Why Afrikaans
With just around 7 million native speakers, Afrikaans is one of the world’s youngest languages.
Afrikaans originated in South Africa in the 17th century with the arrival of Dutch settlers in the Western Cape region. The language evolved from European Dutch dialects and drew influences from indigenous South African languages, Malay, Portuguese and Indonesian. Although sometimes described as a Dutch-based creole, Afrikaans is recognised as a distinct language in its own right.
Afrikaans is spoken in South Africa and neighbouring Namibia and Botswana. You’ll also find large expat Afrikaans communities in places like Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
So, let’s get into it. Here are 4 reasons you should learn Afrikaans.
It’s easy!
Afrikaans is considered one of the easiest languages to master for English speakers. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) classifies Afrikaans as a Category 1 language, meaning you’ll need around 23-24 weeks (575-600 hours) to reach proficiency.
It can help you learn Dutch
Afrikaans is a descendant or daughter language of Dutch. Although Afrikaans has borrowed from other languages such as Malay, Portuguese and French, around 90% of Afrikaans vocabulary is derived from Dutch.
If your plan is to become a polyglot, Afrikaans is a good stepping stone to mastering Dutch and Flemish (and maybe even German at a bit of a push).
Experience the vibrant South African culture
If you’re planning a trip to sunny South Africa, knowing a bit of Afrikaans will instantly make you the most popular tourist in the room. Throw in some isiXhosa and we’ll practically hand you the key to the city.
Although pretty much everyone speaks English, knowing the local lingo will enrich your travel experience and may even get you invited to a ‘lekker’ braai (a fun barbeque).
Access a whole new world of exciting literature
Afrikaans has a rich literary tradition. From the poetry of N. P. van Wyk Louw to the fast-paced crime thrillers of Deon Meyer, you won’t be wanting for good reading material.
Students favourite Afrikaans words:
| pikkewyn | penguin | Danie M (Year 9) |
| pannekoek | pancakes | Connor N (Year 7) |
| koejawel | guava | Tumelo M ( Year 11) |
| Leeu | lion | Brenden A (Year 8) |
| tannie | aunt | Oratile T & Damon M ( Year 7) |
| braai | barbeque | Keno T ( Year 9) |
| verlief | in love | Siena A ( Year 7) |
| spookasem | candyfloss | Layla M ( Year 9) |
| pantoffels | slippers | Chloe R ( Year 7) |
Carmen de Villiers
High School Afrikaans Teacher
Ancient Egyptian Necklaces
The jewelry of ancient Egyptians held religious and symbolic significance and was treasured for its beauty and power against evil and death. It was buried with men and women because the Egyptians expected to enjoy wearing their finery in the afterlife.
The Year 3 students used their creativity to create the most beautiful Egyptian necklaces. This is how their beautiful necklaces make them feel:
“My necklace makes me feel shiny,” said Mila Arpesella.
“My necklace makes me feel like an Egyptian.” Said Jesus Da Silva.
“When I wear my necklace I feel like I can do anything, just like the Egyptians,” thinks Skye Venzke-Krecklenberg.
“My necklace makes me have joy,” explained Manjulika Moodley.
Sasha Rajah
Year 3 Teacher
The Seeds Of Science
This term in Year 1 we have been observing and exploring plants in our Science lessons. Taking photos, labelling and even planting our very own seeds are all fun activities that we have been partaking in these past few weeks together.
We asked the students to make their very own model of a flower, taking into account the various parts of a plant. They thoroughly enjoyed getting creative and using a variety of different materials to make their own plant.
It is very impressive to see what some of the children came up with and how they made their flower stand up.
Well done to our budding scientists!
Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher
Pre-Reception Learning All About THE FARM
The students enjoyed the various activities planned around this theme especially planting some seeds in their own container and learning how to take care of the seedlings. They are very excited to observe their little seedlings grow.
I asked some of the students what their favorite farm animals are and why. This is what they answered:
Larsen Fulton (4 years old) – “Sheep, because it is extra soft.”
Ori Monyai (5 years old) – “Horse, I like riding them and they go fast.”
Jan Pani (5 Years old) – “Turkey, they can be in the mountains and forests.”
Arye Shaik Mahomed (5 years old) – “Cow, because you get milk from a cow and I drink it.”
Ingelam Mabona (4 years old) – “Piglets, are cute and splash in the mud.”
Juliet Cronje (4 years old) – “Dog, because it is so nice and fluffy.”
Jadey Howes (5 years old) – “Sheep, when I feed them they are so soft when they eat their food.”
Don Mwenda (5 years old) – “Horse, they go super fast!”
Aaron April (5 years old) – “Dog, we have a dog at our house.”
Naleli Tsietsi (4 years old) – “Cow, because it is my favourite.”
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
Welcome to Term 4
The fourth term is always a busy and important one for both staff and students. Our Year 10, 12 and 13 students began their IGCSE and AS/A Level external examinations on the 29th of September 2020 with second language orals. We wish all our students the best of luck with their examinations.
