48 Languages Afrikaans First Additional Language The Afrikaans Department had a wonderful year of positivity, hard work, and blessings. On the staffing front, our year started off with welcoming Mr Bennie Pietersen from Gauteng into our midst, and the boys quickly realised that he has a great passion for Afrikaans and that teaching is in his blood. Mr van Heerden added another little boy to his family, and we are proud to announce the arrival of little Muller van Heerden during the first term. Mr van Ellewee and Mr van Zyl became proud grandfathers, and we also congratulate them. Our Grade 8 numbers were again a highlight for the department, and over eighty boys registered to take Afrikaans. We were thrilled and hope that these boys go from strength to strength as they progress, and that they will learn to love the language. Our Grade 12 Afrikaans Literature & Poetry production by PIT-Productions took place during the second term, and boys and staff were entertained. This was undoubtedly a highlight of the year for our Grade 12 students, and we are grateful for the memories made. Björn Kruger (Grade 9) and Jua van Wyk (Grade 12) must be mentioned. They both performed extremely well in the ATKV-Afrikaans Olympiad. We also congratulate Zweli Sibanyoni, who participated in the annual ATKVRedenaars competition and reached the semi-finals. Ruschay Govender was awarded the best travelling story written by a Grade 12, and congratulations also go to Liam Janse van Rensburg, who received the ‘Jan Storm’ prize for all-around excellence in Afrikaans for 2023. I have a deep sense of gratitude for the staff of our department, and I salute them for their positivity. To the boys we teach at this wonderful school, keep living out the school’s motto. Congratulations on your efforts boys! Mrs Sonia Cairns HOD Afrikaans 2023 An English Odyssey The Story of a Year The English Department once more aimed to be a beacon of inspiration, guiding students through a diverse range of literary landscapes and fostering a love for language that will leave an indelible mark on their academic journeys. Whether the boys have just begun their high school journey or are leaving the College to write their own new narrative, we hope to impact how they view and respond to the world around them. This year has been interesting, with students delving into classic works, exploring contemporary voices, and honing their creative expression. From Shakespearean sonnets to modern poetry and even spoken word art, from the intricate plots of timeless novels such as ‘The Great Gatsby’ to the dynamic narratives found in ‘The Theory of Flight’ and ‘Long Way Down’, our English classrooms have been the scenes of intellectual growth. Highlights of the year include the celebration of World Book Day, which offered boys and teachers alike a window to discuss their favourite works, as well as a Gatsbyinspired ballroom dancing evening for the Grade 11 boys. Words@Kearsney provided a platform for budding poets and storytellers to share experiences through their literary gifts. Beyond the written word, the department also embraced technology to enhance the learning experience. The Grade 12 boys attended a webinar with Siphiwe Ndlovu, the author of their setwork. In a beautifully eloquent presentation, she answered pertinent questions about her novel and shared her insight and understanding of nationhood and belonging during a politically tumultuous period. Multi-media presentations are becoming increasingly integral components of our curriculum and the English team endeavours to prepare the boys for the evolving landscape of communication in the 21st century. Speeches need to be recorded with integrated visual presentations, and more of our assessments demand electronic submission; adverts had to be created, and blog posts recorded. These occur against ever-evolving technology such as Open AI’s ChatGPT. We engage boys in a modern context and emphasise the timeless importance of effective, authentic and original expression in any form. The dedicated English team worked to instil literary knowledge and critical thinking skills. Discussions in the English classroom extended beyond the confines of literature, encouraging students to analyse, question, and explore the world around them. The English Department remains committed to cultivating readers and writers and thoughtful, articulate individuals prepared to navigate the complexities of the future. It truly is a team effort, and each department member adds their personal flair. Unfortunately, the team had to say ‘bon voyage’ to Ndumiso Makhathini, who traded the mist of the hill for Qatari heat. His new school will undoubtedly benefit from his humility, good humour, and passion. We welcomed Mrs Hayley Milne as his replacement. Coincidentally, Hayley taught in Abu Dhabi for some years and brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and dedication. As we turn the page on this academic year, the English Department looks ahead with anticipation. 2024 poses challenges: building a reading culture, developing curious minds, and channelling powerful voices. We remain undaunted. The journey of words and ideas is endless, and we are excited to begin new literary explorations in the coming year. Our new journey will begin as they all do … with a single step. Mrs Jane Curtiss HOD English isiZulu Throughout the year, our department strived to teach, practice, and assess learners in key areas of the language. We focused on building strong relationships with all stakeholders to further enhance our students' achievements. We are proud to announce that the department has experienced a significant increase in learners this year. This growth is a testament to the reputation and effectiveness of our teaching methods. This poses the challenge of catering to the mixed abilities of pupils. While some boys find the subject more accessible and excel in their language skills, others struggle to grasp the fundamentals. Recognising this challenge, we implemented a rigorous support system for the boys struggling with the subject. A dedicated teacher assistant was available in the afternoons to provide meaningful assistance and guidance to these pupils. To enhance the learning experience, professional notes and exercises were printed for each Grade. These resources were designed to aid boys in their understanding of the language and provide them with ample practice opportunities. Using these materials, our learners could consolidate their knowledge and develop their language proficiency. Once again, the boys attended a cultural evening, where our pupils showcased their talents and performed various isiZulu repertoires. The performances by our learners were well-received by the audience, reflecting the hard work and dedication that went into their preparation. This event serves multiple purposes. It provides learners from different schools a platform to showcase cultural diversity and skills and helps to strengthen school relationships. I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues who worked tirelessly to improve the standards and results of our learners. Their commitment and dedication have been instrumental in achieving the department's goals. I am genuinely grateful for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout the year. We are confident that the department will continue to grow and achieve even greater success with the continued dedication and hard work of our colleagues. Mr Bongi Ndaba HOD isiZulu Artwork by Lithle Maqhugula
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