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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu – [email protected]
ONE of the major spectacles during the Matabeleland South provincial Independence Day celebrations at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda was a group of learners from Matshiya Primary School who wowed the crowd with their creative mass display performance fused with dance.
The learners, among them, an 11-year-old boy, put up scintillating performances as they showcased their talent, much to the excitement of the audience.
Throughout their 30-minute-long performance, the pupils from the rural school exuded energy. Their star performance is a result of a three-month vigorous training under the tutelage of their teachers Mr Simbarashe Mkhutshulwa and Mrs Sindisiwe Ncube.
The modern competence-based curriculum emphasises the importance of mass display training and physical education for learners. Mass display develops motor skills, improves physical fitness, and also provides a learner with the ability to be physically active.
A physically fit body supports a mentally healthy mind which works in favour of acquiring knowledge, behavioural influence, and creative and critical thinking.
Mass displays involve a bit of artistry in terms of performance, movement, and posture in execution and thus promote a sense of pride, beauty, harmony, and discipline. They also improve collaborative skills, teamwork, tolerance as well as social integration.
This combination of arts is essential for the development of well-rounded learners and citizens who will be able to thrive in the economic ecosystem.
Mr Mkhutshulwa, a mass display coach at the school, said the learners have been highly captivated by the sport.
“When we first heard about mass display we thought it was a concept that would be ideal for urban learners. We thought that learners would struggle to grasp the routines, but from the moment we started training this group of learners in February, they were quick to grasp the concept,” he said.
“Mass display requires learners to master certain routines. They also need to work collectively as a team and there is a need for co-ordination. Some of the routines can last up to 30 minutes and the learners have to grasp the steps and execute them well.”
Mr Mkhutshulwa said he was impressed with the way his learners grasped the concept and the manner in which they executed it. He said the training requires hours of practice for the learners to grasp their routines. Mr Mkhutshulwa said the long distance travelled by learners to school tends to affect the number of training hours.
He said they first trained the children in preparation for school competitions which were held during sports competitions.
Both Mr Mkhutshulwa and Mrs Ncube are responsible for coming up with a playlist for the routine, including the choreography.
Mrs Ncube said she was trained to coach children in mass display during their teacher training course.
“Mass display requires a lot of creativity because as coaches we have to come up with unique routines which can stretch up to 30 minutes. It also involves stunts that might endanger the lives of children hence we need to be very careful and thorough in coaching the learners,” she said.
“We also have to develop the physical fitness of children so that they are able to balance one another. As a coach, when children are going through their routine, my fingers will be crossed hoping that all goes well,” she said.
“During our performances, my colleague is usually the one who takes the children through their routine by communicating through a whistle. When children are doing balancing acts he will be on high alert in case one of them falls.”
Matshiya Primary School headmistress, Mrs Audrey Moyo said mass display and physical education are equally important in the learning process.
“At Matshiya Primary we recognise the importance of training learners in mass displays. If the body is strong and healthy then it helps the mind to develop. When children go to the classes for academic lessons, they will be better positioned to assimilate and comprehend what they are being taught,” she said.
“Mass display also helps to discipline and develop the mind. In mass displays, children have to master routines and they can apply those mental skills to master concepts in class. At the end of it, all the child’s mind will she sharpened.”
Online Reporter