Find Your Place

The College Cultural Programme

Clubs and Societies at College

During the afternoons, after the final bell has rung, College comes alive with a buzz of culture and sport.

At Maritzburg College, our cultural programme is designed to be exciting and varied enough to appeal to a range of interests – the perfect way for every boy to find his place and develop his interests. 

Our cultural clubs and societies are a social way for boys to gain exposure to different cultural and creative pastimes. At the same time, the co-curricular Visual Arts and Drama clubs are an exciting extension of lessons within the classroom.

For boys with an interest in the Arts, this is an ideal way to grow their experiences and talents – without necessarily building it into their subject choices.

Visual Arts

Art has far-reaching benefits for the young men at College. From a creative form of expression to the development of a range of skills. Art is fitness for the brain – and equips students with an effective way to understand the world.

 

Performing Arts

The performing arts set the stage for College boys to grow their imaginations, grow confidence, and explore different tools for self-expression. From acting and singing to the technical side of stage productions, College creates opportunities to grow in this field.

Music

Every College boy is given the chance to explore his musical interests. From individual lessons to the more social band and choir, there are opportunities for every musician. Music is both a fulfilling hobby and intellectually stimulating pastime – and playing music leads to many happy school hours.

Contact Us

The cultural clubs and societies at Maritzburg College are a social and stimulating way to supplement in-syllabus learning and grow life skills. Contact us today to find out more information on the College cultural programme and admission.

Afrikaans Society

The main purpose of the Afrikaans Society is to help boys do better in Afrikaans as a subject and to enjoy Afrikaans in general. Boys are taught tolerance and are enriched in their understanding of another culture as they participate in activities such as plays, poems competitions, writing competitions, traditional dances and traditions, as well as projects to help and support people.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Zandria Elder

Afrikaans Society

The main purpose of the Afrikaans Society is to help boys do better in Afrikaans as a subject and to enjoy Afrikaans in general. Boys are taught tolerance and are enriched in their understanding of another culture as they participate in activities such as plays, poems competitions, writing competitions, traditional dances and traditions, as well as projects to help and support people.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Zandria Elder

Art Club

Art Club provides boys with the opportunity to pursue artistic passion and develop their skills in a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. They are also exposed to many new forms of art. Boys who take Visual Arts as a subject also attend Art Club, either joining in on the afternoon’s creative endeavour or working on their Practical Assessment Task. This is incredibly beneficial for Visual Arts students, with focused time spent on practical work with the input of a teacher after hours.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Eloff Pretorius

Art Club

Art Club provides boys with the opportunity to pursue artistic passion and develop their skills in a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. They are also exposed to many new forms of art. Boys who take Visual Arts as a subject also attend Art Club, either joining in on the afternoon’s creative endeavour or working on their Practical Assessment Task. This is incredibly beneficial for Visual Arts students, with focused time spent on practical work with the input of a teacher after hours.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Eloff Pretorius

College Cues: Drama And Dance

College Cues is a society that allows boys to explore the fun aspects of performance, dance, and the technical aspects of theatre. Participation is open to all. Theatre performance opens doors to careers in production and performance. Drama is also looked on favourably by employers for the people skills it develops.

The true value of the Dramatic Arts programme at Maritzburg College is the development of confidence, collaborative skills and creativity. Dance is an integral component of College Cues. Other platforms for participation include Funk and Dance@Kearsney. Learners watch live productions, attend the School’s National Arts Festival, Jongosi (Hilton Arts Festival) and, for the Form 5 learners, Drama@Kearsney.

CLUB HEAD:

Drama: Mr Jonathan Orton / Ms Maryke Bailey
Dance:   Mrs Courtney Sanders

College Cues: Drama And Dance

College Cues is a society that allows boys to explore the fun aspects of performance, dance, and the technical aspects of theatre. Participation is open to all. Theatre performance opens doors to careers in production and performance. Drama is also looked on favourably by employers for the people skills it develops.

The true value of the Dramatic Arts programme at Maritzburg College is the development of confidence, collaborative skills and creativity. Dance is an integral component of College Cues. Other platforms for participation include Funk and Dance@Kearsney. Learners watch live productions, attend the School’s National Arts Festival, Jongosi (Hilton Arts Festival) and, for the Form 5 learners, Drama@Kearsney.

