STAFF DEVELOPMENT Dylan Ross-Watt (Junior Cricket Sports Administrator) recently attended a training course by Cricket South Africa. The purpose was to enable coach developers to successfully facilitate coaching courses and workshops in their own working environments and in a formal capacity for Cricket South Africa. Key insights gained: · A better understanding of learning principles and how they can be applied to develop other coaches and players. · How to create positive learning environments with coaches and players alike. · Tools and methods of delivery that are most effective in achieving learning outcomes · Checklists and teaching aids that can be used to enhance the learning experience and maximise the effectiveness of lessons and courses. Dylan plans to implement the following strategies at Somerset College: · The TEDPIE questioning technique. · The effective use of PUSH and PULL delivery methods. · Cricket South Africa’s new “Artistic Hunter” playing philosophy. #somcol #stafftraining #developmentopportunity #ExcellenceInEducation
PRE-PREP CELEBRATE ASCENSION DAY The Pre-Prep children enjoyed their Ascension Day story with Mr Cordery and Roland. The beautiful, interactive story was age-appropriate and meaningful for the children and the staff. Mr Brink, from the Senior School, joined them for this special celebration. #somcol #PrePrepSchool #AscensionDay #StorytellingMagic
ORCHESTRAL ENCHANTMENT Last Friday, the Grade 4 students were treated to an enchanting performance by the Philharmonic Orchestra. They were captivated by Sergei Prokofiev's musical tale, "Peter and the Wolf," brought to life by Philip de Vos' engaging narration and accompanied by the melodic strains of the orchestra. #somcol #MusicLovers #orchestralmusic #prepschool
TRAGICOMEDY Come support the talented cast and crew of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead! They were a smash hit as yesterday's opening night. Minimal tickets left for tonight and a few tickets are still available for Friday's matinee. The play is partly about two guys who don't know what they are doing or where they are going; and partly a beautiful reflection on art versus reality, and the fact that all human beings, like actors on a stage, want to be seen, heard, and affirmed (applauded). Come lend an ear and a hand to Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, the Royals, and the Players! #somcol #dramaproductions #theatrelife
ASCENSION DAY Like the tree next to our matric lawn, sometimes life's storms can uproot us. But just as this resilient stump shows signs of new life after the storm, Ascension Day reminds us of the hope and renewal that comes after challenges. May this image be a symbol of perseverance and faith as we celebrate Ascension Day together. #Ascension2024 #faithjourney #somcol #family #everlastingliveforever
PREP SCIENCE This term, the Grade 4 students have been learning about the properties of solids, liquids and gases. We have been observing and experimenting; learning how the different states of matter behave. #somcol #prepschool #scienceteacher #PropertiesInMotion
ROWING LEGACY Saturday the 4th of May marked a special day for the rowing club as one of our new single sculls was officially named the Maria Elizabeth. The Smith family chose the name to ensure Maria's legacy remains a permanent part of the Somerset College fleet. It was a special day for all involved with various family members flying in from all over the world for this special moment. We look forward to seeing this boat help many future students achieve their rowing dreams. A special thank you to Elgin Country Club for welcoming and accommodating everyone. #somcol #Rowing #family #LegacyBuilding #fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
ECO WARRIORS “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction” ~ Rachel Carson This was certainly true for the Grade 00 children as they celebrated Earth Day by engaging in a number of activities over a period of two weeks. They created earth crowns, recycled egg cartons to make paper and learnt about their carbon footprint. At the end of the theme, a beautiful collaborative art piece made from recycled materials was proudly displayed in their classrooms. These eco-warriors are reminding their parents to avoid single-use plastic and other synthetic waste materials when packing their lunch boxes. #somcol #EarthDay #ecowarriors #PrePrepSchool
TUTOR GROUP FUN The Grade 8 Vredelus girls' tutor group had an amazing time at their first outing. It was the perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds outside of school while enjoying delicious food mixed with endless laughter and camaraderie. Here's to forging everlasting bonds beyond the classroom! #somcol #FriendshipGoals #MakingMemories #Grade8Fun
