Durban 1st Quarter School Highlights 2021

DURBAN

PRIMARY SCHOOLS & HIGH SCHOOLS | LAERSKOLE & HOËRSKOLE

APRIL 2021 www.awsumnews.co.za | Tel: 021 000 1705

LIKE & FOLLOW awsum_schoolnews

FRESH EGGS NOURISH THE MIND

hello

Goodbye

neat & organized

cluttered & untidy

THE STORE WITH LOTS MORE Buy online mambos.store

ambo s

STORAGE

&

HOME

WESTERN CAPE: RETREAT: GREEN POINT, SANDOWN, KENILWORTH, CAPE GATE, BELLVILLE, PAARL, SOMERSET WEST, GEORGE. EASTERN CAPE: BEACON BAY, BAY WEST, EAST LONDON. FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN, LANGENHOVEN PARK, DURBAN: SPRINGFIELD

Virtual sport series to showcase national school talent “The Showcase is a concept that was born during the Covid-19 pandemic and has grown to the first of its kind talent identification platform in South Africa”, says Gerhardi Odendaal, CEO of Old School Group, the host of The Showcase. “We designed this platform for athletes to improve their own ability at their own pace and to inspire kids that would not normally get the chance to showcase their talents to enter. Bobby Skinstad, Robbie Fleck and VanesMari Proudfoot have put their support behind this initiative and we are proud to combine their skills and knowledge, together with our industry specialists, within the programme”.

The Showcase is a platform that gives school kids the opportunity to showcase their talent through sport-specific conditioning drills to determine speed, strength and skill level depending on the sport. Drills include the vertical jump, broad jump, sprinting, etc. and leaners submit the results of each test/showcase on the Showcase website and follow their results on a weekly leader board.

The AWSUM School News platform and The Showcase recently came together to give kids from all over the country and all walks of life, irrespective of their background or status of the school they attend, the opportunity to compete against each other. “Think about it, for the first time ever a learner from HTS Middelburg can compete against a learner from Hoërskool Namakwaland in Springbok, so it made perfect sense to join this initiative”, says Durandt van Zyl, CEO of AWSUM.

“So many times, we see talent that gets lost in the crowds at schools. Now kids can enter and compete individually, and we present the best performers for contracting by talent seekers”.

The Showcase is a platform that gives school kids the opportunity to showcase their talent through sport-specific conditioning drills to determine speed, strength and skill level depending on the sport.

“Children between the ages of 12 and 18 can showcase their athleticism and fitness as part of this unique programme and make their talents visible to top recruiters. This also builds self-confidence and enables youngsters to perform on a broader platform to measure their performance against other learners across the country”, van Zyl concluded.

For more info visit www.theshowcase.co.za

The 3 phased series consist of: Phase 1: 10-week period where learners will complete sport specific conditioning drills Phase 2: The top performing entries from Phase 1 will participate at a live event against each other and have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an audience of talent seekers, agents, varsity and high school recruiters, bursary givers, scouts and professional sports team coaches.

Phase 3: A 4-day camp will allow players to develop skills and get tips from the best in the sports industry.

Eagle

powered by

Make learning and teaching easier.

Stationery Printing Bags & Pencil Cases Technical Drawing Tablets, Laptops & Printers Educational Resources Office & Classroom Furniture White & Smart Boards Mondi Copy Paper

eaglestationerssa

031 335 4000 | sales@eaglestat.co.za | www.eagle.officenational.co.za 1 Morisson St. North Beach, Durban

70 Athletes from schools in SA selected for sport showcase series, phase 2

www.patiowarehouse.co.za

Centurion - 012 657 9400 | Randburg - 011 801 0820 | Canal Walk - 021 526 7240 Somerset West - 021 840 4160 | Umhlanga - 031 566 8550 | George - 044 010 0102

Q & A with AM CRICKET CAPTAIN

TE MATTHEW ACKERMAN FIRST

FROM ST HENRY’S MARIST

What is you most memorable cricket moment?

One of my most memorable cricketing moments, or should I say proudest moments, was when I was dropped from first team when I played in grade 9, and that weekend played for the U15A side and went on to score 115 runs while we won by over 100 runs, and the first team battled to eventually win their match.

How did it feel to compete against other schools after the 2020 Covid restrictions?

As yet, because of Covid-19, we have not competed against another school this season. The boys however are out there working hard week in and week out, playing our internal matches to the best of our abilities.

How has your season been going thus far?

We have not begun the season as yet, but have been playing internal matches, and the performances on the field have been of a really high standard, with lots of runs being scored off the bat in each game.

What makes your team and school special?

My team, fights to the death during all cricket games, not giving up till the last ball is bowled. I lead a team that each have their own goals and come together to achieve the goal set out for the team as a whole.

COLLEGE

Does leadership come naturally to you?

A keen eye on field placements, rotating bowlers, identifying match situations?

I do believe that leadership comes naturally for me, as I have been leading a cricket side with the boys I am playing alongside today since I was 9 years old.

This has helped me learn the strengths of each team member, while gaining key knowledge from the coaches I have played under in the past.

What do you think about when you are at the crease?

When I walk out to the crease, I think to myself, bat time and the runs will flow, knowing very well that if I am around through the last overs of the game, I can increase the run rate.

Who are your toughest opponents annually?

Our toughest opponents are generally Ashton College or Curro Hillcrest.

What motivates you to always give your best?

I try give of my best in every game, as I believe the best way to lead a team is to lead from the front.

Who is your cricket hero?

I have always looked up AB de Villiers, as he can change a game over a few overs of play and leads his team by scoring big runs for the batting line up and always puts his body on the line while fielding.

DURBAN GIRLS’ COLLEGE Athletics Achievements Salma Bejia (Grade 9) has won the Girls’ 16 and under 800m event at the KZN Track and Field Championships that took place on Friday, 26 March and Saturday, 27 March 2021.

