The 2025 Chronicle

ENGINEERING GRAPHICS & DESIGN

B BLOCK The B Block boys completed a civil-design project with the task of developing architectural plans for a wedding venue in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This task required thoughtful integra tion of aesthetics, practicality and sustainability. Additionally, they had to plan effectively for accommodating realistic guest capacity. The project demanded thoughtful spatial planning and multiple iterations of the design process, guiding pupils from early concept development through to refined computer-aided design drawings aligned to realistic construction expectations. Outstanding results were achieved by: Cameron Schwegman (99%), Nate Ross Kent (98%) and Nkgwete Tlailane 97%. C BLOCK The C Block project included the design of a contemporary three-bedroom home in Plettenberg Bay, with the challenge of de veloping a design that was both modern and environmentally con siderate, while still working within the realities and restrictions of the site. The boys’ ability to merge creativity with functional design was commendable. Exceptional results were delivered by: Daniel Pieterse (100%), Connor Pattenden (98%) and James Hullet (98%). D AND E BLOCK Across D and E Blocks, the core focus was the development of sound drafting skills, spatial reasoning and introductory com puter-aided design. In D Block, boys learned the fundamentals of AutoCAD while completing a project involving the design of a compact, two-bedroom cottage constructed from repurposed shipping containers. This task developed their ability to scale and plan accurately, produce detailed drawings and convert an initial concept into a clear, workable design. The following boys are recognised for exceptional achievement: Campbell Freeman (96%), Matthew Godbold (95%) and Lebone Motloba (95%). normal academic timetable, the magic began in quarter three, when the Future-Fit curriculum collapsed the timetable. This structure requires pupils to continue with the core subjects – English, Mathematics and first additional language – as per the normal Grade 9 NSC level curriculum. However, the content of subjects covered by human social sciences, natural scienc es and economic and management sciences was delivered through an interconnected, project-based and inquiry-based learning approach. A crucial element of this programme is the necessary shift in mindset regarding traditional assessment; while the core sub jects (English, Maths and FAL) maintained their formal exam inations, the Future-Fit components involved no formal tests or end-of-year exams. The collapsed timetable freed up time, enabling boys to engage in site visits to communities, business es and various contexts outside the school, alongside inviting guest speakers and leaders of industry to facilitate deeper un derstanding and questioning.

Head of Department: Mr Evan Mickleburgh Staff: Mr Garth Quaite, Mr Sizwe Khoza

In 2025 the Engineering Graphics and De sign Department continued to advance with a curriculum that prioritises innovation and the continued integration of industry-relevant de sign software. The enthusiasm and professionalism of the staff ensured that pupils were consistently challenged, supported and meaning fully engaged in their learning. We congratulate our A Block class of 2024 on a superb set of results, with 44% of the boys attaining an A symbol. A special mention must be made of Matthew Kennedy (97%) and Dylan Hewlett (96%), who were the top performers in the subject. A BLOCK The Practical Assessment Task once again served as a major focal point of the year, immersing the boys in a rigorous design process that demands creativity, responsibility and disciplined project management. A key feature of this task is the applica tion of computer-aided design to produce mechanical and civil drawings in alignment with the requirements set with the South African Bureau of Standards. The A Block of 2025 excelled, and the following boys are ap plauded for their remarkable results: Olver Bruyns (100%), Radhesh Jhilmeet (98%) and William Gilson (97%). These boys demonstrated both a high level of innovative technical thinking and dedicated application to the design process.

FUTURE-FIT CURRICULUM

Staff: Mrs Katherine Cass, Mr Jed Coventry, Mrs Claire Hornby, Mr Evan Mickleburgh, Mr Lwando Saunders, Mr Brandon Venter, Mr Grant von Mayer

The 2025 Future-Fit curriculum has once again proved that education can transcend classrooms, successfully equipping young

leaders to drive meaningful change.

The selection process itself mirrored the rigour we expect across our academic programmes, requiring interested boys to submit a two-minute video on the compelling topic “My differ ence is my strength”. From these applications, a class-full of boys demonstrating an eagerness to learn from experience, a commitment to a sustainable future, and strong growth-mind set potential were selected. Whereas the first two quarters of 2025 progressed along the

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