Our Grade 8 Journey in Ferdies so Far

Tumisang Mamatela, Beryl-Daniella Ndagano, Ketshegofaditswe Ndlovu, & Thandolwethu Nhlangulela.

The 20th of January marked the start of something completely new — high school. For all four of us, walking through the gates of Ferdinand Postma felt like stepping into a different world. No parents, no old friends, no comfort zone… just a bunch of strangers and a school bag full of nerves, excitement and dreams. The weird thing is, even though we were all feeling different emotions, we were also all hoping for the same thing — to survive Grade 8 and maybe even enjoy it.

The first week? Chaos. Grade 8 initiation was no joke. From funky clothes to wild hairstyles, walking around with a board that had your name on it, doing random chants and trying not to mess up the school anthem — it felt like we were in a movie, a very confusing one. At hostel, it was just as intense. We were adjusting to new rules, new rooms, new people and somehow trying to be brave even when we were lowkey freaking out inside. There were moments when it felt like too much. But then someone would say something funny, help you with your stuff or just sit with you quietly. And you’d realise you’re not alone.

What surprised most of us was how kind people actually were. We expected the classic “high school horror stories” —bullying, being ignored, feeling invisible. But instead, we were welcomed. Some of us had been bullied badly in primary school, so it felt weird (but good) to feel seen and supported. That kind of thing really sticks with you. It made Ferdies feel safer than we thought it would.

Of course, school isn’t all sunshine. Academics hit hard. Some of us came from schools that didn’t even use the same curriculum, so we felt behind from the start. Others were used to being top achievers, and now had to deal with being “just average.” That messes with your confidence more than you expect. But over time, things started making sense. Term one was the struggle, but by term two, our marks were improving and we were finally adjusting. It’s not about being perfect anymore — it’s about progress.

But honestly, the best memories so far didn’t come from books. They came from the moments in between. The weekend camp was like a reset. A chance to actually breathe, have fun, and be with people without the pressure of schoolwork. We danced, did team-building activities, stayed up late, and laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. It brought us together. And then came Valentine’s Ball — where we dressed up, danced like no one was watching and just lived in the moment. It was such a vibe.

Hostel life is… interesting. You learn a lot. Like how to share space with people who are nothing like you. How to clean up after yourself (even when you don’t feel like it). How to deal with homesickness when it randomly hits you at night. And also how to laugh so hard with your roommates that the matron has to come tell you to be quiet. Hostel teaches you how to grow up without rushing. It teaches you independence, but also the beauty of leaning on others when you need it.

Athletics Day was a big moment. As Grade 8s, we had to participate for LO marks, but honestly? We went from just doing it for school to actually having fun with it. Some of us even got selected to compete at different schools and those trips were unforgettable. Not because we always won but because of the chaos on the bus rides, the bonding, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

Ferdies is full of opportunities. You can join sports, culture, clubs — you name it. Hockey, rugby, debate, netball, Interact, choir, chess… the list goes on. The trick is balancing it all without burning out. That’s something we’re still learning. But the nice part is that no one expects you to be perfect — just to show up and try. That’s what counts.

School events like the Talent Show and Mr. & Ms. Ferdies gave us chances to be seen in ways that aren’t academic. Whether you’re performing, cheering from the crowd or helping behind the scenes — it’s a moment to just belong. And at the end of the day, that’s what most of us want. To feel like we belong.

Looking back now, it’s wild how much has changed in just a few months. We’ve all grown — some in small ways, some in big ones. We’ve learned how to take better care of ourselves. How to ask for help. How to bounce back after bad marks. How to stay close to God. How to let go of people who don’t treat us right and hold on to the ones who really care. Some days still feel hard. But we’ve made it this far and that says a lot.

If we could go back and tell our January-selves one thing, it would probably be:

“You’re going to make friends. You’re going to feel lost sometimes. But you’ll find yourself too. Just hang in there.”

There’s still more ahead: exams, drama, events, challenges. But we’re ready. Grade 8 at Ferdies has taught us that we’re stronger than we thought. And that we’re not walking this road alone.