She won in a time of 2 minutes and 19 seconds which qualifies her to compete at the SA Track Championships in Paarl from 7 to 10 April 2021.

Congratulations on your incredible achievements, Salma, we are very proud of you!

JP Inter-House Gala

SP Inter-House Gala

Winners of the Spirit Trophy were Greenacre and Palmer.

Palmer were the winners of the Spirit Trophy!

Congratulations to Rutherford who won the gala.

Well done to Rutherford for winning the gala!

KZN Triathlon Championships Mikhaela De Oliveira (Grade 11) competed at the KZN Triathlon Championships at Midmar, on 28 March 2021. She came 1st in her age group race (Girls 1617), making her the U17 KZN Triathlon Champion.

Over and above, she has also achieved: • U17 Victrix Ludorum Swimming.

• U17 SA & KZN Triathlon Champion.

Congratulations, Mikhaela, we are so proud of you!

HS Inter-House Gala

Salma Bejia

Churchill won the trophy for the Breaststroke Relay.

Congratulations to Palmer for winning the gala.

Hunter are the winners of the Open Freestyle Relay.

Mikhaela De Oliveira

DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL SA National Junior Regional Gala The South African National Junior Regional Gala was held at Kings Park from Tuesday 6 April - Sunday 11 April 2020. Eight Durban High School boys participated in various events over the course of the event.

Keyontea Raynard, Awande Nkunzi, Thapelo Ramoholi, Brendan Visser & Matthew Hunt all medaled at the event whilst Marnu Koekemoer, Taegen McCarthy & Kegan Olivier swam personal bests at the gala.

KZN Mens Waterpolo Team Samuel Spooner was selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Mens Waterpolo Team who participated in the Interprovincial Championships from 9-12 April 2021 in Durban.

Front: Awande Nkunzi, Brendan Visser, Marnu Koekemoer.

Back: Kegan Olivier, Keyontea Raynard, Taegen McCarthy, Thapelo Ramoholi, Matthew Hunt.

Samuel Spooner

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cubs Squad Congratulations to Bongumusa Shezi, Joshua Stride and Andile Wanda who were selected for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cubs Squad. The Cubs Squad will be coached by DHS Director of Cricket Mr. Fabian Lazarus.

Bongumusa Shezi, Joshua Stride and Andile Wanda

Download previous READ YOUR SCHOOLS NEWS ON www.awsumnews.co.za THE LARGEST SCHOOLS NEWS PLATFORM IN SOUTH-AFRICA

on www.awsumnews.co.za CONTENT OF THE GUIDE: • • • • • • •

Institutions per fields of study Institutions per type of study Gap year options Au pair options Accommodation options Career content News relating to life after school

www.directory.awsumnews.co.za

SA’S NO1 HIGHER EDUCATION

GUIDE

PROUDLY BY AWSUM

PENZANCE PRIMARY SCHOOL Swimming

Penzance Premier League (Cricket And Netball)

Payton Aitken recently swam at the SA Regional Level 3 Championships. Payton achieved a SA Junior National time in the 200m Backstroke and will now be taking part in the SA Regional Junior Age Group Championships from 6 April 2021 to 11 April 2021 at Kings Park Swimming pool.

Payton is only 11 years old and will be swimming in the 12 and under age group.

Juan Nel, Thato Sefehle, Siyanda Ntaka competed at the SA National Junior Championship from the 6th of April to the 11th of April.

The Midmar Mile was swum in 2021 by Invitation Only. Juan Nel was the only u11 asked to swim in the U13 and below Category. He went on to win the race in a time of 21:57.

To combat the restrictions placed on the external playing of sport due to Covid-19, PENZANCE PRIMARY SCHOOL played the Netball and Cricket Premiere League.

The Cricket is still being hotly contested in each age-group, but the Netball has finished with the final standings as: Age group winners: U13 1. Aqua Warriors 2. Ignis Avengers 3. Terra Falcons 4. Ventus Spartans U12 1. Ventus Spartans 2. Terra Falcons 3. Aqua Warriors 4. Ignis Avengers U11 1. Ignis Avengers 2. Terra Falcons 3. Ventus Spartans 4. Aqua Warriors

U10 1. Ventus Spartans 2. Aqua Warriors 3. Ignis Avengers 4. Terra Falcons Overall Standings: 1. Ventus Spartans 2. Aqua Warriors 3. Ignis Avengers 4. Terra Falcons

House Captains for the Year Coding Bee-Bots AQUA HOUSE: Industrial Revolution Captains: Paige Deen & Jayden Hughes.

Payton Aitken

Juan Nel

Vice-Captains: Talia Steenkamp & Sandisizwe Mazibuko.

IGNIS HOUSE: Captains: Astrid Pretorius & Litha Gonya.

Vice-Captains: Amber Van Heerden & Taine Havemann.

TERRA HOUSE: Captains: Jodi Botha & Mpumelelo Maphanga.

Vice-Captains: Kathleen Veerasamy & Cowyn-Blake Wright.

VENTUS HOUSE: Captains: Amahle Lehlohla & Similo Mnyandu.

Vice-Captains: Leyah Niekerk & Brad Jean-Louis.

Learners Preparing for the 4th Industrial Revolution by coding Bee-Bots.

ST HENRY’S MARIST COLLEGE 1st Hockey Team

Swimming There was exciting news from the St Henry’s Marist College pool deck when star swimmer, Matthew Pelser (Grade 12) broke a 100m freestyle record from 1981 previously held

by Julian Taylor (58.10s). Matthew swam in a record time of 58.03s.

Matthew also managed to break 2 other records during the season.

Oluhle Zulu, Ashley Hall, Sasha Duffy, Lara Horn, Hayley van der Walt, Casey Britz, Uveshnee Pillay, Jamie Jones, Emah Pietersen, Tess de Haas, Kendall Coombes, Hannah van Wyk, Caitlyn Petterson, Jenna Cormac.