EARLY MAY MORNING Good morning from our beautiful campus. Wishing you all a fantastic Friday and a weekend filled with relaxation, fun, and rejuvenation. Remember to take some time for yourselves and cherish the moments with loved ones. Let's make the most of this weekend! #somcol #GoodMorning #WeekendVibes #CommunityLove #family #GoFarFeelGood
RECONNECTING WITH ROOTS Osamu Nakada (Class of 2014) is in South Africa for a two-week visit. It was such a pleasure to take a trip down memory lane with him, reminiscing about the good old days at Somerset College. Osamu was also delighted to catch up on life, work, and everything in between with Mrs. Mandy Gibson, his beloved tutor. Osama is currently thriving in logistics in Okinawa, Japan. #somcol #AlumniReunion #Memories #oldoaks
ROCKING ROWING RESULTS We are happy to announce that seven of our students showcased their skills and dedication at the SA Senior National Rowing Championships, bringing home outstanding results: 🥇 Aoife Marx & Olivia Hefler: Girls U16 Pair Champions 🥈 Nic Ellis: 2nd Place in Men's Senior B Doubles 🥇 Cale Barnfather: Women's Senior B Singles Champion 👏 Theresse Adendorff & Amy Smith: 6th Place in Women's Senior A Quads 🥈 James Adendorff: 2nd Place in U16 Boys Double 🥉 Rupert Scorey: 4th Place in Men's Senior B Pairs 🥈 Nic Ellis & James Adendorff: 2nd Place in Boys U16 Quads 🏅 Nic Ellis & James Adendorff: 4th Place in Men's Senior B Quads Congratulations to all our athletes for their hard work and outstanding performances! #somcol #seniorschool #RowingChampions #HardWorkPaysOff #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
HOCKEY TOUR The U16A Boys and Girls traveled to Knysna to participate in the Oakhill CoEd Festival. Both teams played excellent hockey, returning undefeated. We are extremely proud of them - Let's keep up the fantastic momentum throughout the season! Results U16A Boys 4-1 win vs Outeniqua 4-0 win vs Victoria Park 2-0 win vs Bridghouse 5-1 win vs Stellenberg 2-0 win vs Knysna High 2-2 draw St Patrick’s 2-0 win vs Glenwood U16A Girls 3-0 win vs Outeniqua 4-0 win vs Wynberg 3-0 win vs Bridgehouse 3-0 win vs Victoria Park 3-0 win vs Oakhill 3-0 win vs St Patricks 2- 0 win vs Glenwood #somcol #SeniorSchool #hockeytournament Fairtree @fairtree_group
MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT Glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments! The Grades 10 and 11 social was a whirlwind of laughter, dance moves, and sheer fun! From dazzling dresses to sharp suits, our students brought their A-game and lit up the dance floor! Check out these snapshots capturing the magic of their evening. #Grade10and11Dance #MemoriesMade #somcol
ANCIENT HISTORY Our Grade 5 students have been learning about ancient Egypt in history this term. They celebrated Egypt day on Friday by dressing up and participating in many Egypt-themed activities. They had Pyramid making, hieroglyphics and sarcophagus making, but the highlight was definitely the toilet paper mummy race! #somcol #prepschool #historyfacts #egyptian
SATURDAY SCHOOL Congratulations to our Grade 12 student, Olothando Basi (Simanyene High School), who achieved the following excellent results for Term 1: Mathematics – 99% Physical Science – 100% Life Sciences – 88% English – 82% We are proud of Olothando’s achievement and have no doubt that he will continue to produce superb results throughout his Grade 12 academic year and into the final examination. #somcol #saturdayschool #goalachiever
SQUASH Our Boys U15A squash team kicked off the season with a victory last week! Winning all 4 matches with 12 games to 1 against Paul Roos. Meet our team standing next to the PRG boys, from left to right: Ethan Pinto, Juho Kim, Joe Moore, and Alex Theunissen. Let's keep up the momentum boys! #Squash #TeamVictory #somcol #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
MASTERING MULTIPLICATION Our Grade 3 students have been mastering their multiplication tables, focusing on the challenging 2X tables. Through engaging visual aids like beans, they're not only memorizing but also grasping the fundamental concepts behind multiplication. Their dedication and effort are truly commendable, and we couldn't be prouder of their progress. #somcol #prepschool #mathskills
CAMBRIDGE Calling all Grade 10 students and future Cambridge AS achievers! Are you ready to embark on an academic journey filled with excellence and opportunity? Join us for an exclusive Online Open Morning on 1 June 2024, at 9:00 AM. Discover what sets our Cambridge programme apart and learn how it can unlock your full potential. From world-class educators to cutting-edge facilities, we're committed to nurturing your academic growth and success. Save the date and RSVP to [email protected] to secure your virtual seat and receive the streaming link. Don't miss out on this chance to explore your future possibilities with us. #Somcol #Cambridge #FutureLeaders #OnlineOpenMorning #RSVPNow
