What The IGCSE’s Taught Me
Our top achiever in the 2020 IGCSE’s recounts her experience and shares some advice with future candidates:
“A famous author once wrote “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” That author was Alan Alexander Milne, the creator of the “Bear of Very Little Brain”. A bear who would sit around all day, doing absolutely nothing but he enjoyed every second of it. So, if there was one thing I learned in the 2-year course that is IGCSE, it was that I needed to relax more, to take everything in my stride and to not worry so much about the little things. To take everything step-by-step, day-by-day, and before you know it, you’ll be running.
I remember in Year 9, when the concept of IGCSE was first introduced, everything became overwhelming. I found it tremendously difficult in the beginning. At first, I wasn’t able to grasp most of the concepts for certain subjects and I was very confused most of the time. I’d never say anything though because no-one in my class ever seemed like they were having trouble, so I assumed it was just me struggling. Thankfully I had my friends, parents and teachers to tell me otherwise. My previous idea of studying consisted of working all day at school, then coming home and doing the same thing. It took a lot to make me realise that this wasn’t going to work for me anymore.
So, by Year 10, I changed the way I studied. I stopped studying for long hours on end and began working for shorter periods of time with a little too many breaks. I found that I study better when I’m relaxed and not putting any pressure on myself. I study consistently through the year and study in moderation. In class, I told myself that I was going to start asking as many questions as it took for me to understand because understanding a concept makes remembering it easier. I’d try to make notes for my subjects in a separate book, to make them clear and orderly on paper hoping it would appear that way in head as well. I found the use of different highlighter colours made certain sections of information easier to recall during an exam because it had a colour associated to it. I tried my best in class to understand the concept first before I made notes on it so that when I did, all I had to do was solidify the ideas onto paper. My dad would make fun of my highlighters saying , “At school all I had was a pen, one that wrote if I was lucky.” But I’d like to think that it was the highlighters and the stacks of cue cards with equations that helped me retain the information better. I realised it was also very important to take care of myself first before my schoolwork, through staying healthy and remembering that school is not all there is to focus on. For me , staying relaxed, calm and enjoying my childhood would be my top priority. Getting all A’s was unexpected , my goal is simply to do the best I can.
“The forest through the trees” is something my parents would have me repeat to myself. It reminded me to look at the bigger picture and focus on the important things. Stressing about the small tests and assignments wasn’t going to do anything except burn me out before the race was even over.
My advice to other students would be: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe “
Rifqah Price,
Year 11 Student
Blouberg International School
Rifqah Price, Blouberg International’s Top IGCSE Student 2020
The Duke Of Edinburgh’s Iinternational Award At Blouberg International School
Blouberg International School is working with The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA) to offer our learners new ways to broaden their curriculum. TPA delivers The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in South Africa, and both our organisations believe that learning should not be confined to the classroom but should also take place in the school environment and wider community.
Blouberg International School provides students with an opportunity to develop soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and confidence. We are working together to develop confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged learners and create opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, serve their local community and experience adventure. By offering the Award as non-formal education alongside the academic Cambridge programmes, we are able to provide students with a holistic education.
The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA) is affiliated to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award for Young People and is a full member of the International Award Foundation which oversees the Award Programme in over 130 countries globally, with 18 of these being in Africa, and over 1.3million active participants internationally. TPA is a registered non-profit organisation (004-920NPO) with Public Benefit Organisation status, registered with SARS (PBO#930001329).
TPA motivates young people to develop character, discover their purpose and determine their future to contribute towards building a great South Africa. The Award Programme targets 14–24-year-olds across the socio-economic spectrum, from public and private schools, children’s homes, correctional services centres, universities, etc.
There are more than 100 ISASA affiliated schools implementing the Award Programme nationally.
On the Programme, there are three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Within those levels there are four sections:
1. Skills Development.
2. Physical Recreation.
3. Service to the Community and
4. an Adventurous Journey.
With guidance from volunteer adult Award Leaders, each young person builds confidence by reflecting upon their interests, abilities, and ambitions to set themselves challenges. Youth Participants progress at their own pace through the three Award levels; however, each level has minimum requirements.
