Rocklands High rocks language competition
Rocklands High School has made waves in a language competition run by the provincial education department.
Focusing on the debating, reading, writing, and film and media categories, the pupils competed in the finals of the Language is Lekka competition at Crestway High School in Retreat on Saturday May 18 then attended the prize-giving at the Baxter Theatre on Thursday May 23.
Pupils argued their way into the top spot in the debating category for the third time since the competition started, and the school’s media team won the new film and media category.
“With their talent and dedication, they have made our school proud. The way they are able to articulate an argument during the debate is powerful. The media team could tell stories, which is also an amazing skill,” said principal Nigel Pelston.
Debate teacher Jodie White said they had been nervous going into the debate. “It’s exceptional, it's an amazing feeling that we’ve won. To see them grow and excel in a different form away from academia. We’re really proud of them, their efforts and dedication they’ve applied in this."
Olwethu Cele, 17, of Rondevlei, said he had been part of debating since primary school.
"Debating helped me improve my speech. I’ve also joined leadership structures at school. Winning was amazing. This is our third win, and we put in lots of hard work and dedication. I’m happy it paid off.”
Mushfiqa Kamies, 17, of Rocklands, said she was thrilled that they had won the debate.
The media team had training sessions with Riaz Solker, who has directed productions such as Sodium Day, Doomsday and Black Sails, and they rehearsed every Saturday for the competition.
“They did so well in the competition. I’m very proud of what they’ve produced in the last five months," said English teacher Kashiefa Stouffers of the team's efforts.
Leigh Alexander, 17, of Rocklands, they had spent breaks and Saturdays preparing, and Leah Pitout, 16, of Tafelsig, said she had had a feeling they would win because of how hard they had worked.
