Culture at Brebner High School
Nurturing Creativity, Celebrating Diversity, Inspiring Expression
At Brebner High School, we recognize that culture and the arts are fundamental to a well-rounded education. Our comprehensive cultural program provides scholars with opportunities to explore their creative talents, express themselves, and appreciate the rich diversity of human expression across music, drama, visual arts, and more.
“Art and culture are the soul of education, giving voice to our dreams and color to our understanding.”
Our Cultural Philosophy
Our commitment to inclusivity means that every scholar, regardless of their background, finds a welcoming space at Brebner to express their identity and learn from others.
Celebrating the Human Spirit
Culture and the arts play a vital role in developing well-rounded, empathetic, and creative individuals. Through cultural activities, our scholars learn to think creatively, communicate effectively, appreciate different perspectives, and express themselves with confidence.
Our cultural program complements our academic curriculum by providing outlets for creative expression, building self-confidence, teaching collaboration, and fostering an appreciation for beauty and human achievement. These experiences are invaluable in developing scholars who are not only academically capable but also culturally literate and emotionally intelligent.
Celebrating Our Diversity
With 1,618 learners from all cultures and backgrounds, Brebner High School is a true melting pot of traditions, languages, beliefs, and perspectives. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths and enriches every aspect of school life.
We celebrate our multicultural community through various cultural events, heritage days, and programs that allow scholars to share their traditions with their peers. This creates an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation that prepares our scholars for success in our increasingly interconnected world.
Skills Developed Through Cultural Activities
Preparing Scholars for Life
Participation in cultural activities develops crucial life skills that extend far beyond the arts:
Confidence and Self-Expression – Learning to present oneself and one’s ideas with assurance
Creativity and Innovation – Developing the ability to think outside the box and generate original ideas
Collaboration and Teamwork – Working with others toward shared creative goals
Cultural Awareness – Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives and traditions
Communication Skills – Articulating ideas clearly and effectively across various mediums
Discipline and Dedication – Committing to practice and continuous improvement
Critical Thinking – Analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating creative works and ideas
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
Cultural Programs & Activities
Diverse Opportunities for Creative Expression
Debating
The Art of Persuasion
The Brebner High School Debating Society is one of our most prestigious cultural activities, developing scholars into articulate, confident, and critical thinkers. Debating teaches students to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, construct logical arguments, and defend their positions with poise and precision.
What Our Debaters Learn
Through regular practice sessions, workshops, and competitive tournaments, our debaters develop invaluable skills that serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond:
- Critical Thinking – Analyzing arguments, identifying logical fallacies, and evaluating evidence
- Research Skills – Investigating complex topics thoroughly and synthesizing information from multiple sources
- Public Speaking – Presenting arguments clearly, confidently, and persuasively to diverse audiences
- Quick Thinking – Formulating responses and rebuttals under pressure in real-time
- Teamwork – Collaborating with debate partners to develop cohesive strategies
- Respect for Opposing Views – Understanding that disagreement can be constructive and respectful
- Current Affairs Awareness – Staying informed about local, national, and global issues
Our Debating Program
We participate in inter-school debating leagues and tournaments throughout the year, competing against schools from across the region. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints is more important than ever. Our debaters consistently report that the skills they develop through debating benefit them in all their academic subjects, in job interviews, and throughout their professional lives. Whether you're interested in competitive debating or simply want to improve your argumentation skills, the Debating Society offers something for everyone.
Why Debating Matters
In an increasingly complex world, the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints is more important than ever. Our debaters consistently report that the skills they develop through debating benefit them in all their academic subjects, in job interviews, and throughout their professional lives.
“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”
Public Speaking & Moot Court
Finding Your Voice, Making Your Case
Public speaking confidence is one of the most valuable skills a student can develop. At Brebner High School, our Public Speaking and Moot Court programs provide scholars with structured opportunities to develop eloquence, confidence, and the ability to command an audience.
