We have moved!

The new lounge area

The Knowledge Workshop is now based in Observatory!

After 6 years in Rosebank, The Knowledge Workshop has spread its wings and relocated to a fantastic, newly renovated space in the heart of Observatory (aka. Obz, to the locals). Known to many for its cosmopolitan and eclectic mix of locals, foreign travellers, nightlife and eateries, Observatory has something to keep even the most restless souls occupied.

One of the new classrooms

 The new building is a landmark of sorts and has its own tales of infamy from over the years. Originally, as The Helderberg Tavern, the building was attacked by militant activists during the apartheid era. They firebombed the building, failing to recognise that the tavern was a drinking hole for local students, some of whom were involved with the anti-apartheid struggle. 

The balcony

Furthermore, Observatory, Salt River and Woodstock were, at the time, among some of the areas less-affected by the Group Areas Act. This culturally-mixed feel persists today. In more recent times, the building hosted a Night Club which was also victim of a fire. For about a year, between 2012 and 2013, the building was empty while being fully restored to its former glory – this time with added fire precautions!

The Knowledge Cafe

The Knowledge Workshop occupies the upper floor, accessed by a door on Station Road (look for our logo above a large wooden door). The owners (and their insurers) have done a fabulous job with the restoration. The interior boasts high ceilings and large sash windows that fill the space with light. The Oregon pine wooden floors have been replaced– this time with fire-proofing beneath(!) and Marian has been exercising her green fingers and started recreating the feel of the old school yard on our sheltered balcony, by introducing a variety of local flora.

EFL students in ... foil hats!

More hats of foil!

Additionally, next door to the school, we also have a flat for use by visiting students. The accommodation is fully furnished, equipped to a good standard, and serviced. There is free wi-fi, lounge with DStv, a dining room/study area, kitchen, bathroom and a laundry area. Visiting students, signing up for courses with TKW will be able to take advantage of this convenient and cost-effective accommodation.

Our new contact details are now as follows:

Phone: 021 448 5090

Address: 86 Station Road (First Floor), Corner of Station and Lower Main Roads, Observatory, Cape Town. 7925.

…So, remember to look us up next time you’re in Obz. J

To Boldy Go....to the Cape Town Science Centre!

The Cape Town Science Centre

Exciting times were had again here at TKW with synapses firing on all fronts. Teachers and students welcomed new arrival, Nina Deggeller, from Switzerland, to our wintry shores with a trip to the all-new Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory. (Incidentally, the eclectic and bustling suburb of Observatory will soon become the new home of TKW…so watch this space for news of our re-launch).

Previously located in Canal walk, where it had a successful run for 10 years, the Science Centre is now centrally located on Main Road, Observatory and close to all forms of public transport. And so, on the mini-bus from Rosebank to Observatory our excited science enthusiasts went. What some may find interesting is that the building which now houses the Science Centre is a heritage building designed by avant-garde architect Max Polincansky, who contributed much to Modernist architecture in our city in the 1930s and 1940s. With some of the original design elements still perfectly intact,  the Cape Town Science Centre promises to stimulate the senses on more than just a scientific level.

Paupette on 'Mindball'

Our group visited the centre with high expectations and left completely impressed and inspired. A vibrant, brightly coloured corridor which opened onto an expansive room filled with all sorts of interactive and sometimes mind-boggling exhibitions drew our group right in. There was something for everyone – a beautifully detailed train set, complete with little people; a giant chess set; a Lego room filled with Lego structures built by previous visitors; a life-size replica of Africa’s first astronaut, Mark Shuttleworth’s Soyuz space capsule, which surprisingly fits 3; an aerotrim machine which, if you did not already know, is a gyroscope large enough to hold a human; and Mindball, a game of mind over matter, where nothing but brain waves are used to move a ball across a table. Amazing, right? Well, our group certainly thought so. A few hours were needed to fully experience everything the Science Centre had to offer, though everyone unanimously agreed that it is well worth a second visit!

Patrick on 'Mindball'

             
Star Trek, a Sci-fi series first popularised in the 1960s made famous the following words: To boldy go where no man has gone before... For the 'Trekkies' out there, these words resonate with notions of exploration, and discovery. So, visit the Science Centre and it  may well get you all fired up and ready to explore your own uncharted territories!

Visit our Facebook page for a full selection of photos and don’t forget to ‘like’ us. You can also find us on You Tube or visit our website for all the latest TKW news, courses and special offers.

That’s how we Bowl!

They say bowling is a sport for people who have talent to spare, so when Friday Fun Day once again rolled around, we decided to foster a little healthy competitive spirit between our gifted pre-intermediate and upper-intermediate students.   The challenge: two games of ten-pin bowling to find out what they’re made of.

The Bowlers

The day started with an instructional video and a quick vocabulary lesson before being whisked off to the bowling alley via a speedy train ride to Let’s Go Bowling in Claremont. Once our two team names were decided it was game on.

The Cassava’s comprised Paupette Sterling, Erick Bondo and teacher, Jesse Jooste, joined by former upper-intermediate student, Prince Kamb. Playing for The Bowlers were aspiring TEFL teacher, Jamie-Lee James, Patrick Rozay (a.k.a. Patcho) and head teacher, Jacques Engelbrecht.  
  
After slipping into our nifty, new pairs of studded bowling socks (yes, they've done away with the smelly bowling shoes!) both teams were amped to leave no pin standing.

Morale was high and after the first round, even the gutter-ball gurus amongst us were in fine form having knocked over at least a few pins to add to the tally. 

The Cassavas

Patcho scored two strikes for his team, putting his team in the lead early in the game, while novice-bowler, Prince, did his team proud by bowling a total of five fantastic strikes! By the end of the second round, it was neck-and-neck, but it was none other than Jamie-Lee who saved the day for The Bowlers by bowling two strikes in a row! The Bowlers finished with a final score of 456 points to the Cassava’s 422, proving that it’s not about how you bowl…but how you roll!

Visit our Facebook page for a full selection of videos and photos and don’t forget to like us. Also, follow us on You Tube or visit our website for all the latest TKW news.