Willowridge High School (Pretoria)

Willowridge High School
Address
Map
518 Verkenner Avenue, Die Wilgers

,
0143

Coordinates25°45′36″S 28°18′51″E / 25.7601°S 28.3141°E / -25.7601; 28.3141
Information
School typePublic
Motto"Strive with Integrity"
Religious affiliation(s)Christianity
Established7 January 1987; 37 years ago (1987-01-07)
School districtDistrict 4
School number+27 (012) 807 3423
Grades8–12
GenderBoys & Girls
Age14 to 18
Number of students1,000 pupils
LanguageEnglish
Schedule07:30 - 14:15
Hours in school day6 hours and 35 minutes
CampusUrban Campus
Campus typeSuburban
Color(s)  Blue
  Red
  White
NicknameWillowridge
Team nameWillows
Rivals
AccreditationGauteng Department of Education
Websitewww.willowridge.co.za

Willowridge High School is a public English co-educational high school situated in the suburb of Die Wilgers in Pretoria in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The school was established in 1987.

History

As early as the start of 1985, a Vigilance Committee was elected at a meeting of prospective parents. Having been named the watchdogs, they monitored the progress of the new school, while the buildings started taking shape on the site that once had been a farm.[citation needed] The school opened its doors on Wednesday, 7 January 1987 to welcome the first 187 pupils in Forms One and Two. During the first term the name Willowridge High School became official and a badge needed to be designed.[1]

The Coat of Arms was approved by the Bureau of Heraldry in 1988 and depicts the name of the school and its inherent philosophy. The shape is that of a spade, symbolising the pioneering spirit with which the school was started. The two willow trees standing on the ridge, nurturing and protecting the Tudor Rose as it blossoms, represent the name of the school.[citation needed]

The first headmaster, Eddie Penzhorn, came to Willowridge High from the Glen High School.[citation needed] In 1991, the second headmaster, Jack Birkenbach, was appointed. In 2005, the third headmaster, Andre du Plessis was appointed.[citation needed]

Academics

Academic learning is the first responsibility of the school.

Willowridge High School offers various subjects, including English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Science, Information Technology, Computer Application Technology (CAT), Economics, Economical Management Sciences, Life Orientation, Business Studies, History, Geography, Tourism, Natural Science, Visual Art (Art), Design, Consumer studies, Life Sciences (Biology), Hospitality Studies (Hotel), Dramatic Arts (Drama), Technology, Sport Science, Accounting, and Design.[citation needed]

Sport

Sport is compulsory for junior students but not seniors. For the grade 8 students of the school it is compulsory to attend most of the sport meetings as spectator-supporters.[citation needed]

Sporting facilities include netball facilities, rugby union facilities and cricket facilities, a 25-metre swimming pool, athletics grounds, gym, several tennis and netball courts, a basketball court (outdoor), a rock-climbing wall and hockey fields.[citation needed]

Willowridge High School is part of the Pretoria English Medium High Schools Athletics Association (PEMHSAA). The schools have three meetings a year, including the Swimming Gala (held at Hillcrest Swimming Pool), cross country (held at the host school) and an athletics meeting held at Pilditch Stadium.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "About Us". www.willowridge.co.za. Retrieved 2024-06-23.