Arts and Culture at GHS
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School prides itself on its commitment to the arts: Drama, Visual Arts and Music are offered as subject choices to take through to Grade 12.
The study of Drama can help develop many qualities and life-skills: enthusiasm, confidence, self-esteem, conversational competence and social skills. Furthermore, drama lessons stimulate learners to be motivated and involved.
Visual Arts is an enormously rewarding and enjoyable subject which develops learners’ ability to manage their time and to manage processes from the start through to the final product.
To do Music in Grade 10, learners should have demonstrated consistent work and progress in Grades 8 and 9, in both the theoretical and practical components of Music. Learners have to practise their instruments daily.
Trained educators have been appointed in each of the subjects with specialist musicians in the Music Department.
While these subjects are offered in the school curriculum, aspects of them can be pursued on a more social level: learners can join the Drama, Dance or Art Societies, and the musical learners can be members of the School Choir, Gospel Choir or the Wind Band.
Societies and Clubs
We cater for an extensive range of interests with over 20 societies.
We encourage girls to be a part of at least one society in order that they develop their interests outside the classroom and beyond the sports field.
ART
The Art Society explores creative expressions on two and three dimensional surfaces. Our activities include painting, sculptures, weaving and drawing.
DEBATING
Debating helps equip learners with the life-skills of critical thinking, effective communication, independent research and teamwork. Learners have the opportunity to participate in debates in the PMB League.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Learners are guided in the process of drawing up business plans, marketing their products, evaluating selling prices and paying business expenses. This society enables you to be your own boss and to make your own money. The best part is that you keep all the profits! How cool is that? Girls are equipped with various skills to enable them to become successful young businesswomen.
MATHS AND SCIENCE
The society is involved in creating a stronger passion in the school for Maths and Science. The learners take part in quizzes, games, competitions and experiments to increase the love for Maths and Science. The essence of maths and science is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple in a fun way.
RECYCLING
The main purpose of our society is to help our environment and to make a difference. It is very encouraging to see the girls’ efforts to make a difference by recycling and by encouraging their friends and family to recycle.
DANCE
Dance incorporates seven genres; African Zumba, Latin and Ballroom, Contemporary, Modern-Indian Dance, Hip-hop, Kwaito and Irish. Girls from different genres work on routines and performances for the school’s annual Dance Show. This is a very exciting society where a lot of creativity and talent is revealed.
ENVIROCARE & GROW A COMMUNITY
We educate the girls about the environment. We teach and promote sustainability to our girls through growing their own vegetables in the school food garden. We make them aware of the impact that they have on the environment and encourage them to formulate ideas on how they can care better for our environment.
FIRST AID
The girls are given an opportunity to train as level one first aiders by Rescue Care. They serve the GHS sports’ department, providing care at events.
GHS AWAKE
GHSAwake is the birthplace of courageous conversations. We aim to challenge outdated ways of looking at the world, while constructively contributing to the betterment of ourselves and the world around us.
GIRLS FOR GOD
Our aim is to help grow the learners in their Christian walk, to bring them into a closer relationship with God and to be servants of Christ in the school and the wider community.
GREEN ELLY
The Green Elly is the school newspaper. Learners are encouraged to contribute articles or pictures throughout the year. It is a publication by the girls, for the girls.
GOSPEL CHOIR
The gospel choir is a sisterhood of girls with the intent of praising God through song, and encouraging one another spiritually through singing.
HINDU STUDENTS SOCIETY
HSS has become an integral part of the cultural programme at GHS. The aim is to fulfill seva – which is the obligation to assist those in need. Religious festivals, prayers and other observances are also followed.
INTERACT
The aim of the society is to be a blessing to our local community and to give our girls an opportunity to give of themselves for the benefit of others. We aim to instill, in the heart of each girl, a desire to be a blessing and to help make this world a better place by giving what they can to help others around us.
MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
We regularly come together for prayer meetings. We follow a special Ramadan programme, and organise various fundraising projects and outreach programmes during the year.
PERFORMANCE COMPANY
The theatre and drama crew work hand in hand to execute a perfect production
POETRY
This is a society where the genre of poetry is explored inside and out. Girls learn about freedom of expression and respecting the dignity of every living being.
ROBOTICS
The robotics society aims to explore how to build and programme robots.
SCHOOL CHOIR
The choirs give girls an opportunity to come together with others who share their love of singing. They learn how to work in a group, as well as self-discipline and how to work towards a long-term goal. They also learn about other cultures, all through sharing the joy of singing with others.
WIND BAND
The band draws members mainly from learners who take music as a subject. Most of these girls receive tuition for the first time when they come to GHS in Grade 8. Members of the band get full recognition for their efforts and dedication to the band.