Wynberg Boys' High School
Encyclopedia
Wynberg Boys' High School is a public school for boys in Cape Town
, Western Cape
, South Africa
.
It was founded in 1841 and is the second oldest school in South Africa
. It had humble beginnings in Glebe Cottage under first Headmaster John McNaughton and changed site three times before moving onto its present site on Wynberg Hill in 1980. Today over 800 boys are taught by approximately 50 teachers.
School activities at Wynberg include academic studies, sport, service and culture.
In 1841 John McNaughton re-opened the doors of the future Wynberg Boys' High School in Glebe Cottage to sixteen pupils. Initially co-educational, this school made no distinction in respect of colour or creed.
John McNaughton was eventually granted an assistant to help him run his school, while the current headmaster, Keith Richardson, has nearly 50 full time and part time teachers to help him in the task of educating hundreds of young men.
The school has moved three times over the years until it eventually found a home in 1980 on the top of the Wynberg Hill - a kilometre away from its original home, Glebe Cottage. Plato's injunction of "Education should take place amongst beauty" is certainly applicable in the case of the Wynberg Boys' High School of today.
Every year, in the last week of August, the school celebrates its traditional Founders Day. The history of South Africa is reflected in the school's history. When necessary, graduates have answered the call to arms in all the major conflicts which have afflicted this country in the last 168 years and the Role of Honour above the Garden of Remembrance recognises those who have made the supreme sacrifice.
There are two school museums as well as in the two books written on Wynberg: 'The History of a School' (1961) by Doug Thompson who was a teacher of English at the school and 'A School Reflects' (1991) by Old Boy Roger Goodwin.
The School's motto 'Supera Moras' can be translated literally from the Latin as 'Overcome Difficulties'. Generations of Wynberg men have taken a less stilted translation : 'A Wynberg Man Never Gives Up.' This motto is given life in all four pillars of the school : Academics, Culture, Sport and Service.
Wynberg Boys' High School has sporting tradition. The students take part in sporting competitions with schools from the area, Western Cape
and sometimes from other parts of South Africa, as well as occasional competitions with visiting teams from other countries.
Wynberg has a tradition of being one of the most competitive sporting schools in South Africa, with the 1st team Hockey and Cricket sides being ranked number 1 in the country in 2002/2003. Wynberg has also been competitive on the rugby field, competing with top South African schools such as Rondebosch Boys' High School
, Diocesan College
and Paul Roos Gymnasium
. Matches between Wynberg and arch rivals South African College Schools
draw large crowds and are often broadcast live on television.
The school offers sporting facilities such as an astro turf, a heated swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, four rugby fields, and the WBHS cricket field known as "The Oval."
----
Wynberg offers the following sporting activities for students throughout the year:
Wynberg Boys' High School has a cultural heritage. The WBHS choir has a large reportoire of songs ranging from jazz to classical. Choir members are offered professional vocal training in order to learn and improve special techniques. In addition to the choir, WBHS has three school bands, namely the Concert Band, the Steel Band and the Jazz Band. The Concert band has been successful, in the Cape Town Eisteddford as well as the Clash of the Concertos competition at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
, and performing at the Cape Town City Hall
as a part of the Wynberg Campus of Schools Concert. Recently, the Wynberg Boys' and Girls' High bands have joined to form the Combined Band playing at many Inter-school events.
The Steel band is also an essential part of the WBHS cultural pillar. Performing throughout Cape Town, the Steel Band totalled 32 performances in 2005, including a televised performance at Newlands Cricket Ground
in front of many spectators.
The WBHS Drama Department is one of the most respected school drama departments in South Africa. Competing in the Cape Town Eisteddford, the WBHS drama department has been very successful, and the Wynberg Major Production performed in conjunction with Wynberg Girls' High School
always draws large crowds.
Additionally, WBHS has an Art Department. The art department encourages students to develop their creative skills and provides a platform for all aspiring artists to showcase their talents. In this sense, the Art room is seen as a haven for creative thought and artistic intellect.
Every year Wynberg Boys' High School holds a memorial day in which the founding of the school is celebrated. The school also pays tribute to Wynberg Old Boys who died fighting in World War I
, World War II
and the South African Border War
. In World War I, 42 Wynberg Old Boys were killed.
Was the seed of Wynberg sown.
As an acorn to an oak tree,
Wynberg School has proudly grown.
