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technical
high school. The School has always offered only a technical education.
Ten years ago, to fill an apparent need, the school became co-educational
and dual medium. Girls and boys are offered exactly the same courses.
There is an Afrikaans medium class in each of the grades.
In
2003 the name of the school was changed to "George Campbell
School of Technology".
School
Houses
As
most of us are aware, the object of creating Houses in the school
environment is to engender a spirit of comradeship and competition
among the students, and to instill in each a sense belonging, irrespective
of whether or not they actually participate in any particular activity.
On arrival at the school, students are assigned to one of the four
Houses for the duration of their stay at the school. Students quickly
develop a fierce loyalty towards their houses.
It is often the practice of schools, when naming their Houses, to
opt for glamorous or bold epithets that evoke thoughts of brave
deeds by heroic characters as they triumph against overwhelming
odds. Undoubtedly, the clash of steel against steel and the awe-inspiring
war cry of legions of warriors marauding across open plains is enough
bring out the derring-do in any would-be competitor but, there are
other heroes equally deserving of a place in history; those who
have dedicated their lives to the upliftment of their fellowmen.
And, it is to these men of honour that our school turned, when naming
our Houses.
Sir Francis Bacon once said that, “knowledge is power”
and if this is so, our school has chosen wisely.
Campbell
House
Named after Dr. Samuel George Campbell, founder of the Natal Technical
College in 1907, and father of the founder of our school, Dr. George
Campbell, Dr. Samuel Campbell was a true humanitarian in every sense
of the word. He served the people of South Africa and Natal with
great distinction. An examination of some of the deeds he performed
reads like an of adventure straight out of a John Buchan or H. Rider
Haggard novel. The accolades and honours that Dr. Campbell earned
were numerous and the esteem in which he was held, bears testimony
to his character and integrity and we, as a school, are honoured
to have one of our houses named after him.
Narbeth House
This House took its name from Dr. Benjamin Mason Narbeth, a native
of Wales who was awarded his B.Sc. by the University of Cardiff
in 1909, after which he emigrated to South Africa to take up the
post of Principal of the Natal Technical College in Durban until
1933. He founded the Natal Teachers’ Society and was also
appointed to the Natal Education Commission which he served for
almost 20 years.
He served Natal in many other capacities as well and with his deep
religious convictions, he also undertook mission work.
Dr. Narbeth was a pillar of the community and a credit to our country.
We are proud of our association with him.
Robinson House
Senator Charles Phineas Robinson was born in England in 1866. Between
the years 1889 and 1892, he was a solicitor in the English Supreme
Court before emigrating to the Argentine. He eventually arrived
in Natal in 1896. He was a founder member of the Natal Technical
Council in 1907, as well as serving in the Natal Legislative Assembly.
He succeeded Dr. Sam Campbell as second President of the Natal Technical
College Council from 1926 to 1935 when he handed over the reins
to Dr. George Campbell. Between the years 1889 and 1892, he was
a solicitor in the English Supreme Court before emigrating to the
Argentine. He eventually arrived in Natal in 1896.
Most of his time in South Africa was devoted to the improvement
of education in Natal and we are privileged to be associated with
his name.
Williams House
Our fourth House is named after another Welsh-born immigrant and
academic, Dr. John Townley Williams. Unlike the others, Dr. Williams
came to Natal via the Transvaal where he honed his skills in business
administration in the coal and gold mining industries. He was instrumental
in turning Natal into a major coal exporter. He served as a member
of numerous coal committees, societies, commissions, institutes,
associations, collieries and boards.
Dr. Williams was also instrumental in the establishment of the Natal
Technical College and served on the College Council for 18 years
both as Treasurer and Vice-President. He was awarded an Honorary
Doctorate by the University of South Africa in 1935 for his work
on behalf of the Natal Coast Industry and his services to higher
education.
His involvement in various charitable causes earned him the respect
of his peers and we are proud to have his name associated with our
school.
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