Debating Teams

Junior Debating Team Jack Binder, Jenna Leigh De Klerk, Kamalika Moodley.

Senior Debating Team Owen Govender, Kerwin Naidoo and Anika Maharaj.

SA Kids KZN Open Abigail Thambiran recently took part in the SA Kids KZN Open at Kloof Country Club. Abigail Won the Girls Under 10 section.

She plays in monthly Bluff ladies tournaments, monthly SAkids tournaments and has just been invited to the Junior African Challenge 2021 at San Lameer Golf Club in August. This event attracts the top children golfers from 52 countries.

GLENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Swimming

Rugby

Sean Gibson and Brogan Jones, both in Gr 8, participated in the SA Regional Junior Age Group Swimming Championship 2021. Sean received 2 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals. He managed to swim 13 personal best times. Brogan received 2 silver and 1 bronze medal.

He managed to swim 11 personal best times.

Congratulations to our boys that have been selected as part of the virtual SARU Elite Player Development Camp.

Sean Gibson

Front: Ryan Manuel (U18), Riego Heath (U18), Cristiaan Els (U18). Back: Patu Ghanyne (U18), Layron Millborrow (U18) and Sandile Nzuza (U17). Top left: Munash Dukuswa (U18).

Brogan Jones

SA Bass Fishing Junior Nationals Congratulations to Jordan Bridger (Grade 12) who participated in the SABAA Junior Nationals, he was placed 26th.

Jordan Bridger

Golf

Karting

Connor Thomas (Grade 10) has been crowned Royal CC Junior Club Champ for 2021.

Juandre Nel (Grade 8) joined carting in 2019 and in his first year he won the Rookie of the Year Award at the KZN awards ceremony.

In 2020 he finished sixth in South Africa in the Junior Max U15 Championships. Senior Max was the logical next step from Junior Max and in February 2021 Juandre joined the Senior max category.

The senior max class is an open class and drivers can compete from the year they turn 14 until they are too old to Kart. Weight or being 32 years old will move you on to the next class, Max 175.

At the recent National championships in Cape Town in March 2021, Juandre competed against a field with five racers who already left high school and the rest of the competitors were older than sixteen.

Only 13-years old, he did very well in this highly competitive field. Juandre finished eighth in the National championship.

Connor Thomas

Juandre Nel

Q & A with BRANDON SCULLARD FIRST

TEAM CRICKET COACH

HOOL FROM GLENWOOD HIGH SC

In light of the limitations of the Covid regulations, how is preparation for this year’s season progressing?

Preparation has been successful. With cricket being a non-contact sport, it has allowed us to maintain our skill levels through practice sessions, and maintain our fitness out on the field.

What does your 2021 team look like?

The Glenwood 1st XI for 2021 is a strong unit with an excellent balance of youth and experience. We have good leaders in our senior members of the squad and I hope that we get the opportunity to play many games and see what the team is capable of this year.

What are the strong points of your 2021 team?

We have a good balance between “bat and ball”. We have some talented batsmen who have both the ability to score big runs at a fast rate, as well as batsmen who are able to occupy the crease for long periods of time. Our bowling unit has a number of skilled bowlers with a good variety between seam and spin.

What is special about Glenwood and coaching there?

Glenwood holds a special place in my heart as I am an old-boy (2008) as well as my father before me (1972). The traditions and culture of Glenwood are those that resonate with me on a personal level. Glenwood Boys’ have always been known to be hard-workers and as a Coach I love working with these dedicated young men.

What are the most challenging aspects of being a school coach?

I would say the most challenging aspect is teaching the boys to find balance. Balance between sport and academics, as well as balance between social life and sport. As Coaches we need to try our best to ensure our athletes are well-rounded individuals that are ready to succeed both on and off the sports field.

What can the school and parents look forward to from your team this year?

We have a young energetic team that is fully committed to giving their all on the cricket field. We enjoy playing an exciting brand of cricket, which will be sure to entertain all parents and supporters.

CHELSEA PREPARATORY SCHOOL SA National Juniors Swimming Championship

Return to Inter-School Fixtures

Chelsea Preparatory School had 5 swimmers take part in the SA National Juniors Swimming Championship.

Nathan Burger, in Grade 7, swam and was awarded: • 3 x golds in the events of 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke.

• 2 x bronze in the events of 50m Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley.

Nathan now holds the South African record for Boys U12 50m Breaststroke. Excellent Nathan!

Luc Brand, in Grade 7, swam and was awarded: • 4 x golds in the events of 400m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley.

• 3 x silvers in the events of 100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.

Luc achieved many personal best times.

Tayne Naude, in Grade 7, swam and achieved: • 4th place in the events of 100m Backstroke and 50m Backstroke • 5th Place in the events of 100m Butterfly and 50m Butterfly • 16th Place in the event 200m Freestyle Tayne achieved personal best times for all his events, dropping off 12,25 seconds in the 200m Freestyle event.

Bailey Lambert, in Grade 6, competed in the following events: • 50m – Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly • 100m – Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly • 200m - Individual Medley Bailey while swimming in an age group up, Bailey got 3 personal best times.

Kai Forrest, in Grade 7, competed in the following events: • 400m Freestyle • 200m Freestyle • 200m Backstroke Kai got personal best times in a few of his events.

It has been more than a year since our pupils were able to play matches against other schools and we were so excited for this past weekend’s matches against Glenwood Preparatory School.

3 cricket matches and 16 netball matches were played.

Our cricket and netball players performed exceptionally well and so loved been involved in inter-school matches.

We would like to thank Glenwood Preparatory School for agreeing to play cricket and netball matches against us this term.

We look forward to our next round of fixtures with Penzance School this coming weekend.

Kai Forrest, Luc Brand, Nathan Burger, Tayne Naude, Bailey Lambert.

DANVILLE PARK GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL Well Done Girls!

