FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

Those with sore hearts started stick-fighting ( ukungcweka ) until they either begged for mercy or were separated by an older brother. They went back into the house garden, where they were treated to African cuisine: samp and beans ( istambu nobhontshisi ), steam bread ( ujeqe ), tripe ( inyama yangaphakathi ), yam ( amadumbe ), sweet potatoes ( ubhatata ) and lots of meat and vegetables. They then went to the arena, where they enjoyed the Zulu dancing – until they were invited to join in. But they did not disappoint as they had been preparing their dancing for the Zulu evening that they were to attend later. The boys left full of awe and appreciation for Zulu culture. The boys arrived at Curro Salt Rock ready to wow the crowds at the IEB Schools Zulu Evening. They sang their rendition of an acapella medley, and gave a stellar performance of gumboot dancing that left the audience chanting for more. The boys were again treated to an African delicacy gourmet for dinner. They all agreed that it had been a wholesome experience they would never forget.

Head of Department: Mr Paul Snyman Staff: Mr Righardt Kotze, Mr Gerry Noel, Ms Cheron McConnel, Ms Zanele Ndlovu (Laboratory Assistant) Intern staff: Mr Brandon Peel, Mr Jeremy Cahill ach member of the Michaelhouse Life Sciences Department brings a wealth of experience to the classroom, coupled with a deep understanding of the IEB curriculum. These teachers are not only passionate about their subject but also dedicated to providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for their pupils. Staff development is an integral part of the department and our matric teachers are all experienced IEB markers at national level. The end of 2024 marked the end of an era in that Mr Gerry Noel left the school to take up a position at St Alban’s. He was replaced in part by Mr Brandon Peel and Mr Jeremy Cahill, both exceptional teachers who have come through the Michaelhouse intern system. The department’s commitment to producing teachers of excellence is exemplified by its robust intern programme. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty members, these interns actively participate in hands-on experiments, research projects, laboratory activities and contact teaching time with the boys. Constructive feedback from our departmental E taught why in a Zulu household you don’t just walk into the yard without alerting the family first. This is done by chanting clan names as you open the gate. Nicolas Smithers chanted the clan names, and the boys were welcomed by the Induna, who led them into the house. The cows and goats were still in the kraal and the boys had a chance to herd them out after being briefed about why they are let out into the veld at different times of the day. The boys also got to experience what the ladies in the village do during the day, from making mats ( amacansi ) and grinding harvested corn to cooking uphuthu on an open fire in a three legged pot. It all seemed easy until they realised that it is way more difficult than making potjiekos . After all that hard labour, they went into the hut to cool down and have a drink, which turned out to be amahewu made just for them. They drank it down, admitting it was way better than the milkshake they had been expecting. Boys don’t rest in the village, especially when the girls are at the river. The boys had to polish up their pick-up lines as no one knew who the lucky gents would be. They were greeted by beautiful girls, and they had to showcase their beautiful pick-up lines ( ukweshela ). Some were asking, “Could we perhaps ask them to drop their 10 digits on the DMs?” The answer was no. Their poetic skills had to come into play, and not figuratively. Some got the “crown”, which is called ucu , while the older ladies were ululating.

A BLOCK SETWORK PLAY

Michaelhouse was abuzz with matric pupils from other IEB schools when we hosted Menzi Mkhwane Creations. Our A Block were fortunate to watch their setwork play, Iqonde Kuphi Le Ndlela , exactly a week before they wrote their preliminary examination. The boys also appreciated a recap session from teachers and peers from other schools.

LIFE SCIENCES

teachers enhances their understanding of the skills associated with teaching Life Sciences and instils a sense of development and growth in the profession. The department recognizes the importance of real-world experiences, so organizes enriching excursions. Notable trips included a C Block visit to Rawdons, where the boys explored the role of anaerobic respiration in beer production, and an outing to uShaka, where the boys participated in a population ecology module, enjoyed a tour of the aquarium, were treated to a dolphin show and, last but by no means least, got to spend a few busy hours at Wet ‘n Wild. These excursions provide the boys with tangible examples of biological concepts and foster a deeper appreciation for the subject. Practical work is integral to the Life Sciences curriculum at Michaelhouse, with boys engaging in hands-on experiments every term. Recognizing the significance of practical skills, the department ensures that the boys are well prepared for the matric examination. Practical work not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also equips boys with essential skills for future scientific endeavours. The department actively encourages participation in the Life Sciences Olympiad, and Michaelhouse boys have consistently excelled in this competition. The extension programme

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