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Science takes you places!

Somerset High in Worcester is proud of one of its learners, Akhanya Tyaliti, who took the top spot for female learners in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in Stellenbosch recently. This is the first time this accolade has gone to a black female.

Not only did she get a gold badge, but her project was chosen as the best in the computer science and software development category.

Vibes had a quick check-in with Akhanya, just before she wrote one of her matric exam papers this week. She laughingly told us she decided to take part again this year, as it meant she would get two days off school to attend the expo.

“I participated last year as well. I was afraid at first, but a friend encouraged me, saying it would be a good experience. And it was! I entered again this year, as it is my last school year and I did not want to miss out.

“I got a silver badge last year. For this year’s entry I worked on the same project and improved it. The judges were impressed with my effort and said they saw much possibility in it.”

Akhanya’s project researched whether schoolchildren can recognise the difference between AI-generated text and those written by humans. She did a survey last year which she expanded on this year.

“I wanted to find out if learners can independently generate text for research purposes without having to rely on AI.”

She was also selected to take part in the International Science Fair (ISF) from 6 to 10 October held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.

“Attending the ISF was an amazing experi ence. Science takes one places: we were flown to Johannesburg, stayed in a hotel and had excursions to the University of Johannesburg. We met with the board members of Eskom and Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Educa tion. We bunch of science kids also had a fun nerd disco.”

Akhanya is not yet sure what the future holds after matric. “I applied at several universities and will see where I am accepted. I applied for dentistry, accounting and pharmacology.”

She encouraged other learners to take part in the science expo.

“Please take part! It is such a nice opportunity, even though it takes hard work. The judges will help you to improve on your project and you can enter it again the following year.”

Her physics teacher, Zizipho Mhlungulwana, said that the learners who entered for the expo received much support from Kevin van Vollenhoven from Satvi with transport and the printing of projects.

“We encourage learners to take part in the expo, as it teaches them to be aware of their surroundings – the expo encourages them to solve problems in their own areas and be involved with their communities.”

I was afraid at first, but a friend encouraged me, saying it would be a good experience.”

Jou D roommotor Wag by Nor tier Motors

Nortier Motors is sedert 1 Mei 1996 'n huishoudelike naam in die Wes-Kaap, en het hulself gevestig as die toonaangewende handelaar van tweedehandse voertuie. Wat eens in Worcester begin het, het oor die afgelope amper 30 jaar gegroei tot 'n handelsmerk wat nasionaal bekend is vir sy uitstaande gehalte, eerlike diens en onverbeterlike kliënteverhoudinge Of jy nou in die Boland, die res van die Wes-Kaap, Namibië, of elders in Suid-Afrika woon, Nortier Motors is jou betroubare vennoot in die aankoop van 'n voertuig. Ons is trots daarop dat ons duisende kliënte oor die jare gehelp het om die regte motor vir hul behoeftes te vind. Ons wyse van besigheid is gebaseer op die beginsels wat in die biografie "Aan Die Stuur" van die bekende motor-ikoon Brand Pretorius uiteengesit word. Soos Pretorius, glo ons vas in integriteit, kliëntetevredenheid en die bou van langtermyn verhoudings

'n Motor vir Elkeen

By Nortier Motors is daar iets vir almal. Ons bied 'n wye verskeidenheid van sorgvuldig nagekose voertuie, van bekostigbare stadsmotors tot luukse gesinsvoertuie. Ons bekostigbare pryse maak dit moontlik om daardie droommotor te bekostig sonder om 'n gat in jou sak te brand. Ons diens eindig ook nie by die verkoop nie. Ons glo in uitstekende na-verkope diens, want ons verhouding met jou as kliënt is belangrik. Ons bied ook maklike finansieringsopsies aan en verwelkom inruilings. Bring net jou ou motor en ons help jou om die pad na jou nuwe motor te begin.

Vir amper drie dekades het ons 'n reputasie opgebou van eerlikheid en betroubaarheid. Kom besoek ons en ervaar die verskil self.

Nuwe leiers vir 2026 aangewys

Kay-Lee Kotze is die Hoërskool Montana se hoofmeisie.

Hierdie vier leerders van die Hoërskool Robertson vat voor vir 2026. Hulle is Marni Rossouw (onderhoofmeisie), Marietjie Bruwer (hoofmeisie), Anotida Dube (hoofseun) en Rikis Venter (onderhoofseun).

Waldo Botha is as onderhoofseun by die Hoërskool Montana aangewys.

Die vier leerders wat die leiding in 2026 by die Hoërskool Montagu gaan neem is Sergio Burger (onderhoofseun), Ruby-Rose O’Shea (hoofmeisie), Jacobus Beukes (hoofseun) en Janae le Roux (onderhoofmeisie).