At completion of the Award, young people get an internationally recognised certificate that bares the signatures of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The certificates are recognised by employers and universities worldwide.
The Programme was founded in South Africa in 1983 under the banner of the Gold Shield Award, with Dr Ian Player, as the first Chairman. In 1994 the organisation was re-launched as The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment with Mr. Nelson Mandela as its Patron-in-Chief.
Once the individual is registered, participants manage their progress with the Online Record Book (ORB) application.
The Online Record Book (ORB) is an easy-to-use online system in which Participants can record their activities and achievements. Participants can set up activities, record their efforts, upload evidence, and submit assessor reports. Award Leaders can monitor progress behind the scenes and help if required.
For more information about The President’s Award (TPA) email Mr. Riaan Vosloo, email: riaan.vosloo@iesmail.com. You can also visit the official website of TPA: www.presidentsaward.co.za
Ms. Caroline Grix and Mr. Riaan Vosloo are the registered President’s Award Leaders at Blouberg International School:
Ms. Grix: caroline.grix@iesmail.com
Mr. Vosloo: riaan.vosloo@iesmail.com
Hello Year 1’s And BIS Students!
Ich lerne Deutsch! = I am learning German!
In Year 1, the students start the subject German as a foreign language.
Friday (15th January), the Year 1 classes were welcomed to my classroom for their first German lesson.
They found out that the country is called Germany (Deutschland) and that they speak the language German (Deutsch).
They were introduced to the German flag with the simple colours of black, red and yellow and soon realised that my classroom is decorated with those 3 colours. Each student then received a German flag to colour in and take home.
They also learnt to say Hello (Hallo) in German and that I am Frau Pani (Mrs. Pani).
We ended the lesson with a simple goodbye (tschüss) that sounds just like ‘juice’ in English.
Well done Year 1, your pictures of the German flag look great!
Looking forward to teaching you German.
Bye! Tschüss!
Frau Kerstin Pani
German Teacher Primary School
Choose Happiness!
The start of the new school year has been a whirlwind of events and emotions. Students got the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates. Just as we had all settled in, we had to convert to learning online for a week…
One thing is for certain: our principal, staff, parents and students have all shown great adaptability, patience and understanding this past week.
It was wonderful to see that all my students were joining each and every lesson. Their enthusiasm and energy to keep learning, despite the various challenges, is absolutely amazing to experience. The thing that really sticks out to me is seeing their beautiful, bright smiling faces every single lesson. Even though we have been thrown a curveball and had to learn online for the week, they are still happy and eager to participate in lessons and share their answers and ideas.
Change is never easy and we will have to deal with unexpected changes and challenges throughout our lives. It is, however, up to us how we choose to navigate through those challenges.
“Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you.” – Ralph Marston
Have a look at the beautiful photos the students shared of things that make them happy.
Do yourself a favour and choose happiness.
Ria du Plessis
Year 4 Teacher
Learning New Skills
In Year 1, we are teaching our students to become independent and responsible. They are learning to do things for themselves, which are very important skills for children to learn and carry into their adulthood. It may feel like you are taking a risk at first, allowing them to feed the dog, or pour their own drink, but without taking a risk, we are not allowing our children to try and master new skills.
When independence grows a child’s confidence also grows. As they master new skills or take on some responsibility, they begin to see themselves as being capable. This gives them added confidence and makes them more likely to try out new things.
Life is full of choices, and learning how to make good decisions is crucial. You can help your child by giving simple choices early on. You might ask them which game they would like to play or which friend they would like to invite over. Go on give it a try…
Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher
From the Principal’s Desk, 29th January 2021
Dear Parents
We have come to the end of another week which proved to be just as challenging for parents as for teachers. We are therefore grateful for your continued support of our school and educators.
A special mention is due to the PA members who assisted last Saturday morning in getting the students school supplies packed and organized for collection. These ladies were indispensable in having everything ready for collection during the rush on Saturday morning.