Firm its roots and broad its branches!
Best of schools it stands alone!
[Chorus]
Supera Moras! Supera Moras!
This is the cry of Wynberg Sons.
We join now with those before us,
Supera Moras makes us one!
From the shelter of its branches,
Year by year go forth again.
All the heirs of its traditions,
Brothers in an endless chain.
Joined by pride and linked by honour!
Wynberg Boys they all remain!
[Chorus]
Supera Moras! Supera Moras!
This is the cry of Wynberg Sons.
We join now with those before us,
Supera Moras makes us one!'
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
.
It was founded in 1841 and is the second oldest school in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. It had humble beginnings in Glebe Cottage under first Headmaster John McNaughton and changed site three times before moving onto its present site on Wynberg Hill in 1980. Today over 800 boys are taught by approximately 50 teachers.
School activities at Wynberg include academic studies, sport, service and culture.
History
John McNaughton was eventually granted an assistant to help him run his school, while the current headmaster, Keith Richardson, has nearly 50 full time and part time teachers to help him in the task of educating hundreds of young men.
The school has moved three times over the years until it eventually found a home in 1980 on the top of the Wynberg Hill - a kilometre away from its original home, Glebe Cottage. Plato's injunction of "Education should take place amongst beauty" is certainly applicable in the case of the Wynberg Boys' High School of today.
There are two school museums as well as in the two books written on Wynberg: 'The History of a School' (1961) by Doug Thompson who was a teacher of English at the school and 'A School Reflects' (1991) by Old Boy Roger Goodwin.
The School's motto 'Supera Moras' can be translated literally from the Latin as 'Overcome Difficulties'. Generations of Wynberg men have taken a less stilted translation : 'A Wynberg Man Never Gives Up.' This motto is given life in all four pillars of the school : Academics, Culture, Sport and Service.
Sporting Activities
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
and sometimes from other parts of South Africa, as well as occasional competitions with visiting teams from other countries.
Rondebosch Boys' High School
Rondebosch Boys' High School is a state secondary school in Rondebosch, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in 1897 and is known by the acronym "RBHS".-Academics:...
, Diocesan College
Diocesan College
The Diocesan College, or Bishops as it is more commonly known, is an independent, all-boys school situated in the suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, South Africa...
and Paul Roos Gymnasium
Paul Roos Gymnasium
Paul Roos Gymnasium is a government school for boys in the town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, founded in 1866 as Stellenbosch Gymnasium....
. Matches between Wynberg and arch rivals South African College Schools
South African College Schools
The South African College Schools, commonly referred to as SACS, is a primary and secondary education institution located in Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 1829, it is the oldest school in South Africa and one of four schools expressly named by Cecil John Rhodes to offer an annual...
draw large crowds and are often broadcast live on television.
The school offers sporting facilities such as an astro turf, a heated swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, four rugby fields, and the WBHS cricket field known as "The Oval."
----
Wynberg offers the following sporting activities for students throughout the year:
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Water Polo
- Hockey
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Squash
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Cross Country
- Capoeira
- Table Tennis
- Shooting
- Basketball
- Golf
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Fencing
Cultural Activities
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in the historic heart of Cape Town's working harbour is South Africa's most-visited destination, having the highest rate of foreign tourists of any attraction in the country...
, and performing at the Cape Town City Hall
Cape Town City Hall
Cape Town City Hall is a large Edwardian building in Cape Town city centre which was built in 1905. It is located on the Grand Parade to the west of the Castle and is built from honey-coloured oolitic limestone imported from Bath in England.-History:...
as a part of the Wynberg Campus of Schools Concert. Recently, the Wynberg Boys' and Girls' High bands have joined to form the Combined Band playing at many Inter-school events.
The Steel band is also an essential part of the WBHS cultural pillar. Performing throughout Cape Town, the Steel Band totalled 32 performances in 2005, including a televised performance at Newlands Cricket Ground
Newlands Cricket Ground
Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town is a South African cricket ground. It's the home of the Cape Cobras, who play in the SuperSport Series, MTN Domestic Championship and Standard Bank Pro20 competitions. It is also a venue for Test matches. Newlands is regarded as one of the most beautiful cricket...
in front of many spectators.