KZN Lifeguards Keira (friend) & Kiara (Danville Park GHS)

Lunathi Swimming

Saskia Dusi

Shreya & Paige SA Open Water

Sian & Tanzin Trial Running

Tannah Figure Skating

Tyra & Tanzin Rhino Peak Challenge

Taytum KZN Youth Orchestra

Q & A with ENT

ID ZIYANDA THWALA RCL PRES

S’ HIGH SCHOOL

FROM DANVILLE PARK GIRL Congratulations on being selected as a leader at your school. What are you looking forward to the most during your term as leader?

I am looking forward to making memories and enjoying every moment.

Time honestly flies by, so I would like to make the most of every opportunity presented to me. I would love to leave my unique mark on the school and be remembered even after I have gone.

What are your strengths & weaknesses?

My strengths are that I can connect with people very easily and that I have so much passion and drive. My weaknesses are that I am a perfectionist, and I worry so much about the little details that I forget to appreciate the bigger picture.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school?

Yes. I would like for girls to feel more comfortable being themselves, by not being afraid to embrace their culture, personalities and what makes them unique. They should never feel like they have to hide or change themselves when at school. To do this we need to create a culture of understanding and no judgement, so that everyone has the opportunity to shine with their own individuality.

What do you love the most about your school?

I honestly love everything about my school. But what truly stands out is how

much we care about each other. I feel like my school is a home away from home, where everyone is rooting for each other.

Who is your role model?

I am fortunate to have so many strong role models in my family to look up to, but my parents take the spotlight.

They are both the reason I am who I am today. They have always supported and encouraged me to dream big, while they lead by example showing me how far hard work can take you in life. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being my icons.

What are your plans after matric in 2022?

I would like to study medicine. I have always been fascinated by the workings of the human body and have a passion for helping people, so it would be an absolute honour to make such a difference in people’s lives every single day.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?

I would be Wonder Woman. She is an absolute icon, being an extremely powerful and talented demi-god but yet she never lets her power corrupt her. She remains humble and dedicated to doing good in the world. She finds hope in humanity and believes in us even when it seems futile. She is the personification of all of my passions, and down right epic.

Q & A with NALA NGCOBO HEAD GIRL

S’ HIGH SCHOOL

FROM DANVILLE PARK GIRL What are you looking forward to the most during your term as leader?

I am looking forward to changing the lives, for the better, of all people I influence in my position. It would give me great joy, even if it would just be one life, to be able to use my platform to be of positive influence in someone’s life.

Most people think that using the term “changing lives” would mean something as extravagant such as “world peace” or starting one’s own charity foundation.

While these deeds are extraordinarily commendable, one can change a life as to who they are and where they are right this moment. Things as simple as offering smiling eyes, making someone’s day and especially making school an amazing experience for others, are ultimate goals for me.

What do you love the most about your school?

I love that it is a school for everyone. It is a place where every single student can attain their greatest potential. Whether it be in our main branches of academics, culture and sport, or amongst our variety of facets that provide for all sorts of interests, it is very easy to find your passions and flourish. To top it all off our family bond is very special. You are never alone. Everyone is there to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.

Who is your role model?

Apart from my wonderful parents, I would say I really admire Oprah Winfrey and the work she has done in our world. She is a courageous woman who has never let anything get in her way of leaving her mark in the world. She has played such an integral role in the lives of women, especially those in South Africa, promoting education in underprivileged areas through the school she has formed for them. As a young woman who is blessed to go to an amazing school, I am thankful for this and pray the same for others. Oprah is evidence that hope can indeed be sent out into this world in great amounts. I aspire to make a difference, starting today, and to reach greater heights in the future.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?

I would want to be Wonder Woman, honestly just because I think that she is an all-rounder when it comes to superpowers. Therefore, I could do a lot more than any other superhero, not only for myself but for others as well. Along with that, I think she can talk to animals which would be an absolute dream.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at…with…

On a regular Saturday you will find me at church with my family, as I am a Seventh Day Adventist Christian.

I adore spending the weekends with my family the most.

Categorised documents, photos and videos

We have reclaimed the way schools communicate

Generate substantial monthly income for your school

Easy access to important school information

Group chat functionality

The AWSUM App for Schools!

HOLY FAMILY COLLEGE Holy Family College bid farewell to Director of Catholic Schools office Holy Family College’s 146th Birthday Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Wilfred Napier on Thursday, the 18th March 2021. It was a blessed celebration as our Holy Family Sisters graced us with their presence. Amongst our esteemed guests were Mr Lionel Samuel, who we fondly bid farewell and wished him well on his retirement as Director of the Catholic Schools office.

Mr Mark Campbell, our new Director of the Catholic Schools Office, was introduced and we pray for him as he takes on the important role of service to all our Catholic schools

DURBAN GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL Midmar 8 Mile Charity Challenge

Natal Action Netball

Ice Skating

Diaz Hargreaves and Alex Truter swam the Midmar 8 Mile charity challenge for CANSA last weekend, that is 512 lengths of a pool or 12.87kms and approx. 4 hrs of swimming.

We would like to congratulate Jamie Williamson, for being selected to represent the u17A and u21A KwaZuluNatal Action Netball teams for 2021.

Jamie will be participating in 2 x InterProvincial Action Netball Tournaments to be hosted later in 2021. Dates of tournaments still to be finalized pending COVID-19 status. This also serves to confirm that Jamie represented the 16A KZN Action Netball team in 2020, however due to COVID-19 the team InterProvincial tournament was cancelled 1 week prior to the event starting.

Our Durban Ice Rink remains closed since March 2020. KZN figure skaters are currently using the Galleria Ice Rink and numbers are very limited due to COVID restrictions.

We had our first Inter-Provincial competition taking place at Galleria.

Meagan is currently KZN’s top ranked skater.