Armand Lourens is die 2026-hoofseun by die Hoërskool Montana in Worcester.

Zahraa Isaacs is Hoërskool Montana se onderhoofmeisie.

Somerset High’s head leaders for 2026 are Omele Manisi (head girl), Chumani Tamle (head boy), Aaleyah Cochrane (deputy head girl) and Lakhanya Mgijima (deputy head boy).

Are leaders born or made?

It is that time of year again where schools choose learners who will fill leadership roles in 2026.

It is a yearly cycle, the expectation of who will be chosen, and then the unavoidable disappointment of those who weren’t. Does it mean you do not have leadership qualities if you are not on the RCL? Definitely not! It means that you have time to develop those skills.

There is a long-time discussion on whether good leaders are born or created. Queen Elizabeth II, for example, was born into the role of royalty. There are many strong leaders that proves good leadership is not only genetic.

For leaders who are created we have no better example in South Africa than Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. He developed and improved his leadership abilities from a young age, with every experience he had on and off the rugby field.

To be captain and deal with the pressure of leading the world’s best rugby team takes some doing!

If we believe leaders are created rather than born it means that leadership can be practised and learnt. Research indicates there are three types of experiences that help mould young leaders.

Young leaders can grow and learn from these experiences, with a ratio of roughly

70% challenging experiences and assignments, 20% developing relationships and 10% coursework and training (the theoretical part).

Here are some ways in which young leaders can be developed:

- Children learn by seeing what others do. Having an adult who models true leadership shows them how it is done.

- Learning to see things from someone else’s point of view; this is why good communication skills are important. A good leader knows how to listen to others.

- Create opportunities where youngsters can build their self-confidence through succeeding at a task and receive praise.

- Taking on leadership roles – on the sportsfields or in the classroom – helps to improve those skills, no matter how small at first.

Hoërskool Hexvallei se hoofleiers vir volgende jaar is Ludan Philander en Chelsea Buys.

De la Bat-skool

verkies. Jade Cloete (links) is die voorsitter en Zimvo Tyobo (regs) die ondervoorsitter.

Mid-term exams results are critical checkpoint

Whether you're celebrating or feeling disappointed about your mid-term results, these results represent something much more valuable than just numbers on a page. They are your personal roadmap to success in your final examinations—and ultimately, your gateway to your future career aspirations. As you approach your end-of-year examinations, remember that your mid-term results are designed to be a checkpoint, not a final judgment. This report will guide you through using these results strategically to maximise your performance when it ma ers most. Turning Disappointment into Motivation If Your Results Weren't What You Expected Don't panic—you still have time! If your mid-term results have le you worried about passing your final exams or meeting university requirements, take a deep breath. Many successful students have used disappointing mid-term results as the motivation they needed to excel in their finals.

Reframe your mindset: View your results as a wake-up call, not a verdict on your future. Acknowledge your disappointment, but don't let it paralyse you. Remember: these results show you exactly where you need to focus your energy Manage your stress and stay motivated. The pressure you're feeling is normal, but it shouldn't overwhelm you.

Here’s how to channel that energy positively:

Set small, daily goals rather than focus only on the final outcome

.Celebrate small improvements in your understanding and performance

Connect with your support system – teachers, family and friends who believe in you

Analysing your performance strategically

Step 1:

Conduct a subject-by-subject analysis

Create a simple table to evaluate each subject. What to identify:

Strengths: Subjects where you performed well (keep doing what works!)

Priority areas: Subjects with low marks that need immediate a ention

Specific topics: Within each subject which sections need the most work?

Step 2:

Identify pa erns in your perfor-

mance

Ask yourself these crucial questions: Were low marks due to poor time management during the exam?

Did you struggle with understanding concepts or applying knowledge? Was your preparation incomplete or ineffective?

Did exam anxiety affect your performance?

Understanding these pa erns is the key to creating an effective improvement strategy.

Action needed: Focus on essay structure and poetry analysis

Timeline: two hours of weekly dedicated practice

. Creating your strategic study plan

Prioritise smart, not just hard

maintaining your strengths

Reserve 25% for general revision and exam technique practice

friend or family member

Solve past exam papers under timed conditions

Building your support network Don’t go at it alone.

Academic support:

Teachers: Ask for clarification on difficult concepts and request additional practice materials.

Study groups: Join or form groups with classmates who are commi ed to improvement.

Tutors: Consider professional help for your most challenging subjects.

Online resources: Use reputable educational platforms for extra practice.

Emotional support:

Family and friends: Share your goals and ask for encouragement.

Counsellors: If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional guidance.

Peer support: Connect with classmates facing similar challenges.

