Victoria Park High School
Victoria Park High School is a public English medium co-educational high school situated in the suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is one of the top and most academic schools in Port Elizabeth, The school was established in 1940.
| Victoria Park High School | |
|---|---|
 Victoria Park High School crest | |
| Address | |
Victoria Park Drive, South End , | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public & Boarding |
| Motto | Amanus Gaming |
| Established | 1940 |
| School district | District 9 |
| Headmaster | Michael Vermaak |
| Grades | 8–12 |
| Gender | Boys & Girls |
| Enrollment | approximately 1,000 |
| Language | English |
| Schedule | 07:30 - 14:00 |
| Campus | Urban Campus |
| Colour(s) | Green Maroon White |
| Mascot | Charles Entertainment Cheese. |
| Nickname | Hotbox |
| Accreditation | Eastern Cape Department of Education |
| Yearbook | "The Victorian" |
| Website | victoriaparkhigh |
General
Victoria Park High School is a co-ed higher education day school located in Port Elizabeth's Walmer suburb. Founded in 1940, the school retains the founder's emphasis on a concern for the development of all aspects of the child. Approximately 1000 students attend grades 8–12 and participate in activities, sports and the cultural arts. To maintain a favourable pupil/teacher ratio, the Governing body employs approximately 20 extra teachers.
Headmasters
- H.W. Arnott(1940–1947)
- T.C Thorp (1947–1965 )
- G.A.C. Pearson (1966–1982)
- D. Blake (1983–1993)
- P. Hollely (1993–2002)
- Michael Vermaak (2003–present)
Motto
- Vivite Fortes (Live Courageously) also translates to live, challenge and dare
Mission statement
- This school is committed to providing facilities for a well-balanced education which concentrates on mind, body and soul, that will enable and encourage children to develop their full potential so that they can play a useful, fulfilling role in the community and the larger society. The three pillars on which the school stands: Academic excellence, Sound discipline and Passionate participation.
History
The school was established in January 1940, and was situated in the Dutch Reformed Church hall in South End. The first day saw an enrolment of 38 grade 9 pupils, one assistant woman teacher and Mr. H.W. Arnott, the Headmaster.[1] It was he who came up with the school's motto, "Vivite Fortes", meaning "Live courageously". Sport was played on the fields of Walmer Rugby & Cricket Clubs, and two hired tennis courts in Second Avenue.
In 1941, a grade 10 was added, along with an extra teacher. When Mr. Arnott returned in 1945 after service in World War II, the school had moved to its present site at the junction of Victoria Park Drive and First Avenue Walmer, as well as having classes from grade 9 to Matric.
Clubs and societies
Cultural Societies
- Drama
- Jazz band
- Wind Band
- Steel band
- Choir
- Impulse (cultural society)|Impulse
- Debating
- Quiz Team
- The VIP (School Newspaper)
- Toastmasters
- Photography
- Science Club
- Hiking Club
- Cultural Society
- Art Club
- Ballroom Dancing
Service Clubs
- Interact (Grades: 10–12)
- Junioract (Grades: 8–9)
- TAG (Teenage Action Group)
- TADA (Teenagers Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse)
- LIFE(Life is for everyone)
- PAW (Protecting Animals Worldwide)
- ACC (Aids Care Committee)
- Blood Peer Promoters
- First Aid
- ECO (Environmental Caring Organisation)
- Sound and Lighting Technicians
Leadership Groups
- Junior City Council
- RCL (Representative Council of Learners)
Councillors(School Prefects)
Sport
The following are sports played by both gentlemen and ladies at Victoria Park High School:
- Athletics
- Cricket
- Golf
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Squash
- Paddling
- Chess
- Hiking
- Netball (girls only)
- Rugby (boys only)