The 2023 Chronicle

In A Block, we invite a select group of boys to enter the SARB monetary policy committee challenge. This is an opportunity for matric Economics pupils from schools around the country to explore how the MPC sets the repo rate and prepare essays in the format of the MPC statement. To determine the team representing Michaelhouse, two groups of four boys from A Block engaged in an internal essay competition. We were privileged to have esteemed economist Annabel Bishop from Investec guiding and judging the participants. After careful consideration, Liam Tibshraeny, Abongile Xulu, Marc du Plessis and James Gilson emerged as the winners to represent Michaelhouse. We thank Mr Sevenoaks for his facilitation of the boys in engaging in this opportunity. Our A, B and C Block boys also participated in the Proverto Economics Olympiad for the third year running. Congratulations to Rhadesh Jihlmeet in C Block, who achieved 83% in the final round. Luke Kaufmann in B Block obtained an excellent 87% and our top A Blocker, Cameron Fleming, attained 73%. We congratulate these boys on tackling these assessments, which challenge them in concepts which are beyond the scope of the syllabus they study. Our A Block Economics boys produced pleasing results at the end of 2022. 70% of the boys achieved above 70% in Economics. Our top achiever, Mvelwenhle Guma, obtained an incredible 94%. Hot on his heels were Benjamin Frost, Lekgotla Kebonang and James Kennedy all on 93%. The Michaelhouse Economics average remained at 10% above the IEB national average. We thank Mrs Win de Wet, Mr Sevenoaks, Mr Rindfleisch and Ms White for preparing our matric boys so thoroughly for their final examination. them, the following boys excelled with results of 90% and above: Jaden Adam, Theo Apteker, Andrew Beviss-Challinor, Oliver Brown, Harrison Field, Dominic Furby, James Gilson and Edrich van Loggerenberg. Additionally, an outstanding 71% of the boys attained a distinction for their overall performance. Particular acknowledgment is reserved for Harrison Field, who attained the highest practical assessment result of 96%. Harrison’s project involved designing a science centre for a school, showcasing a deep level of research and a comprehensive understanding of architectural principles, such as functional space, flow and aesthetics. B BLOCK Our B Block boys undertook the design challenge of creating sustainable staff accommodation with a view of New Dam. They encountered the difficulty of integrating joint units on a campus site with challenging sunlight positioning. To optimize light, insulation and dam views, the boys had to critically analyse the placement of various elements within the houses.

explained how the bank contributes to the financial stability of South Africa by playing a role in maintaining price and currency stability. We thank Mr Nimrod Lidovho, Head of Public Information and Marketing Communication at the SARB, and his team for such an inspiring morning. Our B Blockers enjoyed the second year of the Entrepreneurship Day initiative. The boys were addressed on “the future, 4IR and disruptive technologies”, then embarked on a practical session regarding “ideation and rapid prototyping”, then explored starting an online business via the Shopify platform. The highlight of the day proved to be our two Michaelhouse A Block guests, Abdul Mulla and Muako Maepa, who agreed to share their insights regarding the businesses they were running. We thank Mr Rory Moore, Mr Gavin Erasmus and Mr Matthew Binnington for inspiring our young entrepreneurs, as well as Ms White for her planning and execution of the day. Continuing with B Block extension activities, we were particularly proud of Luke Kaufmann, who entered the international John Locke Institute essay competition. The competition invites pupils to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum. Luke’s essay resulted in his being selected to visit Oxford University. His particular view on protectionism, in his essay based on international trade, was highly regarded. He was received at Oxford, along with other budding economists, by economics professors and dons. He also had an interview with the dean of admissions and was able to explore the Oxford colleges. We thank Ms White for her mentorship of the process that Luke embarked on in entering this competition.

ENGINEERING GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Head of Department: Mr Evan Mickleburgh Staff: Mr Garth Quaite

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023 was a year of growth for the Engineering Graphics and Design Department. The subject had two full classes in the senior grades. With new energy, smart ideas and a relatable staff who go the extra mile for the boys, the subject has become a popular choice. A BLOCK Before discussing the achievements of the A Block of 2023, it’s important to extend our congratulations to Benjamin Turner for his outstanding performance in the 2022 matric examinations. Benjamin achieved an exceptional score of 98%, placing him in the top 1% nationwide for the subject. His remarkable work ethic was consistently demonstrated through meticulously crafted drawings and designs, characterized by a high degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. The year 2023 marked a resounding success for the department, with remarkable achievements by the A Block pupils. Among

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