Thirteen Ferdinand Postma High School learners graced this year’s edition of the Allegretto Inter Provincial Eisteddfod across 12 different categories with the group achieving various honours in the competition including an astonishing 59 items that have advanced to the provincial round. Their achievements include 13 A certificates, 31 A+ certificates, 27 A++ certificates and one A+++ certificate.

Here are the results:

• David Motaze – Spelling Bee – A+++ (100%)
• Kaylan van Wyk – Tiaras: Formal wear & evening wear
• Cindy van Deventer – Visual Arts (4 A++)
• Miné Bronkhorst – Essay en Opstel
• Khadijah Motara – Essay
• Amiely Mandungu – Visual Art
• Aisha Hamid – Unprepared Reading en Formal Poetry
• Clarissa Coetzee – Photography (2 A++)
• Imaan Sooliman – Prepared reading
• Astelicia Rolls – Tiaras: Sport wear
• Annie van der Merwe – Tiaras: Sportdrag
• Elrise Pretorius – Essay and Photography (3 A++)
• Ingrid van der Walt – Visual Arts
• Latorian Mora – Essay and Unprepared Reading

The Allegretto Eisteddfod is a privately managed annual inter-provincial arts and culture competition that provides a platform for amateur art lovers and enthusiasts to participate in art competitively. The competition must be entered before March, with the first round taking place over two weeks at various venue. It is open to pre-school, primary and high school learners as well as adults and features categories such as speech and drama, essay composition, visual arts, poetry and various others.

The aim for learners is to advance to the provincial rounds in August and September, then the national rounds in October. Ferdies has yielded three national positions in the past.

Carin Roux, the Director of Arts and Culture at Ferdinand Postma said that the arts play a vital role in nurturing, creativity, discipline, self-expression and confidence. They also develop important life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“Our learners develop holistically. Participation in the Eisteddfod encourages learners to strive for excellence, overcome challenges, and showcase their talents in a supportive environment. The learners now look towards the provincial round taking place in August and September with hopes to reach the National round.