Port Rex Technical High School
Port Rex Technical High School (Afrikaans: Hoër Tegnise Skool Port Rex) is a public boarding co-educational and day school in Berea, East London in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.[1] It has a rich technical reputation and is one of the very few technical high schools in the province . Prior to 1989 the school was reserved for male students and the boarding facilities are currently still exclusive to male boarders .
| Port Rex Technical High School | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Port Rex from Chamberlain Road | |
| Address | |
55 Chamberlain Road , Berea, East London, 5247 South Africa | |
| Information | |
| Former name | East London Technical High School (1969-1974) |
| Type | Technical High School |
| Motto | Mente et Manu (Mind and hand) |
| Established | 1928 |
| Headmaster | Mr Ettiene Theron |
| Grades | 8–12 |
| Gender | Co-educational (1989-...) |
| Language | English & Afrikaans |
| Houses |
|
| Colour(s) | Maroon Sky Blue White |
| Mascot | Lion |
| Nickname | Rex |
| Newspaper | The Port Rex Voice |
| Website | www |
Academics
Port Rex offers the following subjects :
Grade 8 -9
- Afrikaans First Additional Language OR isiXhosa First Additional Language
- Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- English Home Language
- Economics Management Sciences
- Mathematics
- Creative Arts
- Life Orientation
Grade 10-12
- Afrikaans First Additional Language OR isiXhosa First Additional Language
- English Home Language
- Life Orientation
- Civil Technology OR Electrical Technology OR Mechanical Technology
- Physical Sciences AND Pure Mathematics
OR
- Technical Sciences AND Technical Mathematics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Extra-mural activities
Sport :
- Hockey (boys and girls)
- Athletics
- Cross-country
- Water-polo
- Squash
- Tennis
- Golf
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Netball
Cultural :
- Cultural Society
- Debating
- SCA (Student Christian Association)
- Cultural Society
- The Port Rex Voice
- Photography
- Interact Club
- First Aid
- Choir
- Drama
- Gaming Society
Representative :
- SRC
Volunteer :
- Library
- Bookroom
- Scoreboards (netball and rugby)
- Tuckshop
- School Shop
- Audio Visual Club
Leadership Opportunities
- Class Captain (In each class . Also representative of class in SRC)
- Junior Leaders (grade 11 learners elected by staff members )
- Prefect (Elected among junior leaders towards end of grade 11 year by student votes, previous prefects' votes and teachers votes which weigh most )
History
Port Rex Technical High School has its roots in the Technical Section of the East London Technical College (1928-1968). In 1969, day scholars of the technical and commercial divisions separated from the Technical College to form East London Technical High School and the East London Commercial High School ( now Stirling High School .In 1974, after a proposition by the then head master, Dr. Johan Brittz, the schools name was changed from East London Technical High School to Port Rex Technical High School. The name "Port Rex" came from the British sailor who landed at the Buffulo River mouth in 1823 . Until 1947 East London was called Port Rex . Dr Brittz also played a significant role in drafting the current school crest. By early 1980s, the premises in Lukin Road had become too cramped to house three separate educational institutions. Urgent attempts were made to look for an alternative location for Port Rex THS. The De La Salle College (1935-1976) in Chamberlain Road became available and was bought from the Irish Catholic Brothers for R 6 million . Dr Brittz was again influential in negotiations with the Public Works Department so that the property was allocated to Port Rex THS. After major extensions amounting to R 3 million, the pupils and teachers moved to the new campus on 9 August 1982 . In recognition of the former dwellers the schools hall was named the De La Salle Hall. In 1988 the school declared its rugby fields officially open . In 1989 the school became co-educational, allowing girls to be part of Port Rex, and 4 year's later the school became a former model-C school in the South African schools terminology.
School Song
As we strive towards the future
With our minds and with our hands
We will build the dreams we nurture
On the rock and not the sand
Keep the flame of truth aglow
Giving only of our best
In our sports and in our learning
We will pass the sternest test
And the crown upon our badges
Is the strength within our hearts
The helmet's mighty wings sets us from the rest apart
Port Rex where dreams are made
Must keep this promise true
As we strive towards the future
Mente et Manu
Notable Staff
- Jan Preuyt ( former teacher and rugby coach 1956-1987 ; founder of Craven Week )