REAL LIFE FOR KIDS Our Grade 5 students have outdone themselves. They dove headfirst into the Real Life for Kids project, showcasing their incredible planning, building, and creative thinking skills as they constructed model houses. In bringing their visions to life, these young minds have proven that the future of architecture and construction is bright! #somcol #prepschool #ESteam #RealLifeForKids #CreativeGeniuses #FutureBuilders
SOUTH AFRICA DAY The Grade R children loved learning about their country, South Africa! The theme culminated in a fun Friday where each child wore a traditional necklace that they had painted and where they learnt all about South African culture and food. The highlight of the morning was when they tasted delicious samp and beans. #somcol #PrePrepSchool #ourcountry
TY4TM Missed out on last night's spectacular premiere of "Thank You for the Music"? Don't fret! You still have a chance to catch the magic tonight or on Friday evening! Join us for an unforgettable showcase of musical talent! Grab your tickets now on Quicket and immerse yourself in an evening of melodies and memories! https://qkt.io/hyDEEq #ThankYouForTheMusic #MusicShowcase #GetYourTicketsNow #somcol
DERBY WEEKEND Somerset College hosted a sports derby last weekend, bringing together Rhenish Primary School, Fairmont High School, and Sophumelela High School for an energetic showdown! The campus was buzzing with excitement, from fierce hockey matches to strategic chess battles, thrilling rugby and netball clashes, and lightning-fast soccer games. Congratulations to all the talented students who showcased their skills and sportsmanship on the field! We are grateful for all the efforts and support of our students, staff and Parents' Association in creating such a successful whole-school event. #somcol #DerbyDay #TeamSpirit #Sportsmanshipn #Fairtree @fairtree_group
SATURDAY SCHOOL At Somerset College Saturday School, we are known for our academic prowess. Our small classes, with no more than 24 students per class, ensure that each student receives special, personalised attention from the teachers and can meaningfully interact with others in the classroom. Our students are never ‘lost in the crowd’. They are individuals – to us, themselves, and those around us. #somcol #SaturdaySchool #AcademicSupport
BATTLE OF THE BANDS At Somerset College, music isn't just a subject; it's a vibrant culture that empowers students to explore their creativity and collaborate with peers. From Prep School to Grade 9, students form bands and make music together. The recent inter-house Battle of the Bands showcased this spirit, with each house crafting dynamic bands and delivering spirited performances to an enthusiastic audience. Thank you for the music! Remember to get your ticket for "Thank You for the Music" at https://qkt.io/hyDEEq #somcol #musiclovers #battleofthebands2024 #thankyouforthemusic
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The social responsibility committee blessed each Macassar Primary student with a stationary pack during their Tuesday session in the IT lab. #somcol #socialresponsibility #communitylove
MATRIC DANCE Yesterday, the Class of 2024 had an unforgettable day themed around Havana, Cuba. They received their tickets, inviting them to the Buena Vista Social Club for their matric dance. Live music, vintage cars, and dancing set the scene as students mingled, snapped photos, and even got into a 'revolution' with staff. Special thanks to the Matric Dance Committee and Madame Laubser for organising this fantastic event. Save the date: September 20th, 2024, at the Buena Vista Social Club. Let's support our Matrics! #somcol #matricdance #classof2024
SWIMMING STARS Congratulations to the following students on their wonderful achievements! NIA O’CARROL (Gr8) participated in the SA Level 3 Championship Gala. She qualified for 5 finals in her age group and achieved a Silver Medal for 100m Freestyle, a bronze Medal for 400m Freestyle and got 3 personal best times. KATE ALLWOOD (Gr 10) competed at the SA National Swimming Championship in the S15 category. She represented Western Cape in 7 events, swam personal best times in 5 of these and achieved 5 gold and 2 silver medals. CHAD LEVEY (Gr12) attended the SA Junior Nationals. He participated in the following 4 events in the 15-19 age group: 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle and the 400m Individual Medley. He achieved personal best times for each race and obtained 4th place in the 400m Individual Medley. He qualified for SA Senior Nationals in all 4 events and also qualified to go to the Olympic Trials but due to this being his matric year, he chose not to go. Chad was also invited as an Elite Swimmer, to participate in the Rotary Waterfront Elite Mile. He surprised himself with 2nd place in a highly competitive field. #somcol #swimminglessons #seniorschoolsports #champions #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
