Learners visit the 50-hectare classroom without walls
Almost 40 children from Waldorf School in Bryanston were recent visitors. They spent the morning learning about more than just the birds and the bees.
Although Covid-19 has forced Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site to suspend all guided tours on Sundays, school tours are still happening during the week.
Almost 40 children from Waldorf School in Bryanston were recent visitors.
They spent the morning learning about more than just the birds and the bees. They saw the toothbrush tree (the guarri), which the ends of its twigs were used to brush teeth and keep away plaque by those who lived there more than 50 000 years ago. They also saw the 500-year-old restored furnace where skilled metalworkers smelted iron from rock to make spears, knives and hoe heads and lichen – how algae and fungi work together to live and grow.
“The Koppies is a 50-hectare classroom without walls,” said Wendy Carstens, manager of the nature reserve and a retired teacher.
“From social sciences, life sciences, environmental education to life orientation and art education, we can demonstrate it all,” she said.
The final words of support came from the learners:
“This is better than the chocolate factory tour,” one boy said.
“No, it’s not,” replied a girl.
“I’ve learnt more than I’ve ever learnt my whole life,” said another boy.
Schools can book by contacting Carstens via email at wendavid@mweb.co.za or visit www.mk.org.za to find out more detailed information about what Melville Koppies Central has to offer.
