ARTS & CULTURE

School cultural activities play a significant role in the holistic development of students. They provide a platform for students to explore and express their creativity, learn about different cultures, and develop social and interpersonal skills. Prestige College offers some free activities because we believe they should be part of a child’s upbringing. Other activities that are also key for learners with special skills who excel in that field are presented at a cost to parents because we have to rely on an “outside coach” who is not employed by the school but hired by the parents through the cash fee they pay to those individuals with outstanding skills. Parents have to arrange payments with the relevant coaches.

Here’s an overview of cultural activities presented at Prestige College:

Choir

Choir is an integral part of the Prestige school life because it offers numerous benefits for students, both individually and collectively. Choir isn’t just about music; it’s about creating a supportive environment where students grow personally and contribute to a community, enriching their school experience. The choir went to perform overseas on several occasions.

Coach: Mr S Ndlovu

Marimbas

Marimbas are an exciting and engaging addition to Prestige College’s music program and long-standing tradition. Our marimbas are known for their warm, rich, and mellow sound and represent the school in different ways at various competitions and festivals.

Coach: Mr Volley Nchabeleng

Drama

Performing Arts is an essential part of Prestige College education because it provides numerous academic, social, and emotional benefits that contribute to students’ holistic development. Incorporating drama into school curricula nurtures well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially and emotionally intelligent. We participate in eisteddfods, school productions and musicals.

Coach: HOD: Ms N Mahope

Spelling Bee

Spelling bees are essential to Prestige College for several reasons:

Improves Vocabulary: Participating in a spelling bee helps students expand their vocabulary. They learn the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of words, which enhances their language skills.
Enhances Focus and Discipline: Preparing for a spelling bee requires attention to detail, concentration, and discipline. Contestants must practice regularly, enhancing their ability to focus on the task at hand.
Boosts Confidence: Competing in a spelling bee can boost a child’s confidence while learning essential skills. The experience of standing up and performing in front of an audience helps with public speaking and overcoming fear.
Promotes Academic Achievement: Success in a spelling bee often reflects a strong command of language and academic discipline. It encourages students to excel academically, especially in language-related subjects.
Encourages Healthy Competition: Spelling bees provide a platform for students to challenge themselves in a healthy, competitive environment where they learn the value of hard work and perseverance.
Cognitive Development: The mental exercise involved in learning to spell complex words enhances cognitive abilities like memory, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.
Cultivates a Love for Language: A spelling bee can spark a more profound interest in language, literature, and words, which may lead to lifelong learning and curiosity about linguistics and writing.

Spelling bees contribute to personal growth, academic excellence, and a greater appreciation for language.

Coach: Mr M v d Heever

Debating

Debating is a formal method of discussing and arguing different viewpoints on a particular issue, often in a structured and organised manner. In debates, participants present arguments and counterarguments to persuade the audience or judges to support their position.

Debates typically involve:

Structured Format: A set structure is often followed, with each participant given specific time limits to present their points, respond to opponents, and summarise their position.
Topics or Resolutions: Debates revolve around a specific topic or resolution, where one side supports it (affirmative) and the other opposes it (negative).
Arguments and Evidence: Debaters use logic, reasoning, facts, statistics, and examples to support their positions and refute the opposition’s arguments.
Public Speaking and Persuasion: Effective communication skills, including clarity, confidence, and rhetoric, are essential in debates.

Debating can be competitive, like in debate clubs or tournaments, or more informal, such as in discussions or classroom settings.

Coach: Mr G Bembe

Public Speaking

Public speaking is delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It is an essential skill used in various settings, such as business meetings, educational presentations, public events, and conferences. Here are some key points about public speaking:

Key Aspects of Public Speaking:

Confidence: A confident speaker can effectively engage the audience and deliver the message. Confidence comes with practice and preparation.
Clarity and Structure: A well-organized speech helps the audience follow the main ideas. Typically, a speech should have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Engagement: Effective speakers engage their audience through eye contact, gestures, and a conversational tone. Interaction with the audience can make the speech more impactful.
Use of Visual Aids: Visuals like slides, graphs, or videos can enhance understanding and retention of information.
Voice Modulation: A varied tone, pace, and volume can emphasise important points and keep the audience interested.
Body Language: Non-verbal communication, such as posture and hand movements, conveys confidence and reinforces the message.
Practice: Rehearsing the speech ensures that the speaker can present smoothly and handle potential issues that might arise, such as questions or technical difficulties.

Coach: Mr M van den Heever/ G Bembe

Ballet

Ballet classes offer a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some critical advantages of your child taking ballet classes. Ballet classes are offered for Gr RR to Gr 7.

Strength and Flexibility: Ballet requires strong muscles, especially in the core, legs, and arms. It also helps increase flexibility through stretches and poses.
Balance and Coordination: Focusing on proper posture and precise movements improves overall balance and coordination.
Endurance: Ballet builds cardiovascular endurance as dancers are constantly in motion, improving stamina.

Posture Improvement: Ballet emphasises alignment and posture, helping to reduce bad habits and promote healthier spine and body mechanics.
Performance opportunities: All ballet dancers have a ballet concert once a year where they can show off their newly acquired skills, which is also their exam.

Coach: Mrs Hanlie : Contact: 083 477 1743

Hip-Hop

Taking hip-hop classes can offer numerous benefits, both physically and mentally. Here are some key advantages:

Cardiovascular Health: Hip-hop dancing involves fast-paced movements that get your heart pumping, improving your cardiovascular fitness.
Strength and Endurance: Constant movement and various dance styles help build strength in your core, legs, and upper body. The energetic routines also boost stamina and endurance.
Flexibility and Coordination: Hip-hop requires a lot of body control and flexibility, helping to improve your range of motion and overall coordination.

Creativity and Self-Expression: Hip-hop dance encourages self-expression and helps you tap into your creative side. You can use movement to express emotions and tell stories.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Mastering new moves and performing in front of others boosts self-confidence and can foster a sense of accomplishment.

Enjoyment: Hip-hop is fun and exciting, motivating people to continue dancing.

Hip-hop classes provide a mix of physical, mental, and social benefits, making it a rewarding activity for people of all ages and skill levels.

Coach: Mr Henry Contact: 074 514 8914

Cost: R250 pm

Violin

Taking violin classes offers a wealth of benefits, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills. Here’s why you might consider them: Classes teach proper technique, including bowing, fingering, and posture. Regular instruction helps refine tone, precision, and dynamics. Whether you’re pursuing it for personal growth, a professional path, or simply a new hobby, violin classes can enrich your life and musical journey. Are you considering starting classes?

Coach: Mrs Ingrid Contact: 083 570 8671

Cost: R250 per month

Photography

Mr Lategan offers a Photography course, an exciting and dynamic extra-curricular activity that will evolve as you grow as a photographer. This introductory course is designed for learners aged 13 to 18 and will guide you through the basics of photography, gradually advancing into more complex techniques and skills. As you progress, you’ll learn to capture stunning images and work with professional equipment, eventually gaining the expertise to photograph events and functions with a professional touch.

Not only will this course develop your technical skills, but it will also foster creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Photography can boost your confidence, as you can see the world through a new lens and share your unique perspective. It’s a great way to enhance your visual storytelling, improve your focus and patience, and open doors to potential career opportunities in various fields, from media to event photography. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to take professional photographs and confidently pursue photography as both a hobby and a potential career path.

Teacher: Mr L. Lategan Contact: 072 411 6177

Price per learner: R250 per month