PA QUIZ NIGHT Our Somerset College community had a night of brain-teasing fun and dressing up in creative attire at the Quiz Night hosted by the Parents Association. It was a thrilling evening of trivia and laughter while mingling with fellow parents and staff. Thank you for supporting our school! #somcol #QuizNight #ParentsAssociation #CommunityFun
SATURDAY SCHOOL It was wonderful to welcome the students back to our magnificent Somerset College campus after what we hope has been a happy and rejuvenating holiday. We are excited about all that this jam-packed term holds. We will continue sharing experiences and achievements with our supporters, sponsors, and followers. #somcol #SaturdaySchool #CommunityImpact
MATHS WITH SHAPES Our Grade 5 students have been learning about 2D and 3D shapes in Mathematics class. They had a lot of fun playing with 3D shapes, identifying which is which and exploring the nets that come with them. #somcol #prepschool #mathsfun
AUDIO VISUAL COMMITTEE On Friday, 12 April, the Senior School's Audio-Visual Crew was privileged and delighted by a generous donation from the Caspary family - they received several wireless microphone systems. These microphone systems will serve the Senior School's Audio Visual Crew to continue their special skills of making everyone sound and look better! Pictured left to right are Mrs Ute Caspary, Mr Hermann Caspary and some members of the AV Crew: Isabell Caspary, Matteo Keppke & Benn Viljoen (Head & Deputy of the Crew) and Mr Charl Moller (Teacher in Charge of the AV Crew). #somcol #avcrew #studentcommittees
PREP HOCKEY On Thursday, 11th of April, our U13A Hockey Boys and U13A Netball Girls played fixtures against St Faiths School, a touring school from the UK. After the last fixture, all teams enjoyed a proper South African Braai at the Outdoor Learning Space! #somcol #prepschool #HockeyLife #makingfriendseverywhere #braaitime #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
DISCOVERING NATURE Mr Nel, our Executive Head had a special treat for some of our Pre-Prep children - a close encounter with “our” owls in the tree right outside his office! Our little ones were thrilled to see this majestic creature in its natural habitat. Moments like these spark curiosity and wonder, fostering a love for nature and learning in our young minds. Let's continue to explore, discover, and cherish the wonders of our world together. #somcol #PrePrepSchool #NatureDiscovery #LearningIsFun #CuriosityUnleashed
RUGBY SEASON Exciting times for College rugby as the season kicks off this weekend. The Somerset college rugby teams are set to kick off the 2024 season with matches against Plumstead High School this weekend. U15 at 09:00 at Plumstead U18 at 10:00 at Plumstead Good luck boys, we are behind you all the way! #somcol #seniorschoolsports #rugbyteam #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
UBUNTU DAY During the last week of term 2, the Prep School celebrated UBUNTU day. Ubuntu is the African philosophy translating to, ''I am because we are.'' Each grade gave back to the community in one way or another: Gr1 - 3: Easter Celebrations with Op die Plaas school. Gr4: Fun day with Firgrove Primary School Gr5: Nappy Drive for Heartlands Baby Sanctuary Gr6: ACVV Bright Lights Carepacks Gr7: Various projects, such as Brak en Jan fun day, community clean up and painting local schools. Thank you to the students, staff and parents for your enthusiastic participation and support! #somcol #Ubuntu #prepschool #outreach
MATRIC MILESTONE The Class of 2024 just got their hands on their matric hoodies! From late-night study sessions to unforgettable memories, these hoodies symbolise the journey of resilience, growth, and friendship that defined their senior school years. Here's to the countless adventures ahead and the enduring bonds they’ve forged along the way. #somcol #Classof2024 #MatricMemories #GoFar
