Maritzburg College School Magazine Maritzburg College Magazine 2016 electronic | Page 37

S U B J E C T D E PA R T M E N T S
Music
Music at College has taken a new turn this year with some focus on a
new range of instruments offered at the school. Most brass and woodwind
instruments are now being offered and the department is growing at an
exponential rate. At the moment we have 12 Second Formers playing
various instruments. This means that we now have a secure base at the
bottom of the structure. Our senior musicians have however led the way for
the last three years with aplomb. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 who
faired very well in the NSC examinations. This group was the first music
class to make its way through the system and the boys have come through
with flying colours. Special mention is made of M Welch who achieved
College’s first ever A-symbol for Music.
Our subject music students participated in the SASMT Eisteddfod this year
and received the following commendations:

•
•
•
•
•
D Blunt
S Bridglall
B Denysschen
H Wong
M Welch
Grade
Grade
Grade
Grade
Grade
5
6
6
6
7
Piano:
Piano:
Piano:
Piano:
Piano:

2
1
3
4
2
Silvers and 2 Golds
Silver and 3 Golds
Golds
Golds
Silvers and 2 Golds
S Bridglall and H Wong were also invited to perform at the ‘Best of the
Eisteddfod’ concert. I would like to thank Mr J Heyns for all the great
work done in preparing these students for this eisteddfod and the various
external exams these students played as well.
Below is a list of the examinations completed by our subject music students
over the last year.
D Blunt: Piano
(UNISA)
Grade 5
D Blunt: Theory of Music (UNISA) Grade 5 with merit
S Bridglall: Theory of Music UNISA Grade 5 with distinction
J Voller: Saxophone
Trinity College of Music Grade 6
B Denysschen: Piano Trinity College of Music Grade 6 with distinction
M Welch: Piano Royal Schools
M Welch: Theory of Music Trinity College of Music Grade 6 with merit
H Wong: Theory of Music UNISA
Grade 5 with distinction
H Wong: Theory of Music Royal Schools
Grade 5 with merit
H Wong: Piano Grade 6 with merit
Royal Schools
Grade 7
Pictured here are the Maritzburg College pupils that were selected
to attend the Youth Science Week due to the results they acheived in
the National Science Olympiad. (L – R) T Govindasamy, R Hodgson,
K Allopi, B Anderson, A Sutherland and M Charfaray.
I would like to thank all members of the Science department for their
work, support and dedication throughout this very challenging year where
goalposts have been shifted. Hopefully next year will be more settled and
in that way make teaching less stressful.
Mr D Trodd
Visual Art
The Art department enjoys tremendous enthusiasm from the boys. We
have around 50 boys in each of the senior forms making it a very big
department. With large numbers comes incredible diversity and a creative
spirit that is willing to challenge and push the boundaries of how we find
self-expression. As a result, boys have produced interesting lino prints,
etchings, screen prints, sculptures, as well as confidently executed oil,
acrylic, charcoal, collage and mixed media artworks. Second Formers cut
their own pens out of bamboo and made pen and ink drawings in the
school gardens in the manner of Van Gogh. Third Formers were taught the
basics of lino-cutting.
Mr S Stickells
Physical Science
In the final examination, our Sixth Form pupils achieved 35 A-symbols.
The number of boys taking Science continues to grow, however it is
concerning that some boys continue to take the subject but do not have the
necessary ability or work ethic. Often this is the result of parental pressure
because of the doors that Science opens, or the fact that it is not deemed to
be a learning subject. These misperceptions place a handful of boys at risk
of failing in their matric year. Physical Science is a subject that opens many
doors for men in the work place, but conversely, failing Physical Science in
matric slams shut many doors.
College has a department with many experienced teachers, and in
addition to that we have acquired a number of keen young teachers. This
can only improve the teaching of Science, as well as securing the future of
this subject, due to the fact that very few people who qualify in the sciences
see teaching as a profession.
Unfortunately, we say farewell to Mrs Kim Storm who joined College in
July of 2012 and has mainly taught Science and Mathematics. Kim has
gone about her work quietly and efficiently and has earned praise from
both boys and peers for her professionalism and commitment. She will be
missed by all.
Six boys had the opportunity of attending a workshop held by KZN
artist, Ben Nsusha, at the Tatham Art Gallery this year. It was a wonderful
experience where boys participated in actively learning skills.
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