CLUB HEAD:

Drama: Mr Jonathan Orton / Ms Maryke Bailey
Dance:   Mrs Courtney Sanders

College For Christ

College for Christ meets twice a week for the day school, Tuesdays at tea and Thursdays at tea, and twice a week in the evenings for boarders after prep. We’re about spreading the gospel good news and the truth of Jesus Christ in a lost and broken world. Join us at the chapel for our meetings. Give your name to one of the CFC leaders who will happily sign you up as a member. We would love for you to join us and walk this journey together! God bless.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Ron Barbour

College For Christ

College for Christ meets twice a week for the day school, Tuesdays at tea and Thursdays at tea, and twice a week in the evenings for boarders after prep. We’re about spreading the gospel good news and the truth of Jesus Christ in a lost and broken world. Join us at the chapel for our meetings. Give your name to one of the CFC leaders who will happily sign you up as a member. We would love for you to join us and walk this journey together! God bless.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Ron Barbour

Debating Society

The Debating Society affords boys the opportunity to explain and persuade skilfully, while engaging with current and sometimes controversial topics. Debating teaches boys how to present an argument confidently and with clarity, how to think on their feet, how to listen, and helps develop excellent all-round communication and life skills. It is an interesting observation that good debaters are also often top achievers academically and excel long into their working lives. This discipline builds confidence and assists boys in the mastery of communication.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Aveshree Maistry

Debating Society

The Debating Society affords boys the opportunity to explain and persuade skilfully, while engaging with current and sometimes controversial topics. Debating teaches boys how to present an argument confidently and with clarity, how to think on their feet, how to listen, and helps develop excellent all-round communication and life skills. It is an interesting observation that good debaters are also often top achievers academically and excel long into their working lives. This discipline builds confidence and assists boys in the mastery of communication.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Aveshree Maistry

eSports

eSports refers to the organised competitive play of certain computer games. While this is an emerging sport in many schools, eSports is widely and increasingly popular across the world. At College, we put together teams for a variety of eSports titles, such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Hearthstone. We play against schools from around the country throughout the year. To get involved, boys need to have a computer capable of running the game in which they would like to compete.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Thingo Tshabalala

eSports

eSports refers to the organised competitive play of certain computer games. While this is an emerging sport in many schools, eSports is widely and increasingly popular across the world. At College, we put together teams for a variety of eSports titles, such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Hearthstone. We play against schools from around the country throughout the year. To get involved, boys need to have a computer capable of running the game in which they would like to compete.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Thingo Tshabalala

First Aid Society

First aid defines the actions of a first responder in an emergency or accident situation. The First Aid Society affords boys an opportunity for personal development and to empower themselves to help others. Boys who join the group gain an understanding of how to help in a range of medical emergencies, with many invaluable, life-long skills.

Boys can choose to complete a Level 1 course in First Aid and a selected group are present at all the rugby, soccer, and hockey fixtures at Maritzburg College.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Robyn Brunzlaff

First Aid Society

First aid defines the actions of a first responder in an emergency or accident situation. The First Aid Society affords boys an opportunity for personal development and to empower themselves to help others. Boys who join the group gain an understanding of how to help in a range of medical emergencies, with many invaluable, life-long skills.

Boys can choose to complete a Level 1 course in First Aid and a selected group are present at all the rugby, soccer, and hockey fixtures at Maritzburg College.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Robyn Brunzlaff

Hindu Society

The Maritzburg College Hindu Society is a celebration of faith that also serves to grow boys within their religion. The society has a routine that includes an opening prayer, a discourse, and discussion. Boys learn a prayer and a song each week. The discourse alternates between each form, giving all boys a chance to participate. They enlighten us on topics like Hinduism, Hindu festivals, and the significance and values of the faith. These also tie in with the broader morals, values, and teachings at College.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Sanita Deodutt

Hindu Society

The Maritzburg College Hindu Society is a celebration of faith that also serves to grow boys within their religion. The society has a routine that includes an opening prayer, a discourse, and discussion. Boys learn a prayer and a song each week. The discourse alternates between each form, giving all boys a chance to participate. They enlighten us on topics like Hinduism, Hindu festivals, and the significance and values of the faith. These also tie in with the broader morals, values, and teachings at College.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Sanita Deodutt

Interact

The Interact or Outreach Society at Maritzburg College is powered by pupils who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Interact stands for “Service Above Self”. The society operates under the guidance of the Azalea Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg and together we assist and provide services to the communities in and around the city. From prefects to second formers, the Interact Society is a hub of activity, giving boys a chance to work together to achieve fulfilling and meaningful aims.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms S Kunene

