CNR e-News Term 3

Trip to Spionkop Battlefield - 18 September

On Wednesday the Grade 6s embarked on an exciting and educational day trip to Spioenkop Battlefield. This was the first time we had visited the site, and it turned out to be a day we will never forget!

We began our adventure at Spioenkop Lodge, where we were warmly welcomed with hot chocolate and biscuits—what a treat! Soon after, we met the brilliant historian, Mr. Raymond Heron. He took us on an incredible journey through time, presenting South African history like a fascinating timeline and explaining how the Battle of Spioenkop fit into it all. Mr. Heron also explained why the battle occurred in the first place, making history come to life right before our eyes.

After this captivating introduction, we made our way to the actual battlefield. Along the way, we had a special surprise as we crossed paths with the Joberg2C cycle race, which was passing through the Spioenkop area. In true Clifton spirit, the Grade 6s cheered on the cyclists, bringing back memories of when our school hosted this fantastic event.

When we arrived at the battlefield, Mr. Heron explained the tactics used by the two opposing sides—the British and the Boers. He shared fascinating details about their artillery, strategies, and the harsh realities of the battle. We saw the trench, now marked with white stones, that the soldiers dug. This trench eventually became a mass grave, a stark reminder of the many lives lost during the battle. We also visited monuments and graves dedicated to those who fought in what turned out to be a tragic battle with no clear winner.

Mr. Heron's storytelling was so captivating that we could have listened to him all day! However, we had to leave to head back for lunch. Although our time at Spioenkop was short, the memories and lessons we gained will stay with us forever.

A big thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Heron for making this incredible experience possible!

Trip to Babanango - 22 - 26 July - An adventurous Journey Through History

The Grade 6s embarked on an unforgettable journey to Babanango, filled with exploration, history, and camaraderie. Our adventure began with a lengthy bus trip, punctuated by stops at two famous battlefields: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Here, we reflected on the sacrifices of the thousands of English and Zulu soldiers who gave their lives for their cause.

After a full day of travelling, we finally arrived at the Babanango campsite, where we were warmly welcomed by the facilitators. The children settled into their comfortable, tented accommodation, and the Clifton spirit of Ubuntu prevailed.

The camp’s food was outstanding, offering a great variety that kept our young adventurers fuelled up and ready to explore and discover. Despite the chilly early mornings, we were blessed with beautiful sunny days, ensuring excellent conditions for activities such as bush crafts, orienteering, obstacle courses, and swimming in the river. These activities not only grew teamwork but also broadened the children’s knowledge.

A majestic starry night set the backdrop for an exciting night walk and a fascinating talk about the heavenly constellations, sparking the children’s curiosity and wonder about the universe.

Midweek, we took a bus trip to visit some of the haunting landmarks in the Valley of the Kings, culminating in a visit to the royal household of the legendary King Cetshwayo in Ulundi. Our guide, Thulane, passionately shared the rich history of his people, providing everyone with a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.

Thursday night was a highlight, with fun around the campfire as each group presented a concert, summing up their experiences of the week. The performances were filled with creativity and humour, reflecting the children’s enjoyment of their time at camp.

Friday came all too soon, and a group of weary, yet fulfilled Grade 6s and teachers boarded the Clifton-bound bus, enriched with wonderful memories of magical Zululand and cherished time spent with friends. The children thoroughly enjoyed the trip and participated in all activities with much enthusiasm.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this trip possible. Your support and effort have created lasting memories for our Grade 6s.