like to thank him for what was considered an outstanding year. R.SMALL(HEAD-OF-HOUSE) 14
1.-/ If 1 w v! I mllll^ % M) A f -&M .'jWvi"' 7 r -A T f •4$ V ?r C. AIKER
Writing COMMENT INTRODUCTION: Titles are always restrictive. When the purpose of the title is to introduce writing as varied as a comment on the teaching of Mathematics and a member of the Second Form's observations on a chameleon, the choice of an appropriate title is even more difficult; however, all articles are a comment on the experiences of the writers, be they staff members or boys attending their classes or writing an exam. It was decided in 1978 that The Kearsney Chronicle should expand its coverage to include such writings. While the poems and essays are not necessarily the very best work produced in the school during the year, it is hoped that all are ofa high standard, representative of some of the good work produced in the school. While writings in the various languages are represented in this edition, the editors have decided to introduce comment on other aspects of academic work; this year, an essay written in the Sixth Form Trial History examination has been published. It is hoped that in future editions further aspects of pupils' work will be printed. A RESPONSETO SOMEPROBLEMS IN THE TEACHING OE MATHEMATICS — by Mrs R.McCallum,erstwhile Head of the Depart ment of Mathematics, Kearsney College. Why is it that relatively few high school pupils excel at Mathematics today, and why is it a subject dreaded by so many? The main reason, in my opinion, is that the higher grade syllabus is devised for the exclusive few who are likely to cope with Mathematics at University, and the types of questions set are geared towards these pupils. Even these 'elite' found parts of this last year's papers too difficult. The standard grade syllabus is merely a watered down version of the higher one. It is no wonder that so many of the pupils find the syllabus dull. Another problem is that questions are set to test insight and ability in deductive reasoning rather than mere computational skill or rote learning; not everyone has the ability to cope with this. A further problem is that many pupils come to high school with a very poor background of basic number work. Unfortunately, Mathematics is compulsory in vitually all boys' schools, partly because there seems to be no suitable alternative, and also because the study of Mathematics at high school is a prerequisite for so many careers for boys. The Mathetmatics Department at Kearsney College is introducing a scheme next year aimed at trying to cope with some of these problems. The outline of the system is as follows: Next year's Standard Six (Form Two) pupils will be given programmes of work on which they will be regularly tested. Those who fail will attend weekly tutorials at which they will be given work sheets based on work tested. A teacher will be present to guide them and at the end of the tutorial the pupils will be retested. They will continue to attend tutorials until they have mastered each topic in which difficulty has been experienced. It is intended that this system will eventually be extended to all pupils in the school. It will involve the Mathematics staff in a great deal of work, especially in the experimental stages. I am sorry that I shall not be at Kearsney to see how the scheme progresses, but I shall be most interested to hear reports on it and I wish the Mathematics Department every success. PHYSICAL SCIENCE AT KEARSNEY COLLEGE by M. A. Thiselton, Head of The Department of Physical Science. The acute country-wide shortage of physical science teachers is certainly having an impact upon Kearsney. Since the old established firm of Jeannot, Mossom, Thiselton and Williams broke up with the departure of the former two at the end of 1977, the remaining two have had to hold the Physical Science Department together with the help, for varying lengths of time, of four different full-time assistants (all of whom have already, or will have, gone by the time the 1980 academic year commences), along with a number of other temporary helpers borrowed, in the main,from other departments. The critical situation is thrown into stark relief by the fact that at the end of 1979, Natal University produced only two graduates who were trained to teach Physical Science, while Edgewood Training College produced but one man qualified to teach the subject at High School Level. None of these are coming to Kearsney. Commerce and Industry are also attracting Science Graduates qualified to teach by offering salaries of 16
double those offered to teachers and, clearly, this trend is likely to persist until Science teachers can be offered competitive salaries. With Physical Science being one of the most popular ofthe optional subjects taken at Kearsney understand ably in this technological age it is my opinion that the optimum number offull-time qualified science teachers needed for the department to function efficiently, is four. With this number, the Science sets in each of the senior forms can be graded according to ability and their numbers kept to the level which normally gives private schools one of their distinctive advantages over government counterparts. Furthermore, this number of teachers can easily cope with the necessary internal practical examining. With fewer than four teachers, however, the comp osition of the sets has to be determined very largely by choice of optional subjects with little, if any, con sideration for ability in the subject Moreover, the numbers in each of the sets are inevitably larger and internal practical examining becomes a considerable problem. Now, with only two fully qualified Science teachers left, and little immediate prospect for new blood coming into the College, the future of Kearsney's Physical Science department presents a major head ache. -It ^ikH j » PS.. . i s| ilKI» m m Art Master Mr. A. Bromley-Gans discusses an aspect of T. Beningfield 's painting prior to the exhibition, ofsixthform work at 'Natalia'in Pietermaritzburg. WILD STALLIONS THE SPIDER They ran through the hot, dry land With their manes waving As if going into battle. The dust rose and filled the air behind them; The colours of the herd Mingled with the dust-riddled land. Slowly they slowed From that magnificent gallop To a trot. Which died down to a walk As they came near the barren slope. As they looked down. Before them lay the water hole Which they had come to seek. They descended the hill Gaining speed as they went. Then they came to a halt. They had arrived at the hole Used by all animals in that barren land. They submerged their dry lips In the warm water. It quenched their thirst. The magnificent creatures of the'wild west'. He comesfrom his nest in the corner. Over the silver, sticky net. Making his way, hungry and merciless. Towards the struggling, helpless fly. Now he is near; Then, with a greedy grab and a bite. The life of the fly is ended,grimly. Poor thing. Then he wraps it, like a Christmas present, in some silver sticky thread. He carries the poisoned package back up the web, and leaves it there, dangling in the net, for a time when he is hungry. Now he is hungry; he goes to the waiting gift. He opens it like a greedy child. He holds it, and with a bite Is drinking the cold, poisoned blood. The dead fly is dry, the hard skin stiff. It drops out of the web and onto the soil. The spider slowly returns to his corner. Waiting for another. A. Norman 2B 17
THE CHAMELEON The lime-green soft-bellied creature moved Hesitantly, whilst stretching out His flimsy green leg. A sudden pause! His eyes moved side to side, mysteriously. With a speedy flick of his tongue He caught the fly Which he swallowed with ease. T. Kelly — Form 2B LEARNING A MEDIUM In each murky cell lies an unbounded horison; Sinister fingers of undefinable knowledge Leave no wound unbandaged For irksome laziness to feed on. Such is the art of learning: Self-discipline must grasps, Forget the pitiful yearning; The heart should set a task. Eminent success is rewarding; Failure was upheld by a lie. The brain cannot discard learning Except when man must die. S. Magennis — Form 3B OV^ h \\ " 1V c: /' A. R.SMALL 18
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