Mr Shabangu Visit Strengthens Gracemount – Ogwini School Partnership

Following a successful application for a British Council grant, Gracemount was fortunate to host Mr Shabangu, Head of the Social Subjects Dept from Ogwini High School, our partner school in Durban, South Africa, recently. The main purpose of the visit was to strengthen working relations with Ogwini not only in Social Subjects, but also through a variety of projects across the school focussing on poverty and development, diversity, environmental issues, health, multiculturalism, prejudice, music, dance etc.

During his visit, Mr Shabangu learnt about the Geography, History and Modern Studies curriculum at Gracemount, contributed to lessons focussing on the Geography of South African and the history of the South Africa’s struggle with racial discrimination and apartheid. He was able to observe lessons across the school, attended assemblies and forged links with staff taking forward future partnership projects involving music, dance and environmental issues.

We’d like to thank staff and pupil’s for the very warm welcome that Mr Shabangu received and we are sure that our pupils gained much from meeting and working with him. During his stay with us Mr Shabangu learnt much about Scottish culture through visits in the local community, attending a Ceildh visiting the historical sites around the city including the Scottish Parliament and City Chambers, a visit to South Queensferry, Pittenweem and even an afternoon in Dundee as an honorary Hearts supporter attending a winning match versus Dundee United!

Mr Wyllie will be visiting Ogwini for two weeks in May to further department and whole school links. Look out for future articles.......