Victoria Park High School

Victoria Park High School is a public English medium co-educational day school high school situated in the suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is one of the top and most academic schools in Port Elizabeth. The school was established in 1940.

General
Approximately 1000 students attend grades 8–12 and participate in activities, sports and the cultural arts. To maintain a favourable pupil/teacher ratio, the Governing body employs approximately 20 extra teachers.

Headmasters

 * H.W. Arnott(1940–1947)
 * T.C Thorp (1947–1965 )
 * G.A.C. Pearson (1966–1982)
 * D. Blake (1983–1993)
 * P. Hollely (1993–2002)
 * M.J. Vermaak (2003–2021)
 * A. Jansen (2021-2022)
 * G. Jacobson (2022–present)

History
The school was established in January 1940, and was situated in the Dutch Reformed Church hall in South End. The first day saw an enrolment of 38 grade 9 pupils, one assistant woman teacher and H.W. Arnott, the headmaster. It was he who came up with the school's motto, "Vivite Fortes", meaning "Live courageously". Sport was played on the fields of Walmer Rugby & Cricket Clubs, and two hired tennis courts in Second Avenue.

In 1941, a grade 10 was added, along with an extra teacher. When Arnott returned in 1945 after service in World War II, the school had moved to its present site at the junction of Victoria Park Drive and First Avenue Walmer, as well as having classes from grade 9 to Matric.

Cultural societies

 * Drama
 * Jazz band
 * Wind Band
 * Steel band
 * Choir
 * Impulse (cultural society)
 * Debating
 * Quiz Team
 * The VIP (School Newspaper)
 * Toastmasters
 * Photography
 * Science Club
 * Hiking Club
 * Cultural Society
 * Art Club
 * Ballroom Dancing

Service clubs

 * Interact (Grades: 10–12)
 * Junioract (Grades: 8–9)
 * TAG (Teenage Action Group)
 * TADA (Teenagers Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse)
 * LIFE(Life is for everyone)
 * PAW (Protecting Animals Worldwide)
 * ACC (Aids Care Committee)
 * Blood Peer Promoters
 * First Aid
 * ECO (Environmental Caring Organisation)
 * Sound and Lighting Technicians

Self improvement

 * Life (Love Is For Everyone)
 * VP Toastmasters

Leadership groups

 * Junior City Council
 * RCL (Representative Council of Learners)
 * Councilors (School Prefects)

Sport
The following are sports played by both sexes at Victoria Park High School:


 * Athletics
 * Cricket
 * Golf
 * Hockey
 * Soccer
 * Swimming
 * Tennis
 * Squash
 * Paddling
 * Chess
 * Hiking
 * Netball (girls only)
 * Rugby (boys only)