At Bergvliet Primary we embrace diversity in all forms, with culture being the foundation of our identity. Through the multicultural events and artistic expression, our learners at Bergvliet Primary are able to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for the rich tapestry of human heritage that unites us all.
Culture
Recognising Excellence at Bergvliet Primary
At Bergvliet Primary School, we believe in celebrating the dedication, hard work, and
achievements of our learners across academics, sport, culture, and service.
Our badge system serves as a way to recognise and reward excellence, motivating
learners to strive for their personal best in all areas of school life.
How to Earn a Badge
Learners can earn badges in four key areas:
Academic Excellence: Achieving an average of 85% or higher for the term.
Sporting Achievements: Demonstrating outstanding performance at school, zonal, or provincial levels.
Cultural (Music) Achievements: Consistently excelling in music through ensemble participation, solo performances, and external examinations.
Service to Others: Going above and beyond in service initiatives, such as fundraising for a worthy cause or leading a project to assist those in need.
Badges are worn with pride and signify a learner’s commitment to excellence. They
not only highlight individual achievements but also serve as an inspiration to
others. Below is a breakdown of how learners can earn badges in academics,
sport, culture, and service.
Drama
Drama is offered as an extra-mural activity at Bergvliet Primary School, led by our dedicated internal coaches. Learners participate in groups according to their phase – either the Foundation Phase or the Intermediate/Senior Phase allowing them to explore the exciting world of drama in an age-appropriate setting. Those with a passion for performance also have the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Cape Town Eisteddfod.
Beyond extra-mural activities, drama is woven into school life through regular Friday assemblies, where classes present skits that highlight the school’s weekly values. Additionally, Bergvliet Primary School hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, including the highly anticipated annual Variety Show and events like the Valentine’s Day Talent Show. These opportunities give all learners a platform to showcase their creativity and stage presence.
Music Department
Bergvliet Primary School has a thriving Music Department, offering tuition in piano, keyboard, violin, cello, guitar, recorder, voice, clarinet, drumkit and marimba with our specialist music teachers. In addition, we have a Junior Choir for Grades 2 and 3, and a Senior Choir made up of learners from Grades 4 to 7. We also have a String Ensemble, Recorder Ensembles, as well as both Junior and Senior Orchestras.
We have three full-time music staff members, supported by part-time teachers for guitar, drumkit and marimba. Our music learners perform in weekly assemblies, the Mid-Year Music Concert, lunchtime concerts, prize giving ceremonies and various other school events.
Our instrumentalists and ensembles participate annually in the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod, the Cape Town Eisteddfod and the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod. We are proud of our achievements and consistently high standard of performance.
Instrumentalists also regularly enter for Trinity Exams, providing them with the opportunity to complete graded assessments.
BPS Senior Orchestra
The Bergvliet Primary Senior Orchestra is a mixed ensemble of Grade 5 to 7 learners, comprising a rhythm section, piano, keyboards, drumkit, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars, violins, recorders and melodic percussion. Our repertoire includes popular songs and jazz-style arrangements. The dedication of our musicians was rewarded in 2024 with an 85% result in the WCVE and a 95% Medal Cum Laude in the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod.
BPS Junior Orchestra
The Bergvliet Primary Junior Orchestra was formed at the end of 2023 with our youngest violin and recorder players and has since gone from strength to strength. It now also includes cellos, xylophones, keyboard, guitar and percussion, providing a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to experience the joy of making music together. The Junior Orchestra was awarded Gold at the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod.
BPS String Ensemble
The Bergvliet Primary String Ensemble comprises our more experienced violin learners and a percussionist. During weekly rehearsals, members develop ensemble skills, including part-playing and teamwork, while learning the value of commitment and working towards shared goals. The repertoire ranges from classical pieces to contemporary arrangements. In 2024, the String Ensemble excelled in the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod and was placed on the WCVE’s Roll of Honour with a 95% result.
BPS Recorder Ensemble
Recorder lessons are continued in Grades 4 and 5 for children who began recorder in Grade 3 class music. This year, the Grade 4 group joined the Junior Orchestra and the Grade 5 group joined both the Junior and Senior Orchestras. The Grade 4 group is currently working towards an Eisteddfod entry in 2025.
BPS Marimba Bands
BPS has both Foundation Phase (FP) and Intermediate and Senior Phase (ISP) Marimba groups, which are facilitated by an external provider. These groups offer a wonderful opportunity for FP learners to make music together and are an excellent alternative for those who may not yet be ready for individual instrument tuition. The groups perform at school events as well as external performances organised by the Mobile Music Academy.
BPS Senior Choir
The Senior Choir consists of around 45 learners from Grades 4 to 7. We rehearse twice a week and perform at assemblies and various school events. We have successfully collaborated with other schools in a Combined Choir Roadshow and a regular end-of-year Carol Service, which is enjoyed by all. The choir also enters Eisteddfods to give learners an additional platform to perform.
BPS Junior Choir
The Junior Choir in 2025 consists of approximately 50 members from Grades 2 and 3. They perform in assemblies from time to time and are entered for the Eisteddfod. We have lots of fun with our action songs and child-friendly repertoire.
BPS Class Music
All grades receive weekly Creative Arts lessons. Through these lessons, we aim to foster a love of music throughout the school and to harness the cognitive benefits of musical instruction, such as improved memory and brain development. As children learn to understand and appreciate music, their ability to enjoy and engage with it deepens. Learners are taught to read and perform basic musical notation, appreciate different musical elements and styles, and play both recorder and percussion instruments.
Visual Arts
We believe that much of what is enjoyable and educationally vital in life comes from participation in the arts, especially in our art department. Learners from Grade 3 – 7 also focus on terminology in visual art and design art.
Bergvliet Primary places great value in our arts department because of the value it brings to our learners’ lives whether it be in 2D or 3D.
Our art department aims to expose learners to various mediums such as clay, paper mache, sculpturing, watercolor paint and charcoal, just to name a few. Learners also get exposed to making props for variety shows and various art competitions.
Our school also has an Art Club as an afterschool enrichment program. Learners’ work gets showcased at our newly implemented Art Exhibition in Term 4. This is an opportunity for learners to have their hard work during the year up for display and an opportunity to raise some much needed funds for our art department.