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 The Union's Centenary in 2009 |
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The Old Boys’ Union celebrated its Centenary during 2009. Various celebrations were hosted by the Union and to commemorate this special occasion in the history of Rondebosch, the Old Boys’ Union raised funds for the benefit of the current and future generations of Rondebosch boys.
 To understand and appreciate the difficulties faced by our schools in the current era: the State covers only 3% of the schools’ operating costs and only one of every two teachers is paid for by the State. Only 4% of the schools’ income can be allocated to capital improvement projects. However, with Old Boys financial support, Rondebosch will be able to maintain its position as one of the leading schools of educational excellence.
All donors' names are listed in the Union's newsletter and are also acknowledged on the website. A donation may be made as a once-off, or spread over a few years. The actual amount of your donation will not be published or made known. Donations are deductible for South African income tax purposes which will assist in making your contribution more affordable.
Various important projects were identified for implementation and some of the expenditure was financed from parents’ fund raising and school fees, but further substantial donations were required.
More information on how to make a donation. |
The new Rondebosch Art & Design Centre and the Technology Centre
Art and Design are very popular subjects at Rondebosch and the school is an acknowledged leader in the field. More than 330 boys do Art which incorporates sculpture and ceramics and 115 boys do Design. A major project for 2009 was the redevelopment of the old Metal and Woodwork rooms into a new Art Department and the old Art Room into a modern Technology Centre. Design occupies a separate section of the Art wing.
The focus is on teaching in a practical environment and manner which assists our boys after school in areas as diverse as Architecture, Animation, Photography and Computer Graphic programmes. Rondebosch strives to provide all boys with the skills to be creative and to think laterally which enables them to be innovative and imaginative in whatever career they choose. Rondebosch accordingly has a holistic approach to Art and Design.
Art, including Ceramics and Pottery, and Design
Equipment being acquired includes baking ovens, extractor facilities, audio-visual equipment and desks, tables and seating. Naming rights for full sponsorship of the lecture theatre and/or classrooms can be arranged. Design is linked to careers such as advertising, web design, graphic design and clothing manufacture.
Engineering Graphics and Design including CAD/CAM facilities.
This subject broadly speaking replaces the drawing aspects of metalwork and leads on to all disciplines within engineering, as well as architecture, quantity surveying and building construction. The modern approach is for drawing also to be done on computers, requiring some computer capacity and a small basic workshop. This includes 35 PCs, a server, cabling, networking and work surfaces. Old Boys in this line of work may wish to secure naming rights for themselves or their firms.
Technology
The modern Technology Centre teaches boys to analyse real life situations and to identify practical solutions to these issues. Technology embraces industrial design and process, construction and food processing. Stoves, desks and general equipment are being acquired. The subject is is compulsory for all Grade 8 and 9 pupils and a dedicated venue is being developed with computers, workbenches and other work surfaces, a machine room and a high technology interactive whiteboard.
In addition to donations being publicly acknowledged, donors’ names may be affixed to specific equipment donated, in consultation with the school. |
Computer Based Teaching Methodologies |
Modern technology is used to encourage boys to learn more independently and to learn actively. This is particularly important as youngsters in the 21st Century are exposed to technology in every area of their lives and respond well to it.
There are needs at both the Prep and High schools for Interactive White Boards, Overhead Data Projectors and the associated software. In addition to donations being publicly acknowledged, donors’ names will be affixed to specific equipment donated. Click here to read more about computers at Rondebosch. |
New swimming and water polo pool |
Thanks to the generosity of Old Boys and other donors, Rondebosch has a new swimming and water polo pool which is regarded amongst the best in the country. The new pool, which meets international size and depth criteria, is in regular use. The old pool continues to be fully used for practices and some matches and by the Prep School.
Awnings for protection of spectators from the sun were recently donated by the OBU Centenary Appeal.
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| Staff housing |
The new staff housing, the Clent Mews, is complete and fully occupied by Prep and High staff. These seven new units enable both schools to attract and retain key teaching staff to ensure Rondebosch’s continued educational excellence. One unit has been sponsored by the Old Boys’ Union and named appropriately. Three further units are available for naming rights at R500 000 each. |
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| Scholarships |
Academic, cultural, sporting and boarding scholarships are important to enable deserving boys obtain a Rondebosch education although special fee rebates are available in certain circumstances. Scholarships also assist in attracting talented boys to Rondebosch as there is strong competition from other schools, not only on the sporting front but also in academic spheres.
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Donations mat be pooled with other similar donations in a fund to create an appropriate scholarship for a boy for his five years at RBHS. Click here for more information |
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| Rondebosch Heritage |
Funds are also to be used to record and display Rondebosch's rich heritage in a co-ordinated manner in school foyers, pavilions and other areas.
Another project being considered by Rondebosch is the refurbishment of the Memorial Hall. The Union has also provided the Prep School's Music Department with funds to assist a teacher with his music teaching qualification.
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