The WBHS Drama Department is one of the most respected school drama departments in South Africa. Competing in the Cape Town Eisteddford, the WBHS drama department has been very successful, and the Wynberg Major Production performed in conjunction with Wynberg Girls' High School
Wynberg Girls' High School
Wynberg Girls' High School is a public school for girls in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.Founded in 1884, Wynberg Girls High School is one of the oldest all girls schools in South Africa. The first headmistress, Miss Margaret Stewart, was supported by two teachers and catered to 27 pupils...
always draws large crowds.
Additionally, WBHS has an Art Department. The art department encourages students to develop their creative skills and provides a platform for all aspiring artists to showcase their talents. In this sense, the Art room is seen as a haven for creative thought and artistic intellect.
Every year Wynberg Boys' High School holds a memorial day in which the founding of the school is celebrated. The school also pays tribute to Wynberg Old Boys who died fighting in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the South African Border War
South African Border War
The South African Border War, commonly referred to as the Angolan Bush War in South Africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in South-West Africa and Angola between South Africa and its allied forces on the one side and the Angolan government, South-West Africa People's...
. In World War I, 42 Wynberg Old Boys were killed.
The Wynberg Argot (Slang)
- 'A' Corridor: Corridor consisting of administrative offices as well as the Headmaster's office and Masters offices.
- Alf Morris: Music centre officially known as the Nussbaum Music Centre and Auditorium but known to the boys as the Alf Morris.
- Astro: 1st XI hockey turf
- Baggy Blue: Official school cricket cap.
- The Bell: A bell cast in the early 20th Century only to be rung to call assembly and by every boy on his last day in his final year. Strictly not to be rung by anyone else besides a prefect, master or leaving boys.
- Bill Bowden: Main rugby pavilion and squash courts.
- Blue Book: Pocket book to be carried by all boys at all times with essential school information and school diary. Considered to be part of school uniform.
- Blues: Colours award lower than Honours but higher than Colours.
- The Blues: 3rd XV rugby team
- Boater: Traditional straw hat worn by boarders.
- Cabbage Patch: Shrouded field down the hill from The Oval used mostly for lower rugby team practises. Officially the Oude Wijnberg Field.
- Colours: Lowest of the colours awards.
- Cooler: Being sent to your housemaster for disciplinary reasons.
- Fish Bowl: Fountain quad and school tuckshop complex.
- The Hollow: 1st XV rugby field
- Honours: Highest colours award.
- Khaki's: School summer uniform.
- Long Grey's: School winter uniform.
- Mocks: Final year September examinations.
- The Oval: 1st XI Cricket field. Known officially as the Jacques KallisJacques KallisJacques Henry Kallis is a South African cricketer. As an all-rounder he is a formidable right-handed batsman and fast-medium swingbowler. He is one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, being the only cricketer in the history of the game to hold more than 12,000 runs and 250 wickets in both...
Oval. - The Patriots: Matric XI Cricket Team
- The Shield: The Friedlander Shield, competed for annually by the eight houses.
- The Amphitheater/Shooting Range: Open air theatre outside the Alf Morris.
- Stooge: Gap years at the school.
- Ten Club: Club consisting of the top ten boys academically in each grade.
- Tutor: Teacher in charge of a set number of boys of various ages within a House.
- Wynbergian: Termly humorous and witty magazine edited by elected boys.
- The Wynberg Mile: Annual mile long race run around the school grounds between the eight houses.
School song
In a cottage 'neath the mountain,Was the seed of Wynberg sown.
As an acorn to an oak tree,
Wynberg School has proudly grown.
Firm its roots and broad its branches!
Best of schools it stands alone!
[Chorus]
Supera Moras! Supera Moras!
This is the cry of Wynberg Sons.
We join now with those before us,
Supera Moras makes us one!
From the shelter of its branches,
Year by year go forth again.
All the heirs of its traditions,
Brothers in an endless chain.
Joined by pride and linked by honour!
Wynberg Boys they all remain!
[Chorus]
Supera Moras! Supera Moras!
This is the cry of Wynberg Sons.
We join now with those before us,
Supera Moras makes us one!'
Cricket
- Jacques KallisJacques KallisJacques Henry Kallis is a South African cricketer. As an all-rounder he is a formidable right-handed batsman and fast-medium swingbowler. He is one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, being the only cricketer in the history of the game to hold more than 12,000 runs and 250 wickets in both...
, South AfricanSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player".... - Allan LambAllan LambAllan Joseph Lamb is a former England cricketer and captain who played for the first class teams of Western Province and Northamptonshire, the latter as an Overseas player...