Develop exam-day strategies:

Read all questions before starting to answer

.Allocate time per question based on mark allocation

Structure essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions

Show all calculations in mathematics and sciences

Review answers if time permits Practice makes permanent

Allocate time based on need and impact

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

. Spend 40% of your time on subjects where you performed poorly

Dedicate 35% to

Use active learning techniques instead of just re-reading notes

Summarise concepts in your own words

Teach topics to a

Create mind maps linking related concepts

Make the most of your study breaks

Study in focused blocks: two to three hours daily, with breaks

Physical health

.Use past papers from the last three to five years

Time yourself regularly to improve pacing

Practice exam conditions by removing distractions

.Develop question-spo ing skills by identifying common themes

.Sleep seven to eight hours nightly for optimal brain function

.Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve concentration

Eat nutritious meals to fuel your brain

.Stay hydrated throughout your study sessions

Mental health

.Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation

Take regular breaks during study sessions (try the Pomodoro Technique)

.Maintain perspective; these exams are important, but not everything

.Plan rewards for achieving your study goals

Conclusion: Your success is within reach. Your midterm results are not a prediction of your future; they’re a tool to help you build it. Remember: You have the time and resources to improve significantly. Small, consistent efforts compound into major improvements. And, your determination will reap rewards.

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Plaaslike matrieks roep skooldae vaarwel in styl

Auldren Fredericks (links), ’n graad 12-leerder en prefek by die Hoërskool Brëerivier, se oom, wat by die o.20- Junior Springbokke betrokke is, het gereël dat die 7’s-Springbok-kaptein, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Auldren na die matriekafskeid vergesel.

TotsiensMatrieks

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Hospitality skills showcased

Kaylee Fransman

The Matric Hospitality Lunch is not something to be taken lightly. It’s an event everyone in the school knows about, but unless you’re part of it you can’t truly understand the full extent of this subject’s practical.

Chloé Barnard and Evana Pieterson, two matric learners who were part of the event and served as head waitresses on the day, were kind enough to share their first-hand experience of what it was like to plan, prepare and serve a full-scale lunch.

Q: What skills do you think you’ve learnt or improved through this task?

Chloé: I learnt how important small details can be; they have a huge influence on the elegance and success of an event.

was lovely, but it was still nerve-wracking knowing that everything we did counted for marks.

Q: Would you change anything if you could do it again?

Evana: I’ve become more confident. Since I was a maître d’ in Grade 10 this time it was easier because I knew exactly what was happening and how to take control.

Q: What was the most stressful part?

Chloé: Making sure everything was ready before the guests arrived was definitely the most stressful part.

Evana: The weather! It had rained the night before, so our plan to serve cocktail drinks outside had to be moved indoors because it was so misty. Another stressful part was having someone from the department come in and assess us. We couldn’t rely on our teacher for guidance like we usually do, so we had to handle everything ourselves on the main day. The examiner

Chloé: I would change nothing. Everything was perfect, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Evana: I don’t think I’d change anything either. Everything worked out the way it was supposed to, and we all did well… although if I could I’d change the weather so that everything went exactly as planned!

Q: How did the event go overall? Did everything go as planned?

Chloé: The lunch went very smoothly! Everyone was pleased with the décor, and the food was terrific.

Q: Can you tell me about the food?

Evana: I didn’t prepare any of the dishes, but I had to know all of them by heart because I was responsible for explaining them to the guests. Personally, I really enjoyed the starters, a rich curry lentil soup and garlic vetkoek. The hors d’oeuvres were also delicious — a biltong and cream cheese panne purée was one of my favourites. We also served vegan falafel bowls. The theme was “superfoods,” so everything was vegetarian and strictly plant-based. So, there you have it; some inside info from the ever-famous Matric Hospitality Lunch and a glimpse into one of this year’s most memorable assessments for our matrics… and one of their last.

*Kaylee Fransman is a grade 9 learner at Worcester Gymnasium High School

Langerug vereer sy bestes

ners (agter, van links) is

Hope Pietersen hou De Tuinen Primêr in Worcester se naam hoog met landloop. Sy het op 27 September aan die Langebaan-straatmyl wat in Langebaan gehou is, deelgeneem. Sy het tweede in die o.9-afdeling geëindig. Die skool se personeel, haar ouers en die gemeenskap is baie trots op haar.

Daar is ‘n eerste vir alles – en soms ontdek ‘n mens groot talente deur iets nuut te probeer! Die graad 5-klas van Botha’s Halte Primêre Skool het vir die eerste keer aan die Worcester Eisteddfod op 27 Augustus deelgeneem. Hulle het Psalm 140 opgevoer in die koorspraak-afdeling – een van die moeilikste afdelings – en het ‘n trotse 90% (goud) gekry. Foto: Verskaf