Public Speaking Program
Our public speaking program helps scholars overcome the fear of speaking in front of others while developing the techniques that make great speakers stand out. Through regular practice, constructive feedback, and participation in competitions, students learn to:
- Structure speeches effectively with clear introductions, bodies, and conclusions
- Use vocal variety, pace, and pause to engage audiences
- Employ body language and gestures to reinforce messages
- Manage nervousness and project confidence
- Adapt presentations to different audiences and contexts
- Tell compelling stories that resonate with listeners
- Handle questions and interactions gracefully
Moot Court
Our Moot Court program introduces students to the fascinating world of law and legal advocacy. In this exciting activity, scholars take on the roles of attorneys and present arguments before simulated courts, just like real lawyers do in appellate proceedings. Moot Court participants learn to analyze legal cases, construct legal arguments based on precedent and statute, present oral arguments persuasively, respond to challenging questions from “judges,” and think on their feet in high-pressure situations. This program is particularly valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in law, but the skills developed – legal reasoning, structured argumentation, and professional presentation – are valuable in any field.
Competitions and Events
Throughout the year, our students participate in regional and national public speaking competitions, including prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, and moot court tournaments. These events allow our scholars to showcase their abilities, gain valuable experience, and build networks with like-minded students from other schools.
There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”
Building Leaders
Public speaking and moot court don’t just prepare students for competitions – they prepare them for leadership. Whether presenting a business proposal, advocating for a cause, or simply expressing themselves in meetings, our scholars carry these communication skills with them throughout their lives. Many of our alumni credit their participation in these programs as foundational to their professional success.
Choir
Voices United in Harmony
The Brebner High School Choir is the heartbeat of our musical culture. With voices raised in harmony, our choir brings joy, inspiration, and beauty to our school community through performances at assemblies, concerts, competitions, and special events. Our choir celebrates the power of music to unite, uplift, and express what words alone cannot convey.
Participation in choir offers scholars so much more than musical training. Choir members develop discipline, teamwork, cultural awareness, and emotional expression while experiencing the profound satisfaction of creating something beautiful together. The skills and experiences gained in choir extend far beyond the music room
Performances and Competitions
Throughout the year, the Brebner Choir performs at school assemblies, cultural evenings, annual concerts, and community events. We also participate in regional and national choir competitions and festivals, where our singers have the opportunity to receive professional feedback, learn from other choirs, and showcase our talents on larger stages. These performances create lasting memories and build camaraderie among choir members. The standing ovations, the nerves before stepping on stage, the pride in a well-executed performance – these are experiences that our choir members treasure long after they graduate. The choir is more than a musical ensemble – it's a family. The bonds formed through countless rehearsals, shared challenges, and triumphant performances create friendships that last a lifetime. Our choir members support each other, celebrate each other's successes, and create a positive, encouraging environment where everyone can flourish.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
Chess
The Game of Kings – Strategy, Focus, Excellence
Chess is more than a game – it’s a mental workout that develops critical thinking, strategic planning, patience, and problem-solving abilities. The Brebner High School Chess Club provides scholars with opportunities to learn this ancient game, develop their skills, and compete against players from other schools. From beginners learning how the pieces move to advanced players studying complex openings and endgames, our chess program welcomes all levels.
Why Chess?
Chess is one of the few activities that simultaneously develops both sides of the brain. Research has shown that regular chess play improves academic performance, particularly in mathematics and reading comprehension. The benefits of chess extend far beyond the 64 squares:
- Strategic Thinking – Planning several moves ahead and anticipating opponent responses
- Problem-Solving – Finding creative solutions to complex challenges on the board
- Concentration – Maintaining focus for extended periods during games
- Pattern Recognition – Identifying recurring tactical and strategic patterns
- Decision-Making – Evaluating multiple options and choosing the best course of action
- Patience and Discipline – Taking time to think through positions rather than moving impulsively
- Resilience – Learning from losses and using mistakes as opportunities for growth
- Sportsmanship – Winning and losing graciously, respecting opponents
- Memory – Remembering opening theory, tactical patterns, and previous games
- Abstract Thinking – Visualizing positions and calculating variations mentally
Competitions and Events
Brebner High School participates in inter-school chess tournaments throughout the year, competing both individually and as teams. These tournaments provide valuable competitive experience and allow our players to test their skills against others. We also host internal tournaments and ladder competitions to keep the competitive spirit alive and give everyone opportunities to play.