Meagan’s ice skating results: Skating in the Junior Ladies National Section she placed 1st in the short program and 3rd in the long program and placed 2nd overall.

Diaz Hargreaves & Alex Truter

Rowing

Alicia Potgieter

Alicia Potgieter started rowing in Grade 9 and since then she has competed in regattas, the National Indoor Rowing Championships and she has rowed as part of the South African Junior Club Rowers Association in Boat Race. She has received her KZN Colours for indoor rowing and hopes to compete in Nationals this year.

Following an ergo time trial in February, Alicia was selected for the National Rowing Squad and she will now follow the national training programme as she works to try and get a seat in the boat. She counts herself fortunate to be trained by a world-champion, Hilary Abrahams, from Durban Rowing Club.

Jamie Williamson

Meagan Trancel

NORTHWOOD SCHOOL Senior Top Achiever

Head Prefects 2021

Darius Eswarlal (Deputy Head Prefect), Kyle Northend (Deputy Head Prefect), Mark Barter (Head Prefect) and James Hooper (Deputy Head Prefect).

Eli Govender 1st in Grade 11 - 2020

Northwood Championship Gala

Junior House Cricket

Runner up - Senior Victor Ludorum: Josh Crocker.

Senior Victor Ludorum: Steven Seagreen.

Crusaders beat Kings by 16 runs!

DURBAN NORTH COLLEGE

NORTHLANDS GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

5th Midmar Mile

Athletics

Well done Zidaan Mahomed (grade 8) and Zia Mahomed (grade 9) from Durban North College on completing their 5th Midmar Mile.

This swim being a virtual swim had its own challenges however, they overcame their challenges and posted personal best times.

They dedicated this swim to their late coach, coach Nizam of Woodview Aquatic Club for all that he had done for them over the years and for instilling proper focus and discipline in their swimming.

Tiara Govender is currently the Athletics U15, 100m Champion for Clubs and Schools and represented Kwa-Zulu Natal at the South African Club Championships for Athletics. She participated in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Athletics Competition, she ran the 100m, and was placed 1st and in the 200m she was placed 2nd!.

Well done, Tiara! We are so proud of you!

READ YOUR SCHOOLS NEWS ON www.awsumnews.co.za

THE LARGEST SCHOOLS NEWS PLATFORM IN SOUTH-AFRICA

KEARSNEY COLLEGE Distinction Day at Kearsney College Kearsney College had reason to celebrate the release of the 2020 IEB results with confirmation that their average mark in five subjects, including Mathematics, was a distinction (80 percent and over). The school’s reputation Matthew Strauss Matthew Bolton for academic excellence was Dux & 2nd X1 Cricketer, IEB’s Commendable List of IEB’s Outstanding List for top achievers in the country. endorsed by the news that over being in the top 5% in 6 or 8 A’s (Accounting 95%, a quarter of Kearsney boys more subjects, as well as in Afrikaans 85%, English 87%, achieved five or more distinctions the top 1% in English, History LO 87%, Life Sciences 88%, and every boy achieved a and LO. He achieved 7 A’s Mathematics 98%, Physical university exemption pass.

(Afrikaans 89%, English 95%, Science 97%, Applied Headmaster Elwyn van den History 93%, Life Orientation Mathematics 81%), also placing Aardweg said it was a fitting way 96%, Mathematics 95%, Music in the Top 1% in Mathematics to launch Kearsney’s Centenary.

92%, Physical Science 92%). and Physical Science.

“I’m indeed proud of the boys, staff and parents who showed the grit, hard work and tenacity to channel their passion to succeed during a very difficult year.”

In Mathematics 56% of Kearsney boys achieved distinctions (IEB average is 24.9%) and in Physical Sciences 52% (IEB rate is 19.1%).

It is the 10th consecutive year Christopher Duncan Matthew D’Eramo Shem Adjes that Kearsney’s Mathematics and 7 A’s 7 A’s 6 A’s Science distinction rates have been at least approximately double those of the IEB. The school’s average mark for Mathematics is 80% and 77.5% for Science. Average subject marks of over 80% were also achieved for Engineering Graphics and Samkelo Jiyane William Young Design, Music, Drama and 6 A’s 6 A’s Mathematical Literacy.

Luke Shiller IEB’s Commendable List of top achievers in the country.

Country’s top 1% in Mathematics and Physical Science, and achieved six distinctions (Accounting 93%, Afrikaans 79%, English 88%, Geography 88%, LO 90%, Mathematics 99%, Physical Science 93%).

Wilco Roets (7A’s), Tim van Tonder (7A’s), Jared Uys (5A’s), Wesley Uys (3A’s), Janko Roets (5A’s) and Daniel van Tonder (5A’s).

EDEN SCHOOLS DURBAN Top 10 Students

Aquellé Midmar Mile

Diving

Tatum Botha (Grade 11) and Bailey Held (Grade 8) were invited to compete at Midmar Dam on Sunday, 7 March. Bailey finished 13th in the Elite Women’s Race and 2nd in the U13 Female Category.

Tatum finished 4th in the Elite Women’s Race.

Jannah Winter performs a back dive off the new Maris Stella Duraflex diving board. Jannah is in Grade 11 and has been diving for 4 years. She has represented KZN for Diving for the past 3 years, and more recently has been coached by the Maris Stella diving coach, Debbie Cummins, who herself has represented SA for Diving.

Caitlin Schwarer 92,3% - 7 A’s

Bailey Held

Wilco Roets Wilco Roets achieved 7 A’s (Afrikaans 93%, Drama 94%, English 84%, LO 95%, Life Sciences 83%, Mathematics 95%, Physical Science 94%).

He placed in the top 1% in SA in Physical Science and LO.

Kearsney College Twins Celebrate 32 Distinctions

MARIS STELLA

Tatum Botha

Ross Savage Ross Savage also achieved 8 A’s (Afrikaans 86%, EGD 99%, English 82%, Geography 87%, LO 90%, Mathematics 98%, Physical Science 93%, Applied Mathematics 85%) and was in the Top 1% in Mathematics, EGD and Physical Science.

