Culture Awards Criteria
Merit:
Membership of a club/society where some form of qualification is needed & where the teacher indicates satisfactory attendance and attitude. These activities must be School activities.
These should be activities occur throughout the year. For involvement in productions, which is only for 2 or 3 months of the year, learners should also have been involved in other activities during the course of the year to qualify for a merit award.
Eg:
- Music Ensembles - must be a member for the whole year with 80% attendance
- School play - Must have had a relatively important part (not just as an "extra" in a play/musical), but also have other involvement in cultural activities
- Choir - Must be a member for the whole year with 80% attendance
- 1 Act Plays - Participants must also have other cultural involvement
- Variety show - Participants must also have other cultural involvement
Colours:
Achievement in cultural activities is recognized.
Eg:
- School play - Lead role
- Choir - Solo part
- 1 act plays - winning director / best actor or actress
- Eisteddfods - Winning a section
Honours:
Achievement at a very high level, preferably at national level.
Eg:
- Participation at Grahamstown Festival
- Winning a major competition
- Selection for a major orchestra
- A lead role or some major role (eg part of a dance troupe) in a musical / drama at Artscape or similar venue.
- Distinction for a Grade 8 external exam (these are internationally recognized)
NB: Anyone nominated for a Honours award must also be involved in cultural activities at the school. For example, someone who is part of the national youth orchestra, but does not participate in any musical activities at school, cannot qualify.