Arts & Academics
The NSA recognises that the world as we know it is transforming and we are already living in the technological future.
As we enter the fourth industrial revolution and the world becomes more automated, Learners of today and tomorrow will need to actively learn to combine technology with softer skills such as critical thinking and problem solving to respond to the ‘new requirements’ of the workplace.
While education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is paramount, the contribution of the Arts to the school curriculum is more important than ever. Machines will never be able to cry or write a play or analyse the world to distil it into an abstraction that wll impact a human audience. The skills and tools gained from an NSA education will equip learners with the creative edge to thrive in a dynamic world.
NSA learners are known to excel. Academically. Creatively.
Principal, Deputy, & Governing Body
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PRINCIPAL Salome Gaelesiwe
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DEPUTY PRINCIPAL WIlma Mc Loun
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GOVERNING BODY The current SGB’s term of office ends in 2024 ELECTED PARENTS Vaughn Lucas – Chairperson Seymour Holman – Treasurer Musa Bila Nigel Branken Ilse Klink Rowlin Naicker Cebi Ngqinambi Nompumelelo Malchartzek Judy Smith-Hohn Principal : Mrs Salome Gaelesiwe Elected Educators: Johan Anker – Secretary Laine Butler Thabo Matsime Non -Teaching Staff: Ms Nomsa Maluleke Learner Reps: Tshepang Selala (President) Tshireletso Llale (Deputy President) Dieno Sefatsa (Academic Support)
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Drama Department
Drama and theatre are considered strong drivers in the social development of young people. Drama is not taught for its own sake, but because it contributes profoundly to the holistic development of the individual – this is clearly reflected in the NSA’s excellent results and awards in both the academic and artistic arenas, combined with the highly successful careers enjoyed by our alumni.
Read More About Drama
Learners receive tuition in all aspects of theatre with a focus on the development of actors and theatre practitioners.
The practical training includes acting, voice, movement, physical theatre, stagecraft, and mime. A comprehensive theory component covers the study of play texts, theatre history, history of costume, history of literature, voice theory, ritual, and mythology.
Every available opportunity is given to drama learners to perform in productions as well as in the presentation of class work.
Staff
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HOD: DEPT Ingrid Hlatshwayo
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| DRAMA TEACHERS: |
Laine Butler Thoriso Raphela Lisa Pietersen Pamela Ndlovu |
Art Department
The NSA offers extensive tuition in Visual Arts, 2D and 3D Design.
Courses include sculpture, printmaking, painting, ceramics, design, and digital design.
Theory of Design and Visual Art theory also forms an integral part of the syllabus.
Read More About Art
The Art Department is housed in the attractive Gerard Moerdijk building. The inspiring aesthetic of this “heritage” building befits an art department. It has two exhibition spaces: the stained-glass windowed chapel room upstairs and the circular downstairs gallery.
Staff
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HOD: ART Lawrence Thibudi
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| ART TEACHERS: |
Lucky Masemola Mashudu Nevhutalu Mpumulelo Ngoma Anthousa Sotiriades |
Music Department
Versatility is a key quality of the NSA music department, and our learners are required to study two instruments – they may specialise in piano, recorder, or vocals, or any of the orchestral instruments. Similarly, learners may choose to concentrate on guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drums.
Read More About Music
The syllabus covers the History of Music, Theory, Arranging and Composition, Improvisation, Aural, and Performance in Solo and Chamber and Vocal ensembles.
Public Performances are encouraged on various annual platforms, Pop-Up concerts, corporate performances, big stage concerts, and musical theatre, alongside performances at esteemed Eisteddfods and music festivals.
The music department is also home to a magnificent pipe organ and an orchestra awaits those eager to get into the classical world, offering a valuable training ground.
The NSA choir and band are often asked to perform at Civic or Corporate functions. The band and orchestra are equally comfortable with contemporary and classical repertoire.
Many NSA specialist educators are sought after professional performers.
