We have arrived at the first fixture-free weekend in a blur. In the classrooms, there has been a focus and intensity which reflects the onset of the upcoming public examinations. Equally, on the sports fields and in our cultural spaces, there has been considerable activity. This was highlighted in this week’s Assembly, which highlighted the breadth and success of our competitors and teams. With the start of the Cambridge examinations, the tempo of activity for the seniors in the school will shift towards the expectations of the exams. For D to B Block, the sports and cultural programmes continue as normal, and I would urge you to see the calendar for fixture arrangements.
B BLOCK CHIMANIMANI EXPEDITION
The B Block returned last week from another successful Chimms trip. The challenges offered by this expedition provide the B Block with an excellent opportunity to test both their physical and mental strength. It also offers an incredible insight into one of Zimbabwe’s hidden and less-visited gems. The scenery and ecological environment are unparalleled, and exposure to this provides lifelong lessons which are framed in conversation long after your school days.
Special mention must go to Mr de Kock and his team for their professional management of this expedition. Whilst on expeditions, A Block parents are invited to a meeting (Megahey Centre) at 09h30 on Monday 28 September for an introduction to the BVC trip after the A Block IGCSE examinations
HERITAGE-BASED CURRICULUM (HBC) – C BLOCK
C Block parents must please reference a letter sent to them on Friday 25 September, which outlines the mechanics of IGCSE subject choice following the introduction of Shona and Heritage Studies into the curriculum in 2027. This is an important communication which requires a response from parents to the school.
SPORTING SUCCESS
Over the course of the last three weeks, the school has enjoyed considerable sporting success. During the school holidays, our archers enjoyed much success for Zimbabwe at the regional tournament in Botswana. They return home having won the gold medal – a significant achievement when pitched against countries like South Africa and Namibia.
Closer to home, our cricketers were crowned the St John’s T20 Champions, beating Kearsney, from South Africa, in the final. Similarly, our water polo players did well to gain second place at the Crusader Shield in Bulawayo. The Crusader Shield is a long-standing water polo tournament which pits the top schools’ water polo teams against each other. Our tennis players also returned home from the Sun City Schools Tournament with the bronze medal.
OPEN DAY
On Monday 21 September, we welcomed 141 Grade 6 boys and their parents to the school. We will be hosting a second, smaller number of visitors on Friday 25 September. Our visitors were given a realistic insight into the workings of the school, as well as an opportunity to see the range of resources available to the school which go towards forming the backbone of teaching and learning. We are delighted with the feedback received from the day, and applications and interviews for 2028 have already begun.
DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR
The world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir will be performing in the Peterhouse Boys Chapel at 18h30 on Tuesday 29 September. We look forward to welcoming the Choir to the school. They will also be sharing time with our choirs prior to their performance on Tuesday evening.
DIARY DATES
Please note the following important dates in your diaries.
Start of CIE Examinations: 24 September
Speech Day: 24 October (PHG 09h30 : PHB 14h30)
Leavers’ Service: PHB 1 November : PHG 4 November
End of CIE Examinations: 13 November
Group Carol Service: 29 November
End of Term: 3 December