Camille Bessey 87,7% - 6 A’s

Santhani Rungan 87,4% - 8 A’s

Jannah Winter

Anchor Hockey Club Jodi Nobin 87% - 8 A’s

Our High School Indoor Hockey girls were fortunate enough to be able to play fixtures in the KZN Indoor Hockey League in the first term. Maris Stella’s head of hockey, Eloise Walters (SA Ladies Indoor Hockey Player) has been proactive in ensuring our girls are afforded every possible opportunity to train and participate, which has resulted in a rewarding start to the sporting year.

Bhavi Reddy 82,6% - 4 A’s

Rhea Soni 85,6% - 5 A’s

Thejal Maharaj 85,4% - 5 A’s

Kaylene Tallapaneni 81,9% - 4 A’s

Ntsika Zondo 83% - 5 A’s

William Schwarer 80% - 4 A’s

REDDAM HOUSE BALLITO Brand-new Early Learning School

Het iemand AWSUM gesê?

yd deel hulle Meer as 2000 skole landsw nuus deur AWSUM.

Van die Kaap tot in Limpopo! s.co.za Gaan na www.awsumnew

102 skole maak gebruik van ons tegnologie,

AWSUM App vir skole awes in 2019, vir En ons 150 interskole uitg yd, wys ons is sportgeleenthede landsw passievol oor skolenuus!

CRAWFORD COLLEGE NORTH COAST Crawford International North Coast: Double the reward with their matric results 2020 Some KwaZulu families celebrated double the reward, as their twins did exceptionally well in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) 2020 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Eighteen-year-old twins Zenya and Amera Naicker from Crawford International College North Coast made it onto the IEB’s outstanding achievements list with 15 distinctions between them. Zenya with eight and Amera with seven. The twins are looking forward to university. Zenya who has a talent for numbers will be studying towards an Actuarial Science degree and Amera will be studying Medicine, both at the University of Cape Town.

Zenya said considering the Covid-19 pandemic year they had, she is proud of her results. “2020 was difficult, especially being in class and learning online”. Amera on the other hand felt relieved that she did well because according to her the year felt like a rush. “I definitely could have done a lot worse”. She said they both continued with online classes because they feared bringing the virus home. Zenya and her mother were asthmatic and they were in contact with their grandparents.

Crawford International North Coast is really proud of these girls achievements and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

Reddam House Ballito, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, is celebrating the breaking of ground on 30 March for their brand-new Early Learning School (ELS), which is scheduled for completion by November 2021.

Reddam House Ballito, which is situated in a prime location with easy access to the N2 arterial highway, is one of Inspired Education South Africa’s premium Reddam House schools located across KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng. It first opened its doors in 2019 for children from age 1 to Grade 9, and has steadily been carving a niche for itself in the Ballito community through Inspired Education’s internationally renowned curriculum that integrates innovative excellence in academics, performing arts and sport.

Ravi Nadasen, CEO of Inspired Education South Africa, comments, “Reddam House Ballito’s popularity has grown exponentially, and the expansion of the ELS is a direct response to demand in the area. We are grateful for the support of the Ballito community, which has enabled us to embark on this expansion.”

The new R40-million world-class ELS will have capacity for 265 children, with 12 classrooms that will accommodate 18 children per class in the younger stages, increasing to 25 in Stage 5. The design of the facility allows for the future extension of four more classrooms. The new building will also feature a dedicated entrance with gatehouse and parking, piazza, administration offices, staff room, hall for hosting drama and dance, as well as other school events, a multipurpose facility that will incorporate the dining room, a multi-use atelier space, and playgrounds. The opening of the new ELS will create the space in the adjacent existing building for expansion of the Preparatory School to accommodate the increased number of children who will grow with the Reddam House Ballito family from ELS stage.

The Reddam House Ballito ELS will follow the Inspired Education early learning programme, which draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia discovery-based approach to early learning. This curriculum values the child as capable and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge, and encourages children to develop to their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential. It embraces the child holistically and enables them to understand their world and who they are in it.

Catherine Raw, Reddam House Ballito’s Head, who has an impressive résumé of qualifications and local and international awards in the educational environment, is extremely proud of the strides the school has made in two years, and of the commitment to learning demonstrated by the staff, students, and wider school community. “Our staff are the foundation of our successful Early Learning programme, and they reflect the participatory concept presented by educationist and author, Neville Scarfe, who said that ‘the highest form of research is essentially play’. Our teachers are skilled observers who determine individual needs and build on existing gifts and talents. The Reddam House learning environment is made to feel safe, welcoming and authentic.”

The layout of the physical space at Reddam House has been designed to encourage choices, problem solving and exploration. ball skills, music, art, and bicycling are integrated into the school day, and at Stage 5 dance is introduced. “We look forward to being able to expose many more children to this successful approach at the vital foundation phase of their learning journey,” says Raw. Sheena Crawford-Kempster, Director of Education for Inspired Education South Africa, adds that the ELS at Reddam House Ballito provides a refreshing, balanced and giving approach in pre-school; one that doesn’t add undue pressure and encourages a sense of belonging and innate confidence in children. “We believe that early exposure to international educational best practices in a nurturing, purposebuilt, child-centred learning environment with a family-centred atmosphere prepares children for productive, creative, and caring adulthood.”

Reddam House Ballito features modern facilities that include an Olympic-sized water polo pool, 500-seat theatre, and presents a future-focused curriculum that includes art, music, dance and drama. The technology programme focuses on coding to provide students with both the creative skills and mindset needed to succeed, lead, problem-solve and innovate in a fast-paced 21st century economy.

Q & A with TBALL CAPTAIN

CASEY BRENT FIRST TEAM NE

MORE

FROM CURRO MOUNT RICH How did it feel to compete against other schools after the 2020 Covid restrictions?