Staff
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HOD: MUSIC Thabang Edward Phiri
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| MUSIC TEACHERS: |
Full- time teachers Thabang Edward Phiri (Voice and Music Theory & History of Music) Thabo Matsime (Piano, Music Theory & Music History) Nhlanhla Ngwenya (Piano, Music Theory & Music History) Xolani Noveld (Voice, Music Theory & Music History) Nqobile Mhlungu (Flute, Recorder, Music Theory & Music History) Part-time teachers Clive Thomson (Guitar) Naledi Dweba (Saxophone, Clarinet and Piano) Ingrid Janse van Rensburg (Harp) Siyanqoba Dlungwana (Piano & Music Technology) Larry Roos (Drums) Mpho Chuene (Percussion) Lwazi Khuzwayo (Jazz Voice) Siegfried Pretsch (Organ and Piano) Cecilia Manyama (Violin, Viola and Orchestra) William Nobela (Cello) Tebogo Makgwe (Voice) Lucky Moletsane (Brass instruments and orchestra)
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Dance Department
The NSA dance syllabus includes Classical Ballet, Contemporary, African & Spanish Dance. There is also a focus on choreography. The NSA Dance Department is recognized for producing well-rounded, versatile, and disciplined dancers.
Read More About Dance
Experienced NSA staff focus on technique, performance, interpretation, and stylistic understanding, and Learners are regularly exposed to visiting local and international companies, choreographers, and teachers.
The NSA recognises the importance of training the “Triple Threat” performer (one who can sing, dance and act equally well) and the NSA dancers are frequently featured in the annual musical theatre production.
There are two regular productions on the annual calendar: “Dance Spectrum” – a flagship production with guest choreographers, which showcases the Department in a spectrum of dance including ballet, neo-classical ballet, contemporary, African and Afro-Fusion and Spanish, and “Dance Celebration” – a showcase of original choreography from the Learners.
Staff
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HOD: DANCE Haydee Baker
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| DANCE TEACHERS: |
Gilian Bonegio Heather Dreyer Laura Cameron Yusuf Thomas Kitty Phetla |
Academics
At the NSA, arts and academics share the spotlight and the consistently impressive matric results bear testament to the quality education that we offer.
The specialist studies foster the discipline and dedication which are pre-requisites for academic achievement.
NSA matriculants venture capably into all sectors stepping well prepared into tertiary institutions where they continue to make their mark in fields as diverse as actuarial science, astrophysics, medicine, engineering, architecture, and the arts.
More About Academics
The high level of vocational training also enables learners to pursue professional careers in the arts immediately post school.
Learners from Grade 8 to 12 study a full range of academic subjects in addition to their chosen specialist subjects. The specialist studies foster the discipline and dedication which are pre-requisites for academic achievement.
THE National School of the Arts follows the GDE CAPS CURRICULUM
GRADE 8 & 9
- Specialist Art Subject (Art, Dance, Drama or Music)
- English (HL)
- Afrikaans or isiZulu or SeSotho FAL (First Additional Language)
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences (SS)
- Natural Sciences (NS)
- Technology Education
- Creative Arts
- Economic Management Science (EMS)
- Life Orientation (LO)
GRADE 10 – 12
- Specialist Art Subject (Art, Dance, Drama or Music)
- English (HL)
- Afrikaans or isiZulu or SeSotho FAL (First Additional Language)
- Maths or Maths Literacy
- Life Orientation
Plus, two of the following subjects:
- Physical Science
- Life Sciences
- History
- Business Studies
- Geography
SPECIALISED ARTS EDUCATION
Learners receive nine hours of specialised arts tuition a week in their chosen subject.
Academic Departments
English
HOD: Mrs M Reddy
First Additional Languages
HOD: Mrs R Louw
Humanities
HOD: Mrs A van Aardt
Mathematics
HOD: Mrs Selepe
Sciences
HOD: Mrs Buthelezi
school hours
Monday - Friday
07h30 - 14h30
Address
17 Hoofd Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
Phone
063 091 6051