Your support and encouragement when collecting books was greatly appreciated. This is what makes Blouberg International a family and not just a school. A special thank you to Mrs. Izelle Williams, Mrs. Betsie Lott, Mrs. Nadine Romeikat, Mrs. Cheryl Muller and Mrs. Jaqueline De Wet. ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’
Schooling for all year groups will resume on campus on Monday, 01 February 2021. Please remember that high school students are to use the gravel entrance and the primary school students, the main entrance. Siblings in different year groups may use the same entrance. Early care will be available from 07h00 and aftercare available till 18h00. Please remember to contact Mrs. Angelique Fraser on the aftercare line (064 625 9124) to arrange for collection of aftercare students.
It is important that you do not send any students to school who are showing any cold or flu symptoms. In the past, we have had to call parents to collect unwell students from school. To date we have been lucky not to have any reported positive cases amongst our students. Due diligence and adherence to protocols will allow us all to stay safe and well.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and healthy.
Best regards
Edna
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From the Principal’s Desk, 22 January 2021
Dear Parents
Despite the challenges we continue to face, the threat of schools closing, we have thrived this week at Blouberg International. It is heartwarming to see how happy our children are to be back at school. A right that should not be taken away from them.
I am sure the recent upheavals are causing anxiety in terms of your planning, but at Blouberg International we are set on giving our students the absolute best of service despite these challenges.
We received our November 2020 IGCSE (International General Certificate of Senior Education) results for our Year 10’s this week. It was a proud moment for every teacher in the High School as we celebrated the phenomenal marks achieved in all areas, but particularly Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science. Our cohort of 20 students achieved 30 A* (90% and above) 24 A’s (80% and above) and 22 B’s (70% and above).
Our top student, Rifqah Price, wrote a total of 9 subjects and received an A* for every one of them. Well done Rifqah, we celebrate your achievements with you.
Our children are experiencing this pandemic in such a different way to us adults and it is therefore important that we encourage them and ensure they are emotionally equipped to handle each day.
They might experience the feelings like:
I won’t do it.
I can’t do it.
I want to do it.
How do I do it?
I will try to do it.
I can do it.
I did it!
Each one of the above is a step as well as a choice. Let us continue to encourage them through each one and ensure they not only endure but also thrive during this time.
I wish you a wonderful weekend of quality family time.
Kind regards
Edna
Read MoreStudent Representative Council Portfolios 2021
SRC 2021:
Back row left to right: Chloë Goldman, Tshephang Mashaba, Niklyn Pillay, Gabrielle Luyt
Front row left to right: Hope Munkondia, Karen Kambizi, Edna Lawrence (School Principal), Courtneigh Harris, Samantha Wynne
Karen Kambizi
I applied for Head girl and Culture because, I want to make a difference in the students’ lives- despite this pandemic, leaving a good legacy at Blouberg International is utterly important to me. I would like to implement great ideas that will make our school the best! With that being said, I plan to take BIS to greater heights by taking advantage of the leadership roles I have been honoured with and the help of the SRC. I would like to leave a mark at our prestigious and awesome school!
Niklyn Pillay
My name is Niklyn Pillay. I am the Head boy as well as one of the Heads of Sport of Blouberg International School. As Head boy I mainly serve the students by approaching the school with their ideas, and I try to inspire others to be greater by continuing to better myself. I also help my fellow SRC with their goals and duties. Being a Head of Sport I work on improving our physical activities and try to provide the students with the best and most exciting of sports. My goals for the year are: motivating students to have school spirit, redefining the word learning; in the minds of BIS students, and enabling the students to view school as more than just a place of education.
Hope Munkondia
DISCIPLINE
As head of discipline it is my duty and responsibility to communicate with the teacher in charge of this portfolio about the discipline of my peers. This includes being fair and opposing any and all forms of bullying, victimization and discrimination. This is an advantage to the wellbeing of the school because as a fellow student and peer to the students it makes it easier to approach and look out for them.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER
My duties as secretary of SRC involve taking minutes during our meetings, which are kept for later review and reference. As treasurer I am expected to keep record of profits and expenditures of the SRC. This is a great responsibility which I take a lot of pride in. All in all, I am super proud of both of my portfolios and I cannot wait to carry out my duties to my full potential.
