VOL 1 2014
MUDRAT
MAIL
GRADE 5
ACADEMICS
We are, unbelievably, half-way through the first term and
already much has been accomplished on the academic
front. The boys have settled well into the routine of Grade 5
and are steadily developing new skills across the curriculum.
We are encouraging our boys to become thinkers and to
start questioning in order to develop enquiring minds. We
urge you to do the same at home; question and encourage
your sons to think and to solve their own problems. Encourage them to communicate their thinking with you and to
share ideas.
Diary Entry: An example of one of the boy’s writing after having returned from the tour.
DAY 1
Today we left school on a bus to Durban. Then we arrived at the Sharks Board. After that we went to the Maritime Museum. Thereafter
we went on a harbour tour. We finally arrived at Port Natal High School.
At the Sharks Board, we watched an interesting movie clip about sharks. They also showed us the heart, liver and stomach of a Ragged
Tooth Shark. It was smelly when they dissected the shark. When we arrived at the Maritime Museum we saw two ships. One of them was
on land and the other one was in the harbour. The one on land was called the Ulundi and was powered by coal. It was built in 1916! The
one in the water was a tugboat and it was called the J.R. More. This boat was powered by oil. We then went on a harbour tour on a boat
called the Jolly Roger. As an activity we had to spot different items in and around the harbour. We then arrived at Port Natal High School
where we were split up and shown our dormitories. We raced at the school and then we swam. We went to bed exhausted. My highlight
of the day was the Sharks Board.
Day 2
On day two we went to the u’Shaka Education Centre. We then went to watch the dolphin show. Thereafter we went to the aquarium.
Then we went to dangerous Creatures and finally Wet ‘n Wild.
At the education centre, we were split up into different groups. I was put in the penguin group with a very enthusiastic guide. We met a
Giant African Bullfrog called Wet Wally. Wet Wally told us about different types of wetland. Then we dissected a sardine. It was smelly,
but it was also educational. We then went to watch the dolphin show. We met two very interesting dolphins. One of the dolphins was
called Gambit. Gambit did lots of tricks and threw away a plastic container into a bin. The other dolphin was called Frodo. When the
show came to an end, Frodo waved goodbye. We then went to the aquarium. We saw the Brindle Bass and the Thresher Shark. We also
saw seahorses clinging onto seaweed. Then we walked to Dangerous Creatures. I saw the top five snakes. They were the King Cobra,
Burmese Python, Green Mamba, Black Mamba and the Anaconda. We also saw Tarantulas and Nile Crocodiles. We finally arrived at
Wet ‘n Wild where I went on the Lazy River with Brady Archer. My favourite part of the day was at Wet ‘n Wild.
Our first term assessments will start on Friday, 13 March, taking the form of informal assessments requiring only certain
work to be learnt, for which there will be ample notification. All assessments for the term will be completed by Friday, 20
March.
Please assist us in instilling a good work ethic in your boys by the way in which you encourage homework and studying to
HAPPENINGS
Grade 5 Durban Experience
The Grade 5 educational tour was very busy, with much to learn and take in.
The tour started with a visit to the Sharks Board where we saw a documentary on the function and importance of an organisation such as the Sharks Board and were made more aware of the role sharks play in the ocean environment. We were then
treated to a dissection of a shark, which was most informative, albeit rather smelly, and the boys were given the opportunity
to have a close look at various shark jaws and wander around the various exhibits.
From there we moved on to the Maritime Museum where the boys where put into groups and received a guided tour of the two
vessels on display. The boys really enjoyed learning about the boats and being able to board and explore them. They got a
chance to go into the museum and learn about the history and development of shipping.
At the harbour the boys boarded the Sarie Marais and were taken on a trip around the harbour. The boys had an observation sheet
and had to look out for various things like tug boats, cranes, buoys, etc which they had discussed in class. The captain gave a good
commentary. This was a first time experience for most of the boys and they were fascinated to experience how a harbour works.
On arrival at Port Natal School in Umbilo the boys were put into their dorms and they then participated in various fun games. Mr
Howard’s class were the eventual controversial winners! Later that evening it was down to the more serious task of recalling the
day’s events by completing a diary. They later enjoyed an evening swim and were in bed by 9:00 pm.
Of course the highlight of the trip was to u’Shaka ‘Wet ’n Wild’ Water Park, but before that the boys spent the morning at the Marine Educational Centre where they were treated to hands on education in groups of 10, which also included a guided tour through
the aquarium and the dolphin show.
All told this was an amazing educational experience for the boys and a good deal of fun was had by all.
CULTURAL NEWS
Some examples of the art done to date.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT...
I CANNOT TEACH ANYBODY ANYTHING.
I CAN ONLY MAKE THEM THINK.
- SOCRATES