The 2023 Chronicle

informal local Lidgetton street vendors to the formal market through an online, democratic and participatory approach, thus contributing to the “sharing economy”. As with all the projects, we encouraged longer-term sustainability, and this marketplace in particular holds much potential in this regard. See for yourselves: https://beksmarketplace.co.za/ . 4. ANA.AI: In a drastic change of theme, Nicholas French, Preston Greene, Joel Reinhardt and Rhys Watson explored the world of artificial intelligence (AI), coding and development with the purpose of improving mental health, particularly addressing social anxiety disorder and depression in young men. This team ended up creating the early but very impressive stages of an AI avatar that would counsel young men in need. 5. KIDS OFF DRUGS (KOD): This team learned the frustrations, rewards and complexities of working with and in low-resourced and marginalised communities, such as the one in Lidgetton. Their aim was to address the need for meaningful activities in these communities to prevent local youth from falling into the drug scene, which is rife in Lidgetton. Sport, in particular, was a unifying avenue for the team, made up of Stefano Benassi, Morgan Cantlay, Sihle Ludonga and Liam O’Dwyer. After various reiterations and stumbling blocks to try and get something up and running, they eventually decided to donate board games and

Durban, where they immersed themselves in understanding the importance of the informal sector in South Africa’s economy. This was followed by an urban study of Durban’s central business district and the Point Waterfront. Chromium was the IEB’s mineral of study this year, and we were fortunate enough to have guest speaker Mr Motsileng speak to the A Block boys about the advantages and disadvantages of chromium mining as well as what the future looks like for the mining industry. The presentation was interesting and gave the boys an opportunity to engage with someone in the field, and make content that would normally be one dimensional, come to life. Guest speakers and outings into the field genuinely bring the subject to life, and it is our ambition to incorporate at least one excursion a year for each of the Blocks in 2024 and beyond. Michaelhouse is proud of the 2022 Geography results, and we look forward to celebrating similar results from the 2023 boys, who were well prepared for their final examinations. We look forward to an unchanged department going into 2024 as we believe that the department can only become stronger as we forge relationships with each other and bring to life the passion that we all possess as geographers. 6. PRESERVING THE PONDOLAND: Connor Hatfield, Henry Love, Thato Moloi and Nicholas Purdy reported on their moving journey of empathy, connection and understanding. From their D Block Pondoland hike in September this year, these boys became aware of the intrinsic social and environmental value of the Pondoland and the threats that it faces. They attempted a partnership with the Wild Trust but this became untenable, so they took to social media to boost and raise awareness and understanding. This group’s website, https://conhat.wixsite.com/khekhelezatours , was about profiling the Mpondo guides and generating ecotourism, which through their research they discovered provides the best hope for a sustainable future for the people and for the Pondoland. We are proud of these boys and all that they have done for themselves, their school and our communities. “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu emhlabeni” – humanity towards each other and the Earth. To watch a video introduction of the Future-fit curriculum, please follow the link below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBwm1GKSWh4 soccer and tennis balls, accompanied by inspirational posters. A far cry, perhaps, from their initial project scope, but something that will have an impact and of which the boys can be proud.

GEOGRAPHY

Head of Department: Mrs Dale Lynch Staff: Mr Justin McDougall, Mrs Khalipha Cele, Mr Sibs Ncamani Interns: Mr David Pachonick, Mr Anele Cebo

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t the beginning of 2023, the Geography Department welcomed Mr Khalipha Cele as a full-time teacher, as well as Mrs Dale Lynch as the new department head.

The year got off to a sprint start with new energy and a desire to improve the academic integrity of the subject.

A great focus for the year was to look at new and innovative ways to improve the senior phase curriculum, which incorporates problem-solving and awareness of key challenges of the 21st century. This was discussed at great length this year and some new and exciting changes are on their way for the 2024 curriculum. Another key focus was to look at alternative education opportunities that take the boys out of the classroom and make the syllabus tangible and memorable.

The first group to get a taste of this were the A Block boys, who enjoyed their day trip to the markets of Warwick in

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