Interact

The Interact or Outreach Society at Maritzburg College is powered by pupils who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Interact stands for “Service Above Self”. The society operates under the guidance of the Azalea Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg and together we assist and provide services to the communities in and around the city. From prefects to second formers, the Interact Society is a hub of activity, giving boys a chance to work together to achieve fulfilling and meaningful aims.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms S Kunene

MC-Ink

MC-Ink is Maritzburg College’s creative writing society. The name hints at a collective love for word play. Boys with a passion for writing, reading, learning, and expression are given a creative and dynamic space in which to exercise and grow their skills. Meetings provide inspiration and guided development, giving creative learners the opportunity to improve and showcase their writing while having fun in a social atmosphere. Boys are also encouraged to enter competitions through the society and the group serves to assist boys with their submissions.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Rob Gutteridge

MC-Ink

MC-Ink is Maritzburg College’s creative writing society. The name hints at a collective love for word play. Boys with a passion for writing, reading, learning, and expression are given a creative and dynamic space in which to exercise and grow their skills. Meetings provide inspiration and guided development, giving creative learners the opportunity to improve and showcase their writing while having fun in a social atmosphere. Boys are also encouraged to enter competitions through the society and the group serves to assist boys with their submissions.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Rob Gutteridge

Media Centre Monitors

Our Media Centre Monitors are responsible for the smooth daily operation of the Media Centre. The monitors receive training and work in teams to cover the various processes in the library. Additionally, seniors in each team mentor juniors on the different facets of the centre. Each team is responsible for keeping certain shelves neat and tidy and seniors also help with the issuing and return of books. 

The monitors have reciprocal meetings with Girls’ High monitors and participate in other activities throughout the year. Our monitors create a community of book-lovers at College, who derive skills from this special part of the school.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Liesl dos Santos

Media Centre Monitors

Our Media Centre Monitors are responsible for the smooth daily operation of the Media Centre. The monitors receive training and work in teams to cover the various processes in the library. Additionally, seniors in each team mentor juniors on the different facets of the centre. Each team is responsible for keeping certain shelves neat and tidy and seniors also help with the issuing and return of books. 

The monitors have reciprocal meetings with Girls’ High monitors and participate in other activities throughout the year. Our monitors create a community of book-lovers at College, who derive skills from this special part of the school.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Liesl dos Santos

 

 

Muslim Students Association (MSA)

The MSA aims to fulfil the needs of Maritzburg College Muslim student community. We encourage constructive relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim students, breaking down social, racial, language, class, and other negative barriers.

We help students practice the Islamic way of life and address issues which affect Muslims locally and globally. We increase unity within the student community through a range of social activities, which clear up misconceptions about the Muslim religion, culture, and belief. The MSA is open to all students at the school keen to find out more about the Muslim way of life.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms Kooraysha Moula

Muslim Students Association (MSA)

The MSA aims to fulfil the needs of Maritzburg College Muslim student community. We encourage constructive relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim students, breaking down social, racial, language, class, and other negative barriers.

We help students practice the Islamic way of life and address issues which affect Muslims locally and globally. We increase unity within the student community through a range of social activities, which clear up misconceptions about the Muslim religion, culture, and belief. The MSA is open to all students at the school keen to find out more about the Muslim way of life.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms Kooraysha Moula

Nguni Society

The Nguni Society started two years ago, characterised by high and amazing spirit. Its main objectives are to educate and support the young growing men of College. With Covid 19, came a halt to many of the Society’s planned activities and events. However, in spite of this, our members, pursued their goals, and actively participated in the annual Happiness Week programme, which generated very positive feedback and much welcome offers of support from parents.

A significant highlight in 2021 was the invitation from the Headmaster to perform the gumboot dance as part of the opening performance for the African Region programme at the 2021 IBSC conference. We hope for a better 2022 and a more normal year which will allow us to do more and excel as a society.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Jabulani Mhlongo

Nguni Society

The Nguni Society started two years ago, characterised by high and amazing spirit. Its main objectives are to educate and support the young growing men of College. With Covid 19, came a halt to many of the Society’s planned activities and events. However, in spite of this, our members, pursued their goals, and actively participated in the annual Happiness Week programme, which generated very positive feedback and much welcome offers of support from parents.