We haven’t competed against schools yet, however games do start in May. Practices on the other hand have been much more challenging in the COVID-19 times, as we have to sanitise whenever the ball goes off court, whenever we go on or off court and we have to maintain social distancing while playing which gets tricky.

How has your season been going thus far?

The season has been going very well so far, it took a lot of time for our team to start getting fit again and slowly but surely we’re on our way to being the best team we can possibly be. With determination and commitment I’m confident we’ll get there.

What do you think about when you are on the field?

When I am in the shooting circle and have the ball to shoot, I think about whether my hands are holding the ball in the right position and how much more I’ll have to bend my knees and elbows depending on the height of the defender.

Who are your toughest opponents annually?

Referring to grade 8 and a bit of grade 9 I’d say that Fatima and Port Natal have been the most difficult schools to compete against.

What makes your team and school special?

What makes our team and school special is that we have good spirit and good sportsmanship. Throughout all sports offered at Curro we all have good sportsmanship, whether we win or lose we’re modest about it, when a player is wrong on the court or not doing well the whole team gives them support in order to get through the game. Curro is a very accepting school, the students, teachers and coaches accept you for who you are and what your strong points are and work with you through your weaknesses.

What motivates you to always give your best?

What motivates me to give my best is the team, they drive me to do my best because they are all such talented players and strive for excellence. We all push each other to achieve to the best of our ability and won’t stop until we get there.

Who is your netball hero?

Laura Langman is my netball hero. I have watched her play netball the past few years and I love how she leads the team and plays the game with such a passion to win and strives to be the best.

Q & A with AM NETBALL COACH

ANDREA BOSHOFF FIRST TE

MORE

FROM CURRO MOUNT RICH

In light of the limitations of the Covid regulations, how is preparation for this year’s season progressing?

It’s been a challenge for everyone.

Sanitizing takes up a lot of time and making sure everyone adheres to the Government’s rules and regulations.

However, every player is giving their best and we are finding ways to prepare for the season to have the best outcome of results for our school.

What does your 2021 team look like?

They are a strong group of girls. They are really working hard and giving their all.

They are putting in the necessary efforts to practice and to work together as a team.

What are the strongpoints of your 2021 team?

They all have determination and are giving their best to make it to finals. They work together and find solutions when an obstacle comes in their way. They are becoming very fit and their techniques are also improving by the day. They also have a lot of team spirit and they bring new ideas to the table.

What is special about Curro Mount Richmore and coaching there?

Curro Mount Richmore makes sure that their coaches and teachers are appreciated. Coaching is fun and the coaches can work together to give away ideas. The Sports Department is also very helpful and very interactive in all of the Curro Mount Richmore sport.

What is the most challenging aspects of being a school coach?

The number of hours spent at school can get tough. To focus on academics, sport and culture can tire you as a coach, especially in the summer in Ballito.

What can the school and parents look forward to from your team this year?

Commitment and determination. The girls want to make it to the finals. They are giving their all to reach the top and to lift the school’s name.

Apart from netball, what are your hobbies?

Apart from netball my other hobbies are reading, baking and going to the beach.

REDDAM HOUSE UMHLANGA Reddam House Umhlanga’s Class of 2020 once again achieves 100% Bachelor’s degree pass rate Inspired Education Group’s Reddam House Umhlanga school in KwaZulu-Natal achieved a brilliant 100% bachelor’s degree pass rate for the fourth consecutive year.

53 Reddam House Umhlanga matriculants wrote their Independent Examinations Board examinations at the end of 2020 and are proud to announce that despite the transition to online learning, the teachers and students pulled out all the stops to ensure exceptional results.

Reddam House Umhlanga’s 53 matric students obtained 100 distinctions, with 27 students attaining a B-aggregate or higher and five rankings in the top 1% nationally.

Caitlyn Finchan and Georgia MacKay obtained eight distinctions each, including distinctions in Advanced Programme Mathematics.

Overall, the eight Reddam House schools in three Provinces in South Africa delivered excellent results with a total of 987 distinctions from 420 matriculants. Of these, 88 students achieved five and more distinctions, with 13 achieving eight or more distinctions.

Adam Rogers, Head of Reddam House Umhlanga College, congratulates all students and teachers on their steadfast focus and dedication throughout a year that delivered unprecedented difficulties. “Our Class of 2020 have made us proud – not just because of your excellent academic achievements, but as strong supporters of each other, as community-minded people, and as solution-focused problem-solvers through all circumstances – 2020 presented many changes with including the adjustment to online learning which our students and teacher embraced. We wish our students the futures they deserve and have worked so hard for.”

Caitlyn Finchan – 8A’s, Georgia MacKay – 100% for Core Mathematics, Georgia MacKay- 8A’s, Kelly – 6A’s and Thoraya Bonnin – 7A’s.

READ YOUR SCHOOLS NEWS ON www.awsumnews.co.za

THE LARGEST SCHOOLS NEWS PLATFORM IN SOUTH-AFRICA

CLIFTON SCHOOL - DURBAN Open Water Swimming

At the 2 Elite races at the Midmar Mile this year, Connor Buck placed 3rd overall in the Elite Men category and more recently, he represented KZN at the South African Open Water Swimming Championships, held in Marina Martinique. Connor finished 6th overall, 1st in his age group and 2nd in his category, in the 10km race. This result qualified him to represent South Africa at the Junior World Open Water Championships, scheduled for Seychelles in August 2021.

In the 5km race, Connor finished 2nd overall, just 3 seconds behind the European Junior Open Water Champion (from England) and 1st in his age group, thus earning silver and gold!

In the interim, at the SA Grand Prix 1500m, he swam a time just 12 seconds under the qualifying time for the Junior World Championships scheduled for Russia later this year. A week prior to the Midmar Mile, Connor competed in the SA Grand Prix at Kings Park pool, winning a silver and two bronzes in 3 events and recording personal best times in each.

