Hoërskool Oosterland
Hoërskool Oosterland is a High School situated in Secunda, Mpumalanga in South Africa. On 13 January 1988, it opened its doors to 355 pupils in grade 8 and 9, having 15 teachers.[1] The school was initially known as the "Tweede Afrikaanse Hoërskool" (Second Afrikaans High School), apparently also Afrikaans Medium. The school was later renamed Hoërskool Oosterland in a name-giving competition.
Name
The name "Oosterland" points historically to one of the ships with which the French Huguenots landed in 1688 (300 years prior to the opening of the school). Geographically, the name Oosterland (Easternland) has a link to the Eastern part of Secunda in which the school is situated, as well as to the location of Secunda in the former Eastern Transvaal (today Mpumalanga). The School is nicknamed "Oosies" by the pupils.
Principals
The current principal is Elzette Botes, a teacher at the school since the opening, formally inaugurated in 2009. The previous principal was LLJ van Der Merwe who was one of the founding fathers of the school and played a key role in the building and development of the school in its early years.
Dresscode
The uniform consists of a red jersey, a trademark of the school. The Student Council (Oosie Raad) plays a key role in the manner and order in the school, they are responsible for break time surveillance, attendance order and organisation of school functions. They are noticeable with their cream pants and blue jerseys which differ from the rest of the pupils’ dresscode.
Sport
The school has a gymnasium and a cricket academy (built in 2010). The First Pavilion was also built in 2010 on the west side of the A Rugby Field. The school has rugby and hockey fields, and netball and tennis courts.
The main focus is on the development of sport players at school. The school participates annually in competitions in the following sport types: golf, chess, rugby, cricket (Boys and Girls), 7's rugby, hockey (Boys and Girls), netball, tennis, jukskei and athletics. Football is a notable absentee.
Cultural Activity
The School is a top achiever in the field of Culture, Public Speaking, Debate, Chess, March Band and Land Service are just few of the many activities in which the schools pupils excel.
The School's March band is one of only 5 left in South Africa and has become a trademark of the school. They won Inspection at the SAMOV national Band competition in 2010.
Academics
The school has outstanding academic results compared to other schools in the Gert Sibande district.