A significant highlight in 2021 was the invitation from the Headmaster to perform the gumboot dance as part of the opening performance for the African Region programme at the 2021 IBSC conference. We hope for a better 2022 and a more normal year which will allow us to do more and excel as a society.

CLUB HEAD:

Mr Jabulani Mhlongo

Camera Club

The Maritzburg College Camera Club allows boys with a keen interest in photography to practise their skills both within the College environment and externally. The club hosts monthly meetings where competitions are judged and work is discussed. The boys are taught ways to improve their photos, as well as the technical aspects of their cameras. Cell phone photography is welcome. Boys are also given the option to provide photos to housemasters for their monthly magazine, as well as the annual school magazine. The club is aimed at boys who are keen on mastering the art of photography and the thrill of capturing that “perfect shot”.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Debbie Gademan

Camera Club

The Maritzburg College Camera Club allows boys with a keen interest in photography to practise their skills both within the College environment and externally. The club hosts monthly meetings where competitions are judged and work is discussed. The boys are taught ways to improve their photos, as well as the technical aspects of their cameras. Cell phone photography is welcome. Boys are also given the option to provide photos to housemasters for their monthly magazine, as well as the annual school magazine. The club is aimed at boys who are keen on mastering the art of photography and the thrill of capturing that “perfect shot”.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Debbie Gademan

Sound And Lighting Club

The Sound and Lighting Society at Maritzburg College teaches boys the skills associated with professional sound and lighting and gives them experience in the art of working in theatre. The boys in the society are encouraged to take part in school productions to provide technical support and backstage help. This gives them both technical understanding of theatre production, as well as a broad understanding of theatre and etiquette. Boys progress from the basics of simple sound and lighting set-ups to advanced, professional lighting and sound desks.

CLUB HEAD:

TBC

Sound And Lighting Club

The Sound and Lighting Society at Maritzburg College teaches boys the skills associated with professional sound and lighting and gives them experience in the art of working in theatre. The boys in the society are encouraged to take part in school productions to provide technical support and backstage help. This gives them both technical understanding of theatre production, as well as a broad understanding of theatre and etiquette. Boys progress from the basics of simple sound and lighting set-ups to advanced, professional lighting and sound desks.

CLUB HEAD:

TBC

TechSquad

TechSquad involves a wide range of computer-related activities for boys interested in expanding their technical knowledge and skills. This society works on everything from computer maintenance to computer room duties, as well as community outreach and involvement. Boys in the society commit themselves to helping others with their computer needs, including both teachers and boys who need help with computers for them to meet their work and research requirements. The three core functions within TechSquad are Operations, Training, and Outreach, giving boys a diverse skills grounding for their home and professional lives.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms Carmen McLellan

TechSquad

TechSquad involves a wide range of computer-related activities for boys interested in expanding their technical knowledge and skills. This society works on everything from computer maintenance to computer room duties, as well as community outreach and involvement. Boys in the society commit themselves to helping others with their computer needs, including both teachers and boys who need help with computers for them to meet their work and research requirements. The three core functions within TechSquad are Operations, Training, and Outreach, giving boys a diverse skills grounding for their home and professional lives.

CLUB HEAD:

Ms Carmen McLellan

Visual Art

The opportunity for creative expression at Maritzburg College encompasses Visual Arts, both within the curriculum and as part of our extensive co-curricular programme. Encouraging imagination, creativity, conceptual thinking and personal expression in practical contexts, Art serves to enrich the lives of the ever-growing group of boys at College who engage in the programme. Maritzburg College is privileged to have a well-equipped Visual Arts Department, offerings boys the opportunity to explore a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. This co-curricular programme affords the opportunity to pursue this passion while refining practical skills, as well as the development of the ability to communicate ideas and feelings through the medium of art.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Saskia Osborne

 

 

Visual Art

The opportunity for creative expression at Maritzburg College encompasses Visual Arts, both within the curriculum and as part of our extensive co-curricular programme. Encouraging imagination, creativity, conceptual thinking and personal expression in practical contexts, Art serves to enrich the lives of the ever-growing group of boys at College who engage in the programme. Maritzburg College is privileged to have a well-equipped Visual Arts Department, offerings boys the opportunity to explore a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. This co-curricular programme affords the opportunity to pursue this passion while refining practical skills, as well as the development of the ability to communicate ideas and feelings through the medium of art.

CLUB HEAD:

Mrs Saskia Osborne