Barberton Primary proudly shares its history and values

Barberton Primary sees each learner as a child entrusted to it, to evolve into a well-developed individual showing principles of character, and to empower them through the acquirement, demonstration, articulation and valuation of knowledge and skills, enabling them to make a contribution to society while practising the core values of respect, tolerance, inclusion and excellence, leading to the fulfilment of each individual’s potential within the broader community in all its diversity for a brighter tomorrow.

February 17, 2021

The history:

In 1903, the cornerstone was laid by Sir Alfred E Pease Bart, the magistrate of Barberton. The new building was commissioned in the same year. Initially, all the teaching was done in English. On March 12, 1912, the director instructed that parallel medium instruction (English and Afrikaans) should take place forthwith, up until Grade Six.

Bouwer Park was not always part of the school. In 1950, a former Springbok athlete, Mr NJ Wessels, became the principal, and he saw the need for a sports field. In 1952, a fair was held and R2 000 was raised for the purchase of the site! Mr Bouwer succeeded Mr Wessels as school principal and the sports field was named after him.

On December 12, 1955, the separation between high school and primary school occurred.

In 1963, Mr Terblanche succeeded Mr Bouwer. The school hall was built in 1965. The swimming pool opened in 1967. In 1975, Mr Van der Merwe was appointed as school principal. The temporary classes were erected next to the donga. Mr Pieterse was made school principal in 1987. The media centre was extended in 1989. The tuck shop was built in 1992. Mr De Waard succeeded Mr Pieterse as school principal. In 1997, the computer centre was upgraded and expanded with 40 computers.

On January 11, 2003, two Grade R classes started, located on the primary school hostel’s premises. Mr Naudé succeeded Mr De Waard as school principal in 2013.

In 2003, Barberton Primary School presented an interprimary to commemorate the school’s centenary celebrations. Barberton Primary School also presented the interprimary in 2013 to celebrate the school’s 110th year of existence.

The mission:

To provide a nurturing environment, the school is committed to achieving excellence by providing highly effective educators. It is focused on improving learner performance and achievement through its commitment to ongoing professional development, quality teaching evidence-based practices, coaching, mentoring and collaboration.

All learners are challenged to reach their maximum potential by learning at their functional level to provide a solid foundation of skills, knowledge and values in a quality-inclusive learning environment responsive to individual learner’s voices.

This foundation will enable each learner to become a well-educated productive adult able to cope in an ever-changing world, and enable them to make a positive contribution. Providing stimulation and challenge for all learners is one of the school’s primary objectives.

Learners’ access to learning is enabled through the provision of:

• Differentiated, in-depth and cohesive learning programmes aligned to year-level content and achievement standards informed by the South African CAPS Curriculum.
• Opportunities for community and parents to participate in learning and decision-making partnerships.