Maritzburg College School Magazine Maritzburg College Magazine 2016 electronic | Page 33

SUBJECT DEPARTMENTS
Mrs Lisa Akerman joined the team at the start of the third term and quickly established a work ethic amongst the boys . Kudos goes to the Fifth Form class for catching up two years ’ work in one as they were not exposed to the subject in Fourth Form . We wish them all the best for their endeavours as we anticipate great results from the first group of Business Studies boys in 2017 .
The Fifth Form boys enjoyed an enlightening talk by Rob Hoatson , founder and director of Thirsti water . The challenges of entrepreneurship were discussed at length and marketing was a topical subject .
On the staffing front , we look forward to welcoming Mr Ricky Chirengende and Mrs Caren Randall into our fold next year . With their enthusiasm and passion our subject will continue to grow in numbers . A variety of day trips in and around Pietermaritzburg and Durban are planned for next year and we will host our first Business Studies Tour to Gauteng in the third term .
Mrs L Akerman
Computer Applications Technology
One of the new subjects introduced into the Maritzburg College subject choice for 2016 was Computer Applications Technology ( CAT ). This exciting learning area ’ s emphasis is on the use of Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) systems in a safe , proficient and industrious manner . The boys who choose to study Computer Applications Technology generally have a passion for all things technological .
CAT was introduced for the Fourth Form . We are privileged to have boys who have a deep desire to work with technology on a regular basis . We have enjoyed working with the newly installed computer systems and the latest MS Office package . It remains imperative to ensure our pupils are conversant with the newer technologies . We are grateful for the support provided by Messrs J Maistry , S Peach , R Tooms and M Dibben . A special thanks to Mr S Bosch who will continue teaching Fifth Form Computer Applications Technology class . We look forward to another stimulating and productive year in 2017 .
Dramatic Arts
“ Act well your part ; there all the honour lies .” ~ Alexander Pope , An Essay on Man
Mr A van Wyk
The Dramatic Arts Department enjoyed a bumper calendar of academic and co-curricular productions . On the academic front the boys are developing important life skills through the various activities in which they engage . As well as the dramatic skills being developed , it is encouraging to note that the boys are also developing self-confidence ; they are embracing diversity in a positive , enquiring manner and they are respectful of the various cultures which they encounter . Moreover , the boys are enthusiastic about engaging with the technical aspects of theatre .
The Sixth Form class of 2016 produced an admirable set of results in the National Senior Certificate Examination . Overall the boys achieved a 100 % pass with an average of 71 %. The following boys achieved distinctions : K Habermann , G Meiring and P Luman . R Murdoch-Oats achieved 89 % and was placed top in the class . Congratulations to the Dramatic Arts Class of 2016 .
The highlight on the Dramatic Arts academic calendar is the evening of Theme Programmes of the Sixth Form . This evening is significant as it marks the culmination of three years of performance work . The themes presented were of an excellent standard and were thought-provoking . For the audience it was a treat to watch a group of talented young men present emotionally sincere monologues , dynamic and creative linking devices , interesting tableaus and excellently choreographed movement pieces which involved skill and risk-taking .
The Fourth and Fifth Forms prepared and presented credible performances for the Creative Dramatics Evening and Act It Out Festival respectively . The
G Meiring and R Murdoch-Oats at the Sixth Form Theme Evening .
boys worked hard and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by parents and well-wishers who attended .
The extensive co-curricular calendar offered a variety of opportunities to the boys . The productions allowed the boys the platform to perform , direct , produce and run the technical aspects of all the different shows . The calendar included College ’ s major production , All Shook Up , Senior Directions - Bullet Proof , Theatre Sports , FUNK , College Actors ’ Workshop and the Performing Arts Competition .
Economics
Mrs K Thaver
The year 2016 proved an eventful and successful year for the Economics Department . Central to the success of the department was the commitment and collegiality of the staff , namely Messrs N Pillay , M Marwick , J Morgan and W David .
Academically our performance was exceptional when compared to previous years . These were the best Economics results thus far at College and it placed us as the best performing school in the province . Of a total of 94 pupils , 45 achieved A-symbols ( 48 %) and 21 achieved B-symbols ( 22 %) with an overall average of 77 %. It was a truly outstanding performance from the Class of 2016 as 70 % of them achieved a B-symbol or better . Congratulations to M Godfrey for his remarkable score of 98 %.
Our pupils were once again successful in the JSE Investment Challenge ( as reported elsewhere ). The 2016 Fifth Form Economics Tour to Johannesburg was a huge success , with the boys who attended gaining valuable exposure to the world of business and receiving sound advice from prominent business leaders about career opportunities . Most of the businessmen they visited were themselves College Old Boys , who each added a personal touch by inspiring the boys with their life stories . They also shared with the boys valuable words of wisdom and encouragement , and stressed the importance of having confidence , working hard and networking .
On a sad note we bade farewell to Mr J Morgan who left in September to take up a post in Kenya . Our sincere thanks to him for his invaluable contribution to the Economics department .
The introduction of Business Studies as a subject choice has had an adverse effect on the Economics department with the numbers down from previous years but we hope to continue to achieve in 2017 as we did in 2016 .
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the economics team for their tireless efforts , passion and commitment to teaching the subject .
Mr N Pillay
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