The 2025 Chronicle

SCIENCE

open-ended inquiry that we believe will ignite lasting curiosity for the subject. We were overall very pleased with the 2024 IEB Physical Sci ences results released in January 2025. The cohort achieved a strong set of marks that reflected the considerable effort in vested by both boys and staff. The Chemistry paper proved con tentious nationwide and elicited robust discussion among edu cators; it served as a reminder of the exacting standards of the subject. A colleague from another department, drawing on his own examining experience, recently confirmed what many of us have long observed: within the IEB it is widely acknowledged that Physical Sciences remains the most demanding of all NSC subjects. We take quiet pride in that challenge and continue to work tirelessly with our boys in this rigorous discipline. We have again offered extensive additional support outside normal timetabled periods, and I extend sincere thanks to the teaching team for consistently going above and beyond. The second year of our Science Winter School, held during the July holidays, was a resounding success. Attendance grew sig nificantly, with very positive feedback received from the boys and girls who participated from schools across the region. The week of intensive practical and theory revision proved invalu able as matriculants prepared for trials and finals. We look for ward to hosting the third offering in 2026 and are already plan ning its expansion into a combined Science and Mathematics Winter School from that year onward. Another calendar highlight was once again welcoming the Grade 3 class from Clifton, Nottingham Road, for their annu al morning of fun science demonstrations and experiments. The delight on those young faces as they watch “Elephant’s toothpaste”, hear the loud explosion of hydrogen balloons and handle fiery gas bubbles on their hands is always a delight for me. This outreach visit has firmly established itself as a cherished tradition. As Head of Department, I have several exciting initiatives in the pipeline for 2026 that I look forward to sharing with the community in due course. For now, suffice it to say that the entire department is energised and eager to build on the suc cesses of 2025. We remain committed to fostering deep sci entific understanding, practical competence and, above all, a lifelong passion for discovery among Michaelhouse boys. The year ahead promises to be vibrant, innovative and rewarding.

Head of Department: Mr Clint Sliedrecht Staff: Mr Matthew Higginson, Mr Edward Jeffrey, Mr Nkanyiso Ngcobo, Mr Grant von Mayer, Mr Brandon Peel Interns: Mr Dominic Leslie, Mr Reggie Davidson Lab Assistance: Mr Raymond Duma The Physical Sciences Department has en joyed another vibrant and rewarding year in 2025, marked by strong examination out comes, deeper integration of practical work, and an ever-growing enthusiasm for science among our boys. Both staff and pupils have embraced the opportunities pre sented by our upgraded facilities and resources, and the ener gy in our laboratories and classrooms has been palpable. On the staffing front we welcomed Mr Brandon Peel into a full-time teaching role across Physical and Life Sciences at the start of the year, and have been delighted with the fresh ideas and commitment he has brought to the team. We were also fortunate to have two excellent interns: Mr Dominic Leslie, who continued to support the department with great enthusi asm throughout 2025, and Mr Reggie Davidson, our Natural Sciences intern who made a valuable contribution to the ju nior grades. At year end we bade farewell to both gentlemen. Mr Davidson left us to pursue new opportunities, and we wish him every success. Mr Leslie concluded his internship with us and will take up a part-time teaching role in the Mathematics Department in 2026. We thank them both sincerely for their energy and dedication, and the positive impact they have had on our boys and staff. Practical work was further embedded into our curriculum this year and will remain a cornerstone of our teaching approach moving forward. The investment made in recent years in dat alogging equipment, modern apparatuses and pair-work sta tions has paid handsome dividends, allowing every investiga tion to be genuinely hands-on. We continue to invest heavily in new and replacement apparatuses to support this direction. Looking ahead, we are excited to shift the E and D Block cur ricula towards a more project-based model. Freed from the immediate pressures of matriculation examinations, these year groups are ideally placed for extended investigations and

It is important that as you stay in this island of bliss far from the turbulence that many public schools face you identify, integrate and embrace your country and its national symbols and its challenges, recognising the responsibility that comes with the privilege of your education. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Michaelhouse Speech Day, 2006

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