It is widely recognised that the evolution of a society – the extent to which it has embraced democratic principles of openness, debate, tolerance and freedom of expression – can be measured by the level of cultural activity encouraged within that society. In the past, Ministers of Arts and Culture have talked about its importance “in giving a nation its identity, and in encouraging a sense of self and of community”.

Wynberg is a school which takes that message to heart.

Our Cultural programme is intricately bound up with the academic curriculum, the extramural actitivities and the extended learning programmes. These would include Fields such as Dance, Music and Art which are part not only of the academic curriculum, but also form part of our very exciting calendar of cultural events.

As part of the extramural programme for those who are interested in the area of the performing arts and particularly those who are musically inclined there is an Orchestra, a Jazz Band, Baroque Ensemble, the Choir, a Vocal Ensemble a Junior and Senior Marimba band, Brass, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute and Recorder Ensembles.

For the budding Hollywood stars, orators, politicians and presidents of the future there are drama,  public speaking, debating meeting.

For those interested in reporting and photographic journalism, there is both the Photographic Society, the Web Committee and Wynpress – the school newspaper for the students. There are also writing courses.

Tending the spiritual needs and reaching out to the broader community are the Christian union of the school, Capstone, and the Muslim Students’ Association.

All of these clubs and societies come together in a number of very exciting annual cultural events on the school calendar. There is a Major Production which is presented alternately at Wynberg Boys’ and Wynberg Girls’ high schools, there is the Interhouse Arts Challenge and there are several lunchtime and evening Music Concerts. Learners also participate in regional events such as the Western Cape Arts Festival, our own internal Eisteddfod and the Cape Town Eisteddfod.

There is ample opportunity for girls to perform, and in the senior standards to direct their own work. Grade Elevens for example are invited to write, cast and direct and produce a work including all or any of the performing arts within a month. Matrics are invited onto a committee in which they take on the organising, choreographing and directing of the Matric Fashion Show.

We have set in place extensive and innovative cultural programmes which we actively and energetically embrace.

• Information Evening – 20 February
• Circular 22 – Choir Performances
• Choir 2012
• Lunchtime Music concert – 8 February
• ‘Statements’ @ The Fugard
• 2012 South Africa-China Youth Arts Festival
• Elandspad River Walk – Wynberg Girls’ High Mountain Club
• Cooking Club – January
• Wynberg Girls’ High goes to “The Comedy of Errors” – Maynardville
• Wynberg performing “As You Like It” at Kirstenbosch Gardens
• Wynberg Girl representing South Africa in Face/Faith to Faith Programme
• Latin American Ballroom Dancing Demonstration
• Nicola Suttle selected by one of World’s Top Photographers for Photography Training Course
• Wynberg hosts World Schools’ Debating competition
• Music Awards for Outstanding Achievement in 2011
• 2012 Major Production – “How to succeed in Business without really trying”
• Pillar Awards – Term 4 2011
• Wynberg Girls’ High thank the Support Staff
• The last few hours of the fourth term…
• Prize Giving Grade 8-11 – Cultural Awards
• Prize Giving – Grades 8-11
• Wynberg Dancer selected to train with the World’s Best.
• Masiyenbo – Ubuntu Society Goes Back to Its Roots
• Drama Exam Results
• Wynberg Campus of Schools’ Carol Service
• Dance Society Showcase
• 2012 Music and Dance Extravaganza
• Wynberg Campus of Schools’ Carol Service
• 2011 Concert for the Elderly
• Wynberg Girls’ High competes in the Cape Dance Festival
• Winner of the 2011 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award

CRITERIA FOR MUSIC AWARDS

(Cloth badge – MUSIC)

Both subject and non-subject learners can qualify

HALF COLOURS

To a learner

• who has passed Grade 6 or has attained an equivalent practical standard or obtained an A symbol
• who has maintained a consistently high standard of work
• who is enthusiastically involved in musical activities at school level

FULL COLOURS

To a learner

• who qualifies for half colours
• who has passed Grade 7 or has attained an equivalent practical standard or obtained an A Symbol.

CRITERIA FOR DRAMA AWARDS

(Cloth badge – DRAMA)

HALF COLOURS

To a learner

• who has participated with noteworthy success in more than one school production; house play or major production
  OR
• who has performed in either a group or solo for an Eisteddfod for WGHS and achieved an Honours award.
  OR
• to a learner who has stage managed or directed a house play or major production with noteworthy success
  OR
• who has been a consistently dedicated backstage helper, in several school productions.

FULL COLOURS

To a learner

• who has shown considerable acting ability in one of the major roles of our main school production
  OR
• who has played the lead role in our major production with noteworthy success.
  OR
• who has taken part in the Eisteddfod for WGHS and has achieved consistently high awards, amongst them at least one Diploma

GENERAL NOTE

Learners who have obtained the award but fail to meet the requirements the following year are entitled to continue wearing their badges provided that their work is of a consistently high standard, that they are still participating and meet the general criteria mentioned above.