Samantha Wynne
My name is Samantha Wynne, Head of Student Welfare. My plans for the school include creating a space for personal growth, engaging in helpful discussions about mental health, building a long-lasting support system for the students and making them feel heard by promoting inclusivity.
Chloë Goldman
My portfolio is Student Welfare. I wanted to be a part of this portfolio because I am passionate and interested in the wellbeing and comfort of the students at Blouberg in order to make their experience here as enjoyable as possible. Some things I wish to implement in the year ahead are Buddy systems / Support groups, more informative discussions on important topics such as Mental Health and Period Poverty, as well as introducing more clubs by popular demand such as a Debate club.
Gabrielle Luyt
As the head of discipline and sports, my hopes weren’t exactly sky high going into this year, due to Covid. However, even though we’re only a week in, great progress has already been made. Sports will resume, with a bunch of fun, new and inclusive options available for all age groups, as well as the introduction of a house cup and various ways to acquire house points. Despite the dreary situation we’re all in, this year we’re hoping to bring back and prioritize high school sport and morale.
Tshepang Mashaba
The Vision I have as the Interact Representative of SRC and the Director of the Interact Club, is to fulfil ‘service above self’. I would like Blouberg International School to host more fundraisers in 2021 to combat the problems that our under-privileged and the needy community face, especially during this Covid-19 Pandemic. It is my responsibility to empower the outreach of Blouberg International School to be a reaching hand in our community.
Courtneigh Harris
Hi, I am Courtneigh Harris and I am a part of the culture portfolio in the SRC. My main goal as culture portfolio is to improve school spirit and create a space in which students feel comfortable enough to want to expand their creative side. As a member of the SRC, my job is to be someone my juniors see as an older sibling, always there to support and encourage.
– Written by the SRC of 2021 –
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Teaching And Growing Young Minds
It has been an “out of the normal” sort of start to term 1, however it has been nothing short of fun and exciting.
As a teacher, these times are never easy. We are always worried about whether our students are receiving the tools they need to grow or getting enough of us as we try to stretch ourselves between numerous tasks. As daunting as it is to be teaching during a pandemic, it amazes me how strong and committed our students are. They remain eager to learn and excited for each new day. They never falter to take on a new challenge.
Today I tasked my students with a research activity and before I could guide them on which search engines to use or how to go about starting their research they were already absorbed in the activity and enthusiastically writing down facts. They were guiding each other and sharing advice with their peers. I was so proud as I watched them and listened to the helpful chatter that filled the classroom. Except for the masks and distance between each student teaching and learning continued.
This reminded me that as teachers we are changing the world and we do make a difference. To be able to keep your classroom running as normal when you are still trying to figure out what the ‘new normal’ is and to see the little faces of eager students that excitedly walk through the door each morning wanting to learn and then actually partaking of the knowledge you have to give is remarkable. We can all take from that, that we are making a difference. Pandemic or not, we are still doing what we love… TEACHING and GROWING young minds.
Nadia Mahomed
Year 5 Teacher
Necessity Is The Mother Of All Invention – (Plato)
We all know children love and need to play. During these trying times, break times are not as much fun as they used to be. Wearing masks in this heat, social distancing, etc. are not conducive to an exciting playtime for young children.
The same can be said for ‘free time’ in the classroom. Getting together in groups playing card games, or building Lego together is just not an option. Drawing a picture or colouring in can become pretty boring. Some students in my class decided to make paper jets, which was a good idea, until ducking flying objects became a hazardous situation, not to mention a distraction to students still completing work.
But, as Plato said, necessity IS the mother of invention. Last week, I observed some students taking to the field, flying their paper jets, and having races! I really was impressed at how these young minds saw a problem and created their own solution. They had so much fun, that this has become the norm most break times.
Kim Coetzer
Year 2 Teacher
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