CONSUMERS OUTING On the 15th of March, the Grade 12 Consumers Study students had the honour of experiencing the Chef’s Dinner at the V&A Waterfront catering school, Stir Crazy. The head chef of the night who prepared all their meals, alongside the students, also owns the company. They were served an eight-course meal primarily made up of seafood dishes. Each dish came with an explanation of what it was made of, how it was made, and how some of the ingredients were gathered. Through this excursion, the students got to experience the art of fine dining and see unique and interesting ways in which different flavour profiles could be combined. Each dish was prepared and plated in front of them, allowing them to develop new skills, which they plan on using in their own kitchen. The students' were also allowed to talk to the different chefs and ask them for advice regarding the dishes they will be preparing for their final exam. To top it all off, after their meal, they were given a personal tour around the school. The Head Chef showed them where theory and practical lessons take place as well as the new bar they are building, which will be used for mixology classes. Overall the evening was a massive success and the students were grateful for the experience. #somcol #seniorschool #consumers @stircrazycookingschool Stir Crazy Cooking School
MTB CYCLING Sven Etsebeth, Grade 8, participated in the Western Cape Schools MTB Cycling event at Ridgeback Estate this past Saturday, 6 April 2024. Sven represented Somerset College in the High School Boys Sub Junior category and came 2nd place out of 87 participants. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. #somcol #SeniorSchool #mtbchallenge #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
PREP NETBALL Several of our students attended the Western Province U11 and U12 Netball trials. We are pleased to report that the following girls have been selected to attend the second round today, Wednesday 10 April. #somcol #prepschoolsports #netball #fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
REAL LIFE FOR KIDS Our Grade 5 students are halfway through their Real Life For Kids program, and they had to buy land in an auction and start building their houses and bridges for the town. The students had lots of fun bidding on their property. We are excited to see what their finished houses will look like! #somcol #prepschool #reallifeforkids
PROJECT DAY The ESTEAM Centre was bustling with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit on 19 March as our Grade 8 students embarked on an exciting Market Day project. The challenge was to cultivate their business acumen by brainstorming, planning, pricing and marketing a simple sideline business. With a keen focus on real-world skills, the project required students not only to create a business plan and provisional income statement but also to design a captivating flyer and produce a promotional video to showcase their products or services. The Market Day provides a platform for the practical application of business concepts and also instills essential skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation and problem-solving. This hands-on experience allows our Grade 8 students to gain valuable insight into the world of commerce while fostering creativity, collaboration and resilience. #somcol #SeniorSchool #ESteam
FARMERS MARKET The Grade 4 students hosted their Farmers Market on 18 March, during which their entrepreneurship skills were put to the test. The children chose to create delicious food items which had a "farm feel". From popcorn to lemonade, brownies to toffee apples, their creativity was lovely to see. The Prep School students and teachers alike enjoyed sampling their wares. Their earnings will go towards an outreach project for our school community later in the year. It was a great way to finish Term 2 and their ESTEAM topic on "Farming for the Future". #somcol #ESteam #farmersmarket #prepschool
HELPING HANDS What do get when you put a bunch of Grade 11 students together with 🥕🥬🧅🧄🍗 and various other ingredients? 6 POTS of delicious soup and 60 sunshine bars! Thank you to the students for helping "Out the Box", during their school holiday, to support the Somerset West Night Shelter and to help fuel the sunshine kids of The Darcey Sunshine Foundation. #somcol #CommunityConnection #gofar @thedarceysunshinefoundation
PREP INTERHOUSE CHALLENGE Our Grade 5 students recently had their Interhouse Day Challenge. A highlight of the day was the indoor hockey challenge! #somcol #prepschool #interhousecompetition #gofar
