Last week our Junior School had a very busy week with Eisteddfods taking place for isiXhosa, Afrikaans and English.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed watching some of the performances as part of the Eisteddfods. I have seen children, once again, enjoying themselves and many shining in areas that they clearly love – there are some really gifted performers in our midst! But, I’ve also witnessed many who perhaps have not been as confident, yet have still had an opportunity for expression and growth in self-confidence, assertiveness and in courage. Many of our children and classes have been practicing really hard for these Eisteddfods, learning/memorising their words and actions – another wonderful life skill to master and to understand – nothing great is achieved without effort and hard work”.

James Hough, Junior School Headmaster

isiXhosa Eisteddfod

Kingswood Junior was extremely pleased to have had 42 entrants in the isiXhosa eisteddfod. Ms Sindiswa Mambinja expressed how impressed she was with their pronunciation and their excellent rhythm. Mrs Zola Jonas, isiXhosa teacher had the following to say: “I am so proud of the performers for the effort put into delivering their poems”.

In the Grade 4 and Grade 5 section, there were four double golds, 13 golds, and nine silvers. In the Grade 6 and 7 section, there were five double golds, eight golds, and three silvers. We would also like to take this opportunity to thanks Ms Mambinja for helping us in adjudicating the isiXhosa Eisteddfod.

English Eisteddfod

We were privileged to welcome Mrs Vivienne van der Merwe back to Kingswood Junior to adjudicate our English Eisteddfod this year. As an ex-Kingswood Junior teacher, she brought with her vast experience and expertise. She enjoyed being back at Kingswood for the morning and was very impressed with the calibre of the poetry presentations.

The children were encouraged to select poems that would not be “safe” options, but rather ones that would challenge them in length and complexity. They certainly rose to the challenge! It was a very special experience watching our children make the written word “come alive”.

In the Grade 4 and 5 section, we were awarded three double gold, 19 gold, 35 silver and five bronze awards. In the Grade 6 and 7 section, we were awarded three double gold, nine gold and 19 silver awards.

Afrikaans Eisteddfod

We were delighted to be able to enter 45 pupils into the Afrikaans Eisteddfod. Out of the 45 entrants we had two bronze, 12 silver, and 31 Gold awards.

Our pupils outdid themselves and can be immensely proud of their courage and efforts! A special thanks goes to Miss Vonette Smit, who Adjudicated proceedings. Miss Smit comes with a wealth of knowledge and a great love and passion for the Afrikaans language and the teaching thereof.