| Cultural Programme |
 Culture(n): trained and refined state of understanding and manners and tastes; instilling of it by training. (Concise Oxford Dictionary) At SJMC it is our aim to develop (as highlighted in the dictionary definition above) the following: understanding, manners and tastes. The manner in which we attempt to create this insight into culture is by "training" the individual in this particular field of human experience. This training will take on the following format: exposing the learner to the prevalent artistic and cultural events and norms of the day. In order to achieve our goal, we have to take the learner into an environment which we refer to as the classroom-outside-the-classroom. So we venture outside the school in search of all forms of traditional, renaissance and African culture that is representative of the society in which we live. Our modus operandi is to introduce the learner, from an early age, to the Arts, Ballet, Music and the Theatre. To facilitate this, we arrange outings to all the relevant venues and/or we invite traveling shows and guest speakers to entertain the learners in the school hall. In the Middle School, learners have a timetabled period every week which is dedicated to the acquisition of a skills-based activity of a cultural nature. The focus during this lesson is on the practical execution of a particular skill-based exercise. Options available for the learners to choose from vary from term to term and can consist of activities as varied as decoupage, stained-glass painting, fabric painting, board games, contract bridge, chess and origami. Apart from learning a new skill, these periods provide a platform for learners to express their own creative flair and, in doing so, foster love and respect for cultural activities. Every second year, all the learners at the school are given an opportunity to audition for a part in the school’s theatrical production. Very often this turns out to be the highlight of the learners cultural experience at the school. Being on stage (or behind the scenes) adds a new dimension to, and appreciation of, this particular form of art. In 2007, SJMC successfully put on an Arts Festival at the Baxter Concert Hall, involving children from Grade 12 through to Grade R. Our music department offers individual tutoring in a number of disciplines – piano, recorder, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, alto and tenor saxophone, guitar, bass and drums. The senior school also boasts a senior choir as well as a jazz band. The choir is actively involved in all the Chapel services and on many other occasions that warrant their contribution. The senior school now has four Marimba Bands. They can regularly be seen performing in and around Cape Town. On an individual level, learners also have the opportunity to take part in debating and public speaking competitions. These are organised internally as well as between neighbouring schools. |