Open Water Tennis Triathlon Calum Jestin Jack Spence, Grade 12, Swimming (Grade 11) has moved competed in the South Damien Angel (Grade 9) participated at the SA Open Water Championship in Jeffery’s Bay. He swam the 3km race and came 10th overall (open age group) and 5th in his age group.

up in the SA Tennis rankings and is currently number 3 in SA.

Damien Angel

KZN Lifesaving

African National Triathlon Championships in Bloemfontein, winning Gold.

He won the SA Sprint distance age group 16 to 19, in a time of 01:00:58 to be named the Junior Triathlon Champion.

Calum Jestin

Matthew Coetzer (Grade 11) has been selected for the KZN Junior Lifesaving Team that will be competing at the Interprovincial Competition in Durban from 24-26 April 2021.

Kyan White (Grade 7) has been selected for the KZN Nipper Team to participate at the event.

Jack Spence

Matthew Coetzer & Kyan White

Dusi Canoe Marathon

Jarryd Walker

Connor Buck

Ben Maehler

Luke Achmad

The annual Dusi Canoe Marathon took place from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 March. Three Clifton gents joined the field of around 800 paddlers in the 70th edition of the Marathon. The race, which starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban takes place over the course of 3 days and is 120 km’s long.

Jarryd Walker, taking part in his third Dusi, finished 41st overall and 4th in the U18 age group with a time of 9:42:54.

Ben Maehler, doing his second Dusi, finished 81st overall and 8th in the U18 age group with a time of 10:17:06.

Ben and Jarryd both competed in the K1 category and enjoyed a great three days of racing. Jarryd finished in the top 50 to earn a silver medal, while Ben finished in the top 100 and top 10 of the U18 age group.

Unfortunately, Luke Achmad, taking part in his first Dusi with his partner in a K2 was unable to complete the race after their boat broke on one of the final rapids on the final day!

CONTENT OF THE GUIDE: • • • • • • •

Institutions per fields of study Institutions per type of study Gap year options Au pair options Accommodation options Career content News relating to life after school

www.directory.awsumnews.co.za

SA’S NO1 HIGHER EDUCATION

GUIDE

PROUDLY BY AWSUM

SCHOOL NEWS

The biggest school news network in SA

Grade 9 subject choices: why you should start considering them now In a few months’ time, Grade Nine learners will be required to make important decisions about which combination of subjects they will be pursuing through to their final Matric exams. This is an important first milestone on the road to building a career, an education expert says, adding that while the decision would normally be left until later in the year, the world has changed so dramatically that Grade Nines should start thinking about this significant decision sooner rather than later.

“The world changed last year – not just because schooling and work were disrupted and not just because both had to happen from home in ways never imagined before. The world changed because we are unlikely to go back to what we experienced in 2019,” says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest private higher education provider.

“It has long been said that one needs to prepare young people for jobs that do not exist, but this has never been a concept that has been crystallised in a way that really helped one make decisions. Perhaps it is clearer now to focus on preparing for a world of work that is changed and focusing on industries and skill sets that are and will be in demand, rather than on jobs with names that are familiar to us.

“So, for instance, law has not vanished as a field, but most lawyers now need to consult online as easily as they do in person and they can collaborate in real time with colleagues all over the place. They also need to be advising people on both physical and digital implications of what they do.”

DISCOVER

TECH

“The basic instruction is the same – develop an understanding of fields you are interested in and the things you are good at. Then look for jobs and careers that seem future-focused. Then, look for institutions that not only offer future-oriented curricula, but whose teaching and learning and assessment are explicitly directed at a changing world”.

This then links to smart subject choices, Madhav says.

“If your field is likely to be scientific and technical and analytical, you are still well served to include maths and science and perhaps a technology subject. If your field is problem-solving and solution-oriented, then subjects like history and design or visual arts will provide that skill set. If you are looking for both, you will need both. Higher education institutions are not going to move away from some of the standard demands for particular high-demand disciplines or fields, so be sure that you understand what you need for admission and include these in your choices.

One of the key issues to consider is the fact that automation is on the rise, and that technological adoption by companies will transform jobs and indemand skills in future. And, as noted by the WEF in their most recent Future of Jobs report, skills gaps will continue to be high as in-demand skills across jobs change in the next five years.

As noted in the report: “The top skills and skill groups which employers see as rising in prominence in the lead up to 2025 include groups such as critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, and skills in self-management such as active learning,

resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility… On average, companies estimate that around 40% of workers will require reskilling of six months or less and 94% of business leaders report that they expect employees to pick up new skills on the job, a sharp uptake from 65% in 2018.”

So where to start researching which careers will exist when you matriculate, and which of them might interest you?

“A good place to start, on top of doing online research, is to find a higher education institution that has already demonstrated that they produce technically proficient and in-demand graduates, whose skills are aligned with what is required in the workplace because of their close industry connections. In other words, an institution whose curricula are up-to-date at all times, and that is able to quickly and resiliently respond to our fastchanging world. You will know who they are as they will confidently speak about change and flexibility and adaptability and about the link between study and work,” says Madhav.

“By speaking to a student advisor at such an institution, which crucially must also be able to demonstrate that meaningful learning continued during lockdown, learners will be able to discuss their current interests and strengths, and then get advice and insight into which fields will be in high demand in future, and which subjects they can choose later this year, which will give them access to these fields.”

THAT ENABLES 3 YEAR

FOR WORK, STUDY & PLAY NOTEBOOKS

3999

from

TECH

399

ADVICE and tech solutions

699

TECH NOW PAY LATER

from top brands

EXPERT

PRINTERS from

on all notebooks

LEADING

CELLULAR & TABLETS from

WARRANTY

Buy the tech you want with your store card and pay monthly with Revolving Credit. Apply in-store.