Internship at Hilton 2015

Yesterday I visited the Art lesson with one of the grade 8 classes. As soon as I walked into the classroom I felt like my aesthetic awareness was awakened; through the display of artworks all around the class. The teacher was so passionate and enthusiastic about her subject. Classroom management was merely subject to the positive attitude and level of eargerness to learn from the learners, which made it very easy for the teacher to manage the class as well as discipline. This lesson was actually an introduction to Art in high school and what Art Education is. The teacher used a braistorming and questioning approach to try and define the demographics of the prior knowledge presented by the learners; in preparation for a systematic transition towards her lesson objectives ensuring that no learner is excluded in the process. I felt that this was a lesson where all the aspects of lesson planning were appropriately utilised and manipulated. Which then allowed for a smooth management of t...

I visited the Grade 9 History class today, I was very inspired more than anything. It seems that maintaining discipline in the class room is very much affected by your tone of voice as well as your body posture and the body language that you use whilst addressing the learners. There seems to be a very fine line between being taken seriously and being easily mistaken for someone who isnt sure of themselves. The instructional teaching approach works very well with the questioning and case study approach; as I was exposed to a combination of all three today.

This was the first grade 11 IsiZulu lesson i attended. The learners were doing "Ubuningi" as a revision activity. I learned that once the learners are familiar with your expectations and rules in terms of discipline, it really becomes easy to get straight into the lesson and let learning take place. There was a discussion about the activity done in class, in an attempt to see how much the learners remember and whether it was safe to move on. This was done through a series of questions that were asked and we came to a conclusion that the learners had not forgotten anything and it was safe to proceed.  I also learned something new in grammar, which is concerned with the correctness of a concept based on the rules taught in class and how it is normally applied in the real world. Being approachable and creating an atmosphere within which learning can flourish is really imperative. So lightenning up the atmosphere through general conversation can put the boys at ease. It is cr...

This was more of a briefing and a breakdown of the structure of the LO subject for the year. The grade 12s were given precise detail on all the objectives as well as the main tasks of focus this year. An instructional teaching approach was used, as well as a questioning and discussion approach to pick up the prior knowledge of the learners regarding the structure and importance of LO in matric. Classroom management was subject to an automated reaction from the learners as a result of the appropriate voice projection of the teacher in which he achieved a sense of being in charge and respect through the way he spoke. The lesson was very informing and gave me some insight as to how the LO department has planned its way around its objectives for the year.

I opted to do basketball in the first term, knowing absolutely nothing about the sport but I was left at ease by the warm reception I received from Suwi and Msizi. In literally one practice session I felt at home and I was well on my way to understanding the sport.  I am also pretty excited about the new sporting gear; which just looks and feels absolutely amazing

Monday was the first day where we had a meet and greet with the grade 8 parents in our respective houses. My housemaster Paul Venter is an extremely welcoming and accommodating individual who goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone is involved and content with their involvement, so that alone really set the tone of things for me. 

This was a great initiative by Mike and Peter; which saw us as interns really getting a chance to engage with one another and get to know each other, as well as familiarise ourselves with the Hilton way of life. This was done through a number of conversations with Mike and Peter; which resulted in a lot of insight; especially for me. I really felt welcomed and simultaneously had an enjoyable time. 

I went out for breakfast with Ryan and Mxolisa; to explore the area and its offerings. We went to Dulce Café in Hilton; where we got to know one another and enjoyed optimistic chats over breakfast.

The beautiful view from the Principal's house; where we had a meet and greet with prospective colleagues.  A stunning evening in totality, and a very warm welcome to all new staff members.  

We arrived at Hilton from Johannesburg. Hilton is a beautiful school with a great sense of tradition and culture. Stunning buildings, absolutely feeling thrilled to be here.