The College was established in 1956 in the central area of the town. The Headmaster at that time was Mr. Jooste and there were two staff members, namely Mrs Jooste and Mrs. Going instructing 63 pupils. During this period Mr, and Mrs Jooste were place under quarantine as their son had polio, leaving Mrs. Going on her own to manage the School. Mr. Bowling was then appointed in a part time position to assist her.
The first uniform had been discarded earlier and Mr. Jooste designed a new uniform. The summer uniform consisted of a crisp blue and white cotton dress to be worn with silk stocking, which were optional. The winter uniform was royal blue tunic dress worn with a white blouse. Elizabethan red cardigan and College blazer. The uniform for boys included grey slacks, red blazer and matching tie. The School badge and blazer which had been kept throughout the developing years and changes at the School, was designed by Mr. Kobus Ezterhuizen.
COMMERCIAL
High School Moves
1962 saw a new building in Wordsworth Avenue, Farramere. A new title was given to the School, namely, Commercial High School. From the first enrolment of 63 pupils the numbers increased to about 300 (this was the reason for a new school as the old school was bursting at the seams). The school building consisted of: The Hall, Library, Projector Room, Staff Room and 12 Classrooms. The school provided education for Standard VIII to Standard X pupils and was a bilingual school. The aim of the school was to prepare the pupils for the business world. Mr Jooste always promoted the study of Commercial subjects so much so that he entered a Typing Contest where he attained 2nd. Prize - the first being awarded to to his cousin. He was able to do both Shorthand and Snelskrif with a speed of 120 wpm; and held a typing speed of 45 wpm.
At first the school did not participate in sport activities (except athletics - in which they combined with Tegnies Hoërskool). Now, "Korfbal", hockey and tennis were introduced.
Three drama performances were held at this time. The first being "The Song of Hiawatha" and secondly "The Tempest". Mr. Jooste was aided by Mrs. Gwladys Weber who is very well known to Benonians for her ability to assist with school productions. The third play was written by Mr. Jooste, this being "My Soet Lief is 'n Lente Blom" (1964). Mrs. Fourie (teacher) composed the music.
Mr. van der Merwe joined the staff as Deputy Head in 1966. Mr. Jooste was forced to retire in 1970 due to ill-health and in 1971 Mr. van der Merwe became the new Principal. Deputy Head at this time was Mr. Jordaan.
In 1974 Standard VI pupils were included at the Commercial High School - however a decision had not yet been taken about the school becoming an English Academic High School, so Commercial subjects were the only choice.
Up until the end of 1973 the pupils wrote the National Examination but as of 1974 they would write the Transvaal Education Department Examination - the same as all other schools.
In 1974 saw two new hockey fields and four "Korfbal" fields. The school had a new rugby field but no athletics track - this would now come into being as well as the erection of a pavilion. This sports ground has been named after Mr. van der Merwe and is known as the J.F. van der Merwe Sports Grounds.
Unfortunately Mr. van der Merwe's term as Principal was not long as he died in 1976 and Mr. Jordaan acted as Principal until Mr. Myburgh's appointment in 1977.
WORDSWORTH
High School
In 1978 a caption competition was held to name the chool which had now been declared an English Academic School. The first choice was Northview but as there was a school on the West Rand with this name it was rejected and the second choice accepted, namely, Wordsworth High School. The winner of the caption competition was a Benonian. During this year plans for extending and altering the present school were drawn up as the original buildings were totally inadequate.
On the 20th November 1979 these new buildings and alterations (to the value of R1,25 Million) were started to house the about 860 pupils to enter the school (1983). 1982 saw the completion of the buildings and alterations.
The school uniform with the exception of the blazer was changed. This was done by the Parent-Teacher Association in 1981. This year's Standard VI's being the first to wear the uniform.
The school's extra-mural activities have also increased. The school now participates in all school activities and need no longer combine with Hoërskool Tegnies for athletics. A Drum Majorette Squad started here in 1981 and achieved "A' League status in 1983.
1983 sees its firs group of Standard X pupils to write examinations as an English Academic High School.
Up until the end of 1973 the pupils wrote the National Examination but as of 1974 they would write the Transvaal Education Department Examination - the same as all other schools.
Mr. Webber joined the staff as well this year as Deputy-Head, after Mr. Jordaan was appointed Principal of Nigel High School.