Die geskiedenis van Potchefstroom Gimnasium, 1907–1982

Abstract

The thesis deals with the history of Potchefstroom Gimnasium, as preparatory school initially and later on as a secondary school. The school was founded in 1907 as preparatory school, by the Theological School of the Reformed Church of Potchefstroom. The history of its origin is hereby• at tended to against the background of the general teaching conditions in the Cape Colony and in Potchefstroom. The misappreciation of Christian-National education during the late nineteenth century offered the stimulus which led to the foundation of the Preparatory School in 1907. The Preparatory School was in character a church school in the period between 1907 and 1914. It was thus exclusively upheld by the Reformed Church. When the school year commenced in 1915, it was decided that the name Preparatory School be changed to Potchefstroom Gimnasium, and that it would serve under authority of the Government in future. It now contained two sections namely a primary section and a secondary section. In 1918 the two sections were separated and they became two independent institutions. Under the principality of Mr JJA Coetsee, who had served in this post since the foundation of the school, it grew to become a worthy secondary school. During the period 1938-1965 the school developed into becoming a modern secondary school under authority of its second, permanently appointed headmaster, Mr W de K Kruger. This process of growth was continued by principals AJ Combrink, ABJ Kruger, LA Dreyer and AN Grobler. Finally, the origin and meaning of the schools symbols are discussed. When dealing with symbols, the author also refers to the motto, the emblem and the school song. It has been determined that Potchefstroom Gimnasium had grown into becoming a school of traditions over the period between 1907 and 1982. It bears a fruitful history and shows that it is firmly rooted in the traditions of Christian Reformation and Afrikanerdom.