Border

The Border branch of SACEE is one of the ‘busiest’ branches in the country. The main project is the National
‘Language Challenge, open to Grade 4 to Grade 11 learners and the Puzzle Parades’ which are open to Grades 1, 2 and 3 learners.   

SACEE Border Branch: 2024 – A Year of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration

2024 was another standout year for the SACEE Border Branch. With a clear vision to boost participation and bring fresh, dynamic opportunities to learners, we set out to make this year more engaging than ever — and we’re proud to say: mission accomplished!

🏫  Primary School Highlights – A Full Calendar of Fun and Learning

12 lively events are held for primary schools, with fantastic support from both learners and educators. A major hit was our brand-new event, Dictionary Detectives — we’re excited to grow it even more in the coming years!

Winning Schools by Event:

• Fun with Words (Grades 1–3): Stirling
• Fun with Words (Grades 4–5): Stirling
• Fun with Words (Grades 6–7): Merrifield
• General Knowledge (Grades 4–7): Beaconhurst
• Public Speaking: Voorpos & Hudson (Grade 3), Merrifield (Grades 4–5), Hudson (Grades 6–7)
• Read Out Loud: Stirling (Grade 4), Selborne (Grades 5 & 7), Merrifield (Grade 6)
• Spelling Bee: Gonubie (Grades 2–3), Stirling (Grades 4–7)
• Dictionary Detectives: Gonubie
  🏅 15 Gold certificates were also awarded in the Junior Poetry Festival.

🎓 High School Highlights – Debuts and Standout Performances

We hosted five impactful high school events, including the debut of Oratory Day — now a permanent fixture on the SACEE calendar!

Winning Schools:

• Public Speaking: Stirling (Prepared 8–9 & 10–12), Merrifield (Unprepared 8–9), Cambridge (Unprepared 10–12)
• Forum Discussion (Grades 8–12): Merrifield
• Prepared Reading: Stirling (Grades 8–9), Cambridge (Grades 10–12)
• Slam Poetry: Centre of Excellence
• Read Out Loud: Hudson (Grade 8), Clarendon (Grades 9 & 12), Stirling (Grade 10), Merrifield (Grade 11)

🏅 10 Gold certificates were awarded in the Senior Poetry Festival.

✍️ National Short Story Competition – A Showcase of Talent

The 2024 SACEE National Short Story Competition drew in incredible participation:

• Grades 6–7: 463 entries
• Grades 8–11: 204 entries

🏅 17 Gold and 64 Silver awards were presented to exceptional writers.

🧩 National Puzzle Parade (Grades 1–3) – Minds in Motion

This year’s Puzzle Parade brought together 7,320 learners from 45 schools across the country!
🏆 35 Grade 1, 18 Grade 2, and 8 Grade 3 learners scored a perfect 100% — an amazing achievement!

📝 National Language Challenge (Grades 4–11) – Words with Power

A total of 24,308 learners participated:

• Grades 4–7: 11,797 learners from 48 schools
• Grades 8–11: 12,511 learners from 29 schools

🌟 In East London, four learners placed in the national top three in their respective grades!

🎉 Annual Prizegiving – A Night to Remember

Held at Stirling Primary on 5 November 2024, the year’s ceremony celebrated excellence across every event.
🏅 224 certificates were awarded (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) to outstanding learners.

🏆 Dux Schools of 2024

• Foundation Phase: Stirling Primary
• Primary School: Stirling Primary
• High School: Merrifield

🎈 Looking Ahead: SACEE Turns 70 in 2025!

As we enter our 70th year, we’re focusing on celebration, collaboration, and continued growth. Every event, every achievement, every moment of inspiration wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of principals, educators, school reps, parents, and learners.

A special thank you to our generous host schools: Gonubie Primary, George Randell Primary, Stirling Primary, Merrifield, Hudson Park Primary, and Clarendon High.

Here’s to building on this year’s success — together.