“Chess is the gymnasium of the mind.”
Life Lessons from the Chessboard
The skills developed through chess – strategic thinking, patience, resilience in the face of setbacks, the ability to learn from mistakes – are directly transferable to academic work and life beyond school. Our chess players consistently report that the game has made them better students and more thoughtful decision-makers in all areas of their lives.
Spelling Bees
Words, Wonder, and Winning Moments
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
Beyond Competition
While the Spelling Bee is a competition, it’s ultimately about celebrating language and learning. Every participant receives recognition for their effort and achievement, and the supportive atmosphere ensures that students feel proud of their accomplishments regardless of how far they advance. The friendships formed, the words learned, and the confidence gained are victories that every participant takes with them.
Regional and National Competitions
Our top spellers have the opportunity to represent Brebner High School in regional and national spelling bee competitions, competing against the best spellers from schools across the country. These experiences broaden students’ horizons, provide valuable competitive experience, and create memories that last a lifetime.
A Love for Language
The Spelling Bee cultivates more than spelling proficiency – it nurtures a genuine appreciation for the richness and complexity of language. Participants develop curiosity about words, their origins, and their meanings. This love for language often translates into improved writing, more sophisticated vocabulary usage, and stronger overall language arts performance.
Drilling Team
Precision, Discipline, Pride
The Brebner High School Drilling Team represents the pinnacle of discipline, precision, and synchronized excellence. This proud tradition brings together dedicated scholars who commit to mastering the art of military-style drill and ceremonial movements. Through countless hours of practice and unwavering dedication, our Drilling Team embodies the values of teamwork, attention to detail, and pride in performance.
What is Drilling?
Drilling, also known as drill and ceremony or precision marching, is a disciplined form of synchronized movement performed in formation. Originating in military tradition, drilling requires teams to execute complex movements with absolute precision and uniformity. Every step, turn, and gesture must be performed in perfect synchronization with teammates, creating a powerful display of coordinated excellence.
Performances and Competitions
The Brebner Drilling Team performs at various school and community events throughout the year, including school assemblies, sporting events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. These performances showcase the team’s precision, discipline, and school pride to a wide audience.
The team also participates in regional and national drilling competitions, where they compete against drilling teams from schools across the country. These competitions feature various categories including individual drill, squad drill, platoon drill, and specialized exhibition routines. Our team has earned numerous accolades and consistently represents Brebner High School with distinction.
A Proud Tradition
The Brebner Drilling Team represents one of our school’s most respected traditions. Alumni who participated in the drilling team often speak of it as one of their most formative and memorable high school experiences. The bonds formed through shared challenges, the pride in representing the school, and the satisfaction of achieving precision excellence create lasting impacts that team members carry with them long after graduation.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
What makes Brebner Different?
Our Progressive Spirit
Throughout our history, Brebner High School has maintained a progressive and “open heart” approach. We have always been an alternative choice for English-speaking scholars in Bloemfontein, irrespective of their culture, religion, or political affiliations.
Our school has given many scholars who were not academically strong the opportunity to achieve their goals. Many of our alumni, who are now successful professionals around the world, would not have achieved what they have today without the supportive and inclusive environment that Brebner provided.
In the same progressive spirit, our school is now open to all scholars of any culture, race, and political affiliations who want to be educated through the medium of English. We continue to meet the challenges of the modern era while maintaining the values and ethos that have made Brebner special for over a century.