HOCKEY SEASON Leading up to, and during the Easter holiday, our hockey teams participated in various festivals and tournaments: - The Cape CoEd Festival was excellent pre season preparation for our 1st, 2nd and U16 teams. - The Paarl Boys Festival provided our U14A Boys many lessons from playing against high-quality opposition. - The SALT U14 Festival, as well as our own Somerset College U14 Hockey Festival, gave our U14A Boys and Girls wonderful exposure and makes us excited about the future of hockey at Somerset College. - At the Bloemhof Fairtree Tournament, the U16A girls came up against tough opposition and performed well against some of the best hockey schools in the country. - The U16A and B Boys participated in the Paarl Gim Festival. - The U16A Boys took part in the Rondebosch U16 Festival and achieved some excellent results. - The 1st Team Boys showed great improvement and finished unbeaten in the Independent Schools Festival held at Bishops as part of their 175-year celebration. - At the Belgotex Easter Tournament, our 1st team Girls claimed the winner's trophy and the 1st team Boys finished 5th out of 40 participating teams. Yesterday, the 1st team Girls flew to Johannesburg to participate in the Annual St Mary's Festival, which is attended by the top girls hockey schools in the country. We wish them all the best and look forward to some positive results. #somcol #seniorschoolsports #hockeyseason #fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
RIVER RAFTING A group of our Grade 6 students have just returned from a fun few days at the Orange River. They enjoyed 3 wonderful days paddling down the river, enjoying beautiful views and enjoying the time with their friends. They concluded their trip with a hike up to an old mine and were rewarded with a spectacular view. #somcol #prepschool #riverrafting #adventures
SCIENCE FAIR Our grade 6 students recently participated in their first science fair, where they investigated and presented a topic of their choice. #somcol #prepschool #ScienceFairFun
Last week, we hosted our very first Newberry Interschools open water swimming event. Open water swimming has been part of our Newberry sports for the past two years, and we were very excited to invite Applewood Preparatory School , Beaumont Primary School, Somerset College to join us for our inaugral event this year. Items included a 200m, 400m and 800m swim as well as a 4x 200m relay. One of the coaches remarked that the confidence that was instilled in those who took part was the most valuable part of the day. A massive well done to all the swimmers who participated in the event. A special thank you also goes out to Orca Swimming and Fluidlines for the prizes and support, our event organisers and volunteers, as well as our team of fantastic swim coaches, Amy, Marele and Ronel, for their hard work throughout the season. #NewberryHouse #NewberryEducation #NewberryEnvironment #NewberryExperience #openwaterswimming #beaumontprimaryschool #ApplewoodJourney #somcol #fluidlines
PREP ARTS AND CULTURE Last week, the Grades 4 to 7 students performed at our first co-curricular arts and culture evenings last week. The evenings included marimba playing, drama performances, improvisation skits and music bands. It was a celebration of creativity and dedication showcasing hard work and artistic growth. #somcol #prepschool #artsandculture
BOTANICAL OUTING Last week, the Grade 3 students had a wonderful day out in The Stellenbosch Botanical Garden. They are learning about greenhouses and are very excited to design, build and present their own greenhouses. #somcol #prepschool #botanylovers #greenhousegrown
GRADE 4 ESTEAM DAY The Grade 4 students enjoyed a fun-filled day of learning and innovation as we explored the topic of ‘farming for the future’. We listened to an informative talk by our guest speaker, Mr Brink, on current pome fruit farming practices. The children then constructed a prototype of an innovation for future farming using recyclable items. The Grade 4 students worked well together and some of their ideas were most creative! #somcol #prepschool #ESteam
FRIDAY FUN AT PRE-PREP The Grade R children love Fridays. They wear their ‘Nest’ t-shirts and look forward to discovery, fun and endless learning. They especially love surprise visitors. Thank you Mr Nel for popping in to visit Pre-Prep. #somcol #PrePrepSchool #FridayFun
CROSSFIRE The senior school Crossfire group came to the prep school to run their Scripture Union social. They played games, did some crafts, and of course, enjoyed an Easter egg hunt! The Easter message was clearly presented and there were opportunities for the Prep children to engage and chat with older students about their faith. It was a wonderful time of friendship and fellowship between the two schools' Christian groups. #somcol #Crossfire #scriptureunion #eastermessage
PREP INTER-HOUSE GALA We're thrilled to announce the results of last week's Interhouse Swimming Gala, where the Avontuur House made waves and emerged victorious! Congratulations to all the students who showcased their talent and dedication, and a special shoutout to Avontuur for their outstanding teamwork and determination! A big thank you to everyone who participated and supported their houses. Your enthusiasm and spirit made the event a resounding success! #somcol #prepschool #interhousesports #swimmingpool #gala #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
