The Port Elizabeth Technical High School was first opened at the Technical College in Russel Road on 17 February 1936. At that stage, there were only 12 learners in classes ranging from Grade 9 to 11. The hours of attendance were from 09:00 to 17:00.
Our talented and dynamic teaching staff ensure that high educational standards are achieved, incorporating traditional values and life skills. An exciting choice of sport and cultural activities is offered – our goal is to develop the full individual potential of each pupil. The school has produced young minds with a love of learning, sport, and the environment, ready to fulfill their roles as valued members of society.
Even though technical education has been a reality for several years, many people are completely ignorant or confused about technical education.
A widespread belief that learners who struggle in an ordinary school will find a technical school easier because the subjects are “easier” and the learner can “work with his/her hands” still prevails. Parents who become despondent when their child does not make satisfactory progress at school are sometimes misinformed and persuaded to enroll their child in a technical school despite the following realities:
- In Grade 12, learners in a technical school write the same external exams as those in ordinary schools. The same pass requirements and standards must be maintained.
- The course has a strong Mathematical bias and a learner at a technical school needs to have an above-average Mathematical aptitude.
- The “good with his hands” argument is just as deceptive. Very little time is spent in the work centers and a learner can only earn minimum marks through his/her manual dexterity.
These facts must be borne in mind when deciding to enroll a child in a technical school. This school aims to develop its learners, to the best of their potential so that they may become worthy members of society. A balanced education is thus offered in all spheres: academic, technical, physical, cultural, and pastoral.
The vital role of the family unit and the influence of the Christian-based principles of the society which this school serves are acknowledged in the achievement of this goal. The school commits itself to cultivate young adults of whom we all can be proud.
In Grade 8 and 9, learners follow the same curriculum as learners in any school in South Africa. However, in preparation for the NSC subjects in Grades 10 to 12, training in Engineering Graphics and Design is included in the curriculum. The choice a learner makes in Grade 9 regarding the subjects to be taken in Grade 10 for the National Senior Certificate course of study is very important. If a learner chooses without thinking very carefully about it, it can ruin his/her chances of furthering his/her career after school.
At Newton, we offer various sport codes, including rugby, cricket, netball, athletics, tennis, and soccer. Because winning is not everything, our passionate coaches focus on teaching good sportsmanship, great character, discipline, and punctuality. The learners enjoy competing both individually and in teams.
Although learners at Newton prefer a more “technical” way of life, they are very creative with lyrics, poetry, charity, and music. Our culture clubs include rap&poetry, charity&community, choir, debate, dance, land service, and blood donations.
