Port Rex Technical High School

Here we briefly outline the history and heritage of Port Rex. Port Rex Technical High School has its roots in the Technical section of the East London Technical College (1928-1968).

In 1974, on a suggestion by the then headmaster, Dr Johan Brittz, the East London Technical High School changed its name to Port Rex Technical High School. The name ‘Port Rex’ has its origin in George Rex, a British sea captain who landed at the mouth of the Buffalo River in 1823. Up until 1847, East London was named Port Rex. Former headmaster Dr Johan Brittz was also instrumental in the design of the current Port Rex school badge.

The school colours, Cambridge University blue and maroon have an interesting history. Mr Lorton, early Head of Technology at the East London Technical College, studied at the Imperial College in London, where maroon was worn. Similarly, Mr Shannon, early Head of Commerce at the East London Technical College, studied at Cambridge University, hence the colour blue.

Our aim at Port Rex Technical High School is to expose our learners, within the protected background at high school level, to an Academic environment which will facilitate the opportunity to acquire practical skills and useful knowledge. Learners are then equipped and ready with skills and knowledge to take into post grade 12 study or the world of work to enable a meaningful contribution to the South African commercial sector.

Deeply rooted in the Port Rex philosophy is the concept that our educational package should seek relevance with Industry. It is this belief that governs our Employment and Social Responsibility Programme. Over the last 30 years we have developed a beneficial relationship with a cross-section of local and national businesses in the Technological and Manufacturing Sector, who actively seek out and welcome applications from our learners.

The four houses: Christopher, Bisseker, Cowie and Bowie were named after four Board Councillors who served the East London Technical College and contributed much to Technical Education in the border region. Our motto, ‘Mente-et-Manu’ – meaning ‘With mind and hand’, has its origin in the old East London Technical College.

All learners follow the D.B.E. curriculum as prescribed in the CAPS document. The only exception is that at Port Rex, more emphasis is placed on Technology. Here, grade 8 and 9 learners receive “hands-on” experience with the tools and equipment which they will encounter in other senior technical subjects. At this early phase our learners are already exposed to Engineering Graphics and Design as well as workshop practice. This gives the learners the opportunity to make an informed decision when selecting their specialised technical subject at the end of Grade 9.

All grade 10, 11 and 12 Port Rex learners take a selection of compulsory subjects, with the additional option of one of 3 available specialized technology subjects. The selection of the technology subject is made at the end of Grade 9 on the basis of the learner’s achievement in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology. The Technology subjects each have limits imposed on numbers by factors such as safety and the number of work stations available.

Mathematics and Physical Sciences are taken together and Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences are taken together.

The study of Mechanical Technology builds on the systems, controls, structures and processes found in the Technology Learning Area Statement for the General Education and Training band. It serves to further develop the learners’ knowledge and understanding of levers, pulleys, gears and mechanisms. Learners are also exposed to the use and application of mechanical advantage, designs and structures as applied in design to promote safety and efficiency. Mechanical Technology is designed to promote learners with a sound base that integrates technical and practical competencies.

Civil Technology and the related professions such as architecture, building and quantity surveying, collectively known as the Built Environment, are the basis on which civilisation was founded. It is through these professions that essential services, such as roads, bridges, purified water, water-borne sewerage, railway lines, high rise buildings, factories and housing in general, among its many aspects, are provided.

Electrical Technology focuses on the understanding and application of electronic principles and the technological processes inherent in the production of products, services and systems. Electrical Technology provides a sound foundation for further studies in the Electrical Engineering and Electronic field.

Electrical engineer, electrical Draughtsman, electrical or electronic technician, electrical or electronic technologist, lecturer, teacher or researcher.Carpentry and joinery, shop fitting and roofing specialist, bricklaying and plumbing, built-in cupboards, cabinet making and kitchens and boilermaker.