GETTING TREK READY Last weekend, a few of our Grade 9 girls and their tutors decided to get ‘Trek fit’ by hiking in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Starting bright and early, they hiked the Tweede Waterval route which culminated in a cool dip in the river. Our students are so privileged to have nature on our doorstep and this will hopefully be the first of many hikes in preparation for Trek! #somcol #trek #hikingtrails #outdooreducation
PREP HOCKEY Kicking off the hockey season, our U13A teams played their first matches against the Banda School from Kenya. After the matches, all the teams gathered for an evening of getting to know each other. #prepschool #somcol #sportsmanship #hockeygame #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
DRAMATIC ARTS The senior Dramatic Arts students spent the first term mastering wide-ranging performance styles. The Grade 10s experimented with broad, exaggerated Commedia Dell'Arte, the Grade 11s explored the difference between Melodrama and Realism, while the Grade 12 students have started building their repertoire of material for the end of the year by exploring subtext in their Monologues. #somcol #SeniorSchool #dramaticarts
TWO SCHOOLS IN CONCERT If the audience's reaction was anything to go by, the joint concert on Thursday 7 March featuring Somerset College and Durban Girls' College, was a perfect illustration of the joy that music-making can bring to a community. Featuring Somerset College's Jazz Band, Jazzelites, Recorder Ensemble, Resonance, Choir, and solo musicians alongside Durban Girls' College's Tour Choir, the programme concluded with a moving rendition of "God Bless Africa," symbolising hope and unity. This kind of collaborative effort underscores the transformative potential of music in shaping a brighter future. #somcol #MusicMagic #concert #SeniorSchool
DR SEUSS WEEK Last week the Junior Prep School wore their nmaes and got ‘Hooked on Books’. They had great fun while making special new memories. They ended off the week dressing up as book characters. Staff and students all participated in the fun - living their true fairytales at heart. #somcol #prepschool #drseussweek #libraryfun
LEADERSHIP CAMP The Grade 7 students spent three days on camp at Wortelgat, where the focus was on learning about leadership and developing their leadership skills through a variety of fun and challenging activities. It was also an awesome opportunity to build on the Grade 7 ‘Gees’ - we were blown away by their singing on the bus. We look forward to seeing them rise to the challenges of Grade 7 and embracing their roles as leaders of the Prep School. #somcol #prepschool #leadersofthefuture #gees #leadership
FAMILY CRICKET DAY Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual cricket event. The fields were buzzing with energy as our talented players showcased their skills and sportsmanship. From the mini-cricketers to the seasoned pros, each match was filled with excitement and camaraderie. Special shoutout to our mini-cricketers and their brave parents for the entertaining showdown on the field! Watching the generations come together for some friendly competition was a joy. A massive round of applause to our Old Oaks for taking on our 1st XI team in an epic battle that had everyone on the edge of their seats! Congratulations to the Old Oaks on the win! But the excitement didn't end there! Our bring-and-braai at the Pavilion was the perfect way to wrap it up, with delicious food and great company. We couldn't have asked for a better turnout and support from our cricket community. Your enthusiasm and passion truly made the day a memorable one. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success, from our players and parents to our dedicated staff and coaches. #CricketCelebration #teamspirit #memorablemoments #somcol #community
HOCKEY SEASON EXCITEMENT With the winter sports program starting this week, the hockey teams have begun their preparations for the upcoming season. Trials took place in February and practices are underway as teams prepare for a very exciting and busy hockey schedule. Matches start this weekend so come down to the Astro to support our teams! Good luck to all the teams taking part in the upcoming tournaments in the next few weeks! #somcol #hockeyseason #SportingFun #Fairtree
READING WEEK Reading week kicked off to a good start with our Fox in Socks day and Reading buddies. The grade 1 students enjoyed questioning Mr Verdal-Austin and Mr Nel, in assembly, on whether they liked 'Green eggs and ham'. #somcol #prepschool #readingweek