, England cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player".... - Garth Le RouxGarth Le RouxGarth Stirling Le Roux in Kenilworth, Cape Town is a former South African first class cricketer. He went to Wynberg Boys High School, graduating in 1973....
, South AfricanSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player".... - Charl WilloughbyCharl WilloughbyCharl Myles Willoughby is a South African cricketer who played two Tests and three ODIs for South Africa between 2000 and 2003. He played for Boland and Western Province before spending two seasons with the Cape Cobras. He has also played English county cricket, and after a season with...
, South AfricanSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player".... - Paddy Upton, Physical Trainer of the South African cricket teamSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
- Shadley van SchalkwykShadley van SchalkwykShadley van Schalkwyk is a South African cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler who currently plays for The Eagles...
, Diamond Eagles cricketer - Dominic TeloDominic TeloFilipe Dominic Telo is a South African cricketer, currently contracted to Derbyshire, on a two year deal from the start of the 2008 summer.He scored 28 against the Isle of Wight at Newclose County Ground on 22nd March 2009...
, Cape CobrasCape CobrasThe Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras often shortened to Cape Cobras or Cobras is the name used since the 2005–06 season by the combined Western Province and Boland first class cricket teams in South African domestic cricket. The joint Western Province and Boland team was named Western Province Boland for...
and Derbyshire cricketer - Richard LeviRichard LeviRichard Ernst Levi is a South African cricketer who played in the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka. He currently plays for Western Province and Cape Cobras. He attended Wynberg Boys' High school in Cape Town and received honours for cricket in 2005.-References:...
, Cape CobrasCape CobrasThe Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras often shortened to Cape Cobras or Cobras is the name used since the 2005–06 season by the combined Western Province and Boland first class cricket teams in South African domestic cricket. The joint Western Province and Boland team was named Western Province Boland for...
cricketer - Aubrey Martyn, South AfricanSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player"....
Rugby
- Rob Louw, South African rugby
- P.A. Cronje, South African rugby
- Doug Hopwood, South African rugby
- Lionel Wilson, South African rugby
- Doug Holton, South African rugby
- David Stewart, South African rugby
- Reginald Schwarz, England rugby union team and South African cricket teamSouth African cricket teamThe South African national cricket team represent South Africa in international cricket. They are administrated by Cricket South Africa.South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council, also known as ICC, with Test and One Day International, or ODI, status...
- Roy Dryburgh, South African rugby
- Gary Gold, South African rugby forwards coach.
Hockey
- Wayne Denne, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Rhett Halkett, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Lloyd Norris Jones, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Vaughn Erasmus, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Ian Haley, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Jonty Robinson, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
- Simon Martin, South African Hockey TeamSouth Africa national field hockey teamThe South Africa national field hockey team is the national team of South Africa that participates in international field hockey matches and tournaments...
Other
- Vic ClaphamVic ClaphamVic Clapham was the founder of the Comrades Marathon, the world's largest ultra-marathon, of approximately 90 km held annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa....
, founder of the Comrades MarathonComrades MarathonThe Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 90 km run in the Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race... - John Martin, yachtingYachtingYachting refers to recreational sailing or boating, the specific act of sailing or using other water vessels for sporting purposes.-Competitive sailing:...
- Hendrik Verwoerd, Former Prime Minister of South Africa
- Andrew FeinsteinAndrew FeinsteinAndrew Josef Feinstein is a former South African politician who currently resides in the United Kingdom, but remains a South African citizen.-Personal life:He was born in Cape Town to Ralph Josef Feinstein and Erika Hemmer...
, South African politician - Graeme Watkins, 3rd place in the 2009 edition of Idols (South Africa)Idols (South Africa)Idols is a television show on the South African television network M-Net, based on the popular British show Pop Idol. The show is a contest to determine the best young singer in South Africa....
- Donald Black, author
- Michael GelfandMichael GelfandProfessor Michael Gelfand OBE, CBE, Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester, MD , FRCP, DPH , DMR, Hon. LLD , Hon. DLitt , was one of Rhodesia's/Zimbabwe's most distinguished medical practitioners, who received a Papal Order of the Knighthood of St...
, distinguished Professor of tropical medicine - Kresimir Krnjevic, Professor of Physiology, Officer of the Order of CanadaOrder of CanadaThe Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...