It is also an important term for the rest of the High School as they will be writing their final internal examinations in November.
We wish everyone a productive and successful term.
Julian Harrison
Head of Academics High School
Term 4
As we stride forward into Term 4, we can’t help but reflect on what the last three terms have taught us. We have learned many wonderful things but, most importantly, we have learned that we are entirely capable of doing anything we put our minds to! No matter how scary or daunting the task of an entirely different school experience seemed, we put our fears behind us and stormed forward into the face of the unknown…and absolutely conquered!
We are extremely proud of the independence and responsibility displayed by the Year 5’s as the year progressed. As they return for their fourth and final term of the year, we encourage them to recognise how far they have come and how many new skills they have mastered.
We look forward to not only a term full of hard work and success, but a term spent together as a family; supporting, encouraging and admiring each other – even if some of it may be done through a camera and microphone!
“Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm… As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn
Robyn Pieters
Year 5 Teacher
Jolly Phonics Fun
In Reception Year we had lots of fun making play dough words to recap on our knowledge of the blended letter sounds. First we went through some letter sounds on the board and thought of some words with a particular sound in it. We then sounded out each word and wrote them on a white board. The teacher drew a picture of each word on the board from the words we had previously written. We had to use our memories to try and make the word for each picture out of play dough.
It was so much fun and we couldn’t wait to pose for a photo so that we could share the fun we’d had with everyone.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
From the Principal’s Desk, 1 October 2020
Dear Parents
Welcome to Term 4! This is the last stretch to the finish line, and we are excited to have all our students back at school.
I managed to take a few days during the school holidays to enjoy a break on the beautiful West Coast. This was an opportunity to rest and relax, but also to reflect on the past year.
During my break, I read an interesting article about ‘the new normal’: a phrase which has become a regular addition to colloquial discourse. We have all had to adapt to some kind of ‘new normal’ during lockdown and I am concerned that we are caught up waiting for life to return to what it used to be. The question is, do we want things to go back to what they were? As educators, do we want to teach the way we did prior to Covid-19?
I would hope the answer for all educators would be “NO!” Each one of us was presented with challenges, but more importantly, with new opportunities. Our teaching methods have adapted and been enhanced by the challenges of the past months; our skills have improved. Why then would we want to go back to the way things were? Let’s forget the old methods and focus on the following opportunities:
- More authentic learning experiences
- Better professional learning and teaching amongst staff
- Increased staff collaboration
- Different leadership styles and methods
These are just a few identified areas of change.
I am certain that our students do not want to return to the old ways, and this should be celebrated as a win!
There is opportunity in every challenge we face, and we have the responsibility to make the best of it. Change is as good as a holiday.
“If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”- Maya Angelou
We wish all our Year 10, 12 and 13 students the best of luck whilst they are writing their final external examinations. We believe in them and wish them every success.
Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends.
Kind regards
Edna
BIS Interact Club 2020 – Thank You
As the outgoing president of the Blouberg International School Interact Club, I would like to extend my gratitude to the BIS family. Despite the years’ immense regulations and restrictions, the support that we received from the staff, the parents and the students remained constant, if not increased.
At the start of the year we had a specific goal in mind: to support and empower people and children in need. It is no secret that 2020 has been an especially difficult and unfavourable year, and often in more ways than one. In spite of this, and because of this, we received hundreds of generous donations in aid of our initiatives.
The BIS Interact Club had 3 drives this year, the Bring-a-book Civvies Day, the second hand clothing drive as well as the sanitary pad drive. With the support of everyone in the school, we managed to collect over 1000 books, almost 800 items of clothing, 70 pairs of shoes and a box full of sanitary pads, diapers and underwear.
The books, that we collected earlier this year, were donated to the Vaatjie Moravian Primary school and the Sunshine Educare organisation. The proceeds from the clothing and sanitary pad drives were split between the Blouberg Rotaract Club and the Table View United Church for use in their outreach programs.
Good luck to the new Interact Board for the year ahead and please continue to support the Blouberg International School Interact Club in the coming years.
Katherine Lott
Secretary/Treasurer and Interact representative of the SRC 2020
BIS Interact club President 2020
The Final Week of Term 3 And A Special Thank You
One cannot help but wonder what happened to Term 3… the days and weeks have flown by so quickly. On Tuesday, 15th September 2020, we held our online Valedictory Service in which we celebrated the Year 12 class of 2020. The challenges of the recent months have perhaps been most taxing for the Year 12 class, and we recognise their resilience and determination. Congratulations to all the prize winners as well as our newly elected Student Representative Council.
Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you all. I want to thank each and every student, parent and teacher for all the hard work and effort that was put into this term. Without your dedication and hard work this wouldn’t have been possible.
Please look after yourselves during this holiday and we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the last term of 2020.
Julian Harrison
Head of Academics High School
(Photo: Class of 2020! *Masks removed for photographs only)