PREFECTS PLAYDATE The inaugural senior school prefects' playdate with the Pre-Prep students took place last Friday. The parachute was out for all to enjoy, along with the usual bikes, trikes, sandpit toys and water play. We weren’t sure who had more fun, the prefects or the Pre-Preppies, but it was certainly a hive of activity on the playground. The prefects were given a popsicle before they headed back to class, as a thank you for spending time with us. #prefectplaydate #somcol #PrePrepSchool #playschoolfun
HANDS ON WITH HISTORY The Grade 8 students got 'hands on' with their history! As part of their Technology through Time unit, they have been exploring how our early ancestors crafted tools which enhanced their capabilities. They were tasked with creating a museum exhibit which displayed tools from the Prehistoric period, this included them making stone age tools with clay. This gave them a valuable insight into how early examples of technology have helped us to develop and prosper, as well as demonstrate the importance of physical evidence. #somcol #SeniorSchool #history #prehistoric
ASHES 2024 🏏 What an exhilarating two-day match it turned out to be! Somerset College's 1st XI went head-to-head against Parel Vallei in the highly anticipated "The Ashes" clash, delivering an impressive performance throughout! Somerset College put up a formidable total of 247-8, highlighted by outstanding displays from Callum Hughes (91), Owethu Moyi (45), and Chad Ayford (30). However, the most spectacular moments unfolded during Parel Vallei's innings, as they struggled to counter our bowling attack. Tyler Crafford stole the show with a sensational spell, claiming 5 wickets for a mere 20 runs, with Chad Ayford providing crucial support with 3 wickets for just 5 runs. Parel Vallei were bowled out for 48, and follow-on was enforced. Despite Parel Vallei's resilience in their second innings, the bowling attack, spearheaded by Daniel Kaplan (6 wickets for 34 runs) and Callum Hughes (2 wickets for 21 runs), proved too much to handle. PV got bowled out for 104. 🏆 Ultimately, Somerset College emerged triumphant by an innings and 94 runs, successfully reclaiming "The Ashes"! Congratulations to the team for this remarkable victory!🎉 #Cricket #TheAshes #somcol 🏏 #fairtree @fairtree_group Fairtree
SATURDAY SCHOOL In 2022, Somerset College officially launched a Saturday School programme under the umbrella of the Acorn Bursary Trust to provide comprehensive academic support to students from disadvantaged communities in Strand and Somerset West. We currently reach 130 young people in Grades 11 to 12, including a Holiday and Post-Secondary Educational Programme. Our educational approach is a holistic one: we work to improve the students’ English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences results, and we also provide opportunities for students to engage in sporting and cultural activities. What distinguishes Somerset College Saturday School from the norm is a shared educational vision, devised to shape character, build knowledge, develop skills, and prepare our students to face the challenges of a fast-changing world. This vision informs our educational approach, which supports both the pursuit of excellence and the exploration of possibility. #somcol #GoFar #community #SaturdaySchool
PREP TENNIS Our prep tennis has been up and running this past term, playing schools like Rhenish, Beaumont and Lochnerhof. It’s been very exciting to watch our future tennis stars in the making. #somcol #prepschool #tennis #Fairtree Fairtree @fairtree_group
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Thursday, Ms van Zyl and the Grade 11 students made sandwiches for our weekly Sandwich Spread initiative. 70 Loaves of bread were spread and delivered to Macassar Primary School. #somcol #outreachproject #sándwichspread #SpreadtheLoveandKindness
INTER-HOUSE PLAYS The 2024 SomCol Inter-House Play festival was staged on Tuesday, 20 February in the Boonzaier Hall. Facilitated by the Grade 12 Dramatic Arts students and their teachers, the houses devised their own plot lines and theatrical devices around the focus of Slapstick Scenarios. There were razor-sharp one-liners, social satire, and much frenetic physical comedy on display, all delivered via delightful performances by junior and senior students. Some high-quality milk chocolate awards were given to standout performances by Khumo Ntisana (Avontuur), Takunda Mapanzure (Helderberg), Daria Roeloffs (Cloetenberg) and Albert Beukman (Vredelus), while Vredelus and Avontuur were recognised for excellent ensemble scenes and Cloetenberg won the newly introduced Mr Walters Award for Best One-Liner! The Grade 12 Dramatic Arts students are congratulated for facilitating this year's devised theatre festival and for ensuring a community of creativity. #somcol #drama #SeniorSchool #slapstickers