GEORGE NEWS - Outeniqua High School annually receives applications from learners of all grades from all over the country and the school has expanded its infrastructure to accommodate more learners.
The school celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and at the centenary dinner guests received a glossy, centenary booklet with photographs, acknowledgements and formal addresses.
The current principal, Christo Vorster, points to the need for more schools in the George area. "Currently, the Western Cape Education Department is paying attention to the matter and hopefully there will be clarity on the matter by the end of 2023," he said.
"The growth in the number of learners and staff at Outeniqua High School over the last 100 years is remarkable. The school was started in 1923 with 223 learners and 11 educators. In 2005, the 1 500 mark was passed and currently the school has 1 720 learners and a staff of 153, of which 84 are educators. In 2025, there should be a total of 1 820 learners in Outeniqua High School."
According to Millicent Merton of the communication directorate for the Western Cape Education Department, the school accepted 320 Grade 8 learners per year before 2020.
"As a result of the influx of people to George, the governing body decided to take 360 learners per grade in 2021. The school currently has more than 380 Grade 8 learners," she said.
"Outeniqua High School is a school of choice for parents and learners from all over the country and especially in the surrounding towns and immediate area. This is due to their excellent achievements in all areas and what the school offers learners."
In Januarie 2021 headmaster Christo Vorster welcomed 366 Grade 8 learners at the Tommie Smook pavilion.
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