REFLECTIONS LEADING TO MY LAST YEAR AT KITWE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL 1964

George M. Lazarevic – kitweonline

Scholar occupation of the newly built school took place in 1957 with the then head master Mr J Hall. Initially the school was a co-education one, with building of the proposed Girls’ High School, next door, having been ‘completed’ in 1959 but it was only in 1962 that the former one became an entirely boys’ school. However, right up till 1964 one still had a handful (figuratively) of girls coming over to the boys’ school, and vice-versa, for tuition in particular subjects – possibly because of a shortage of teaching staff.

I am not aware of how the school functions today, but I shall endeavour to recall how matters were 50+ years ago so that present incumbents are in a position to compare the then and now. I can clearly state that Kitwe Boys’ High School was a well-managed and controlled establishment with strict discipline being the order of the day – to which the bulk of the scholars adhered. Policing was overseen by the teaching staff and designated school prefects

As regards the school uniform, long-sleeved white shirts had to be worn full length ie it was forbidden to wear the sleeves folded part-way up the forearm. Haircuts had to be appropriate ie no dyed or long hair covering one’s ears. The school tie had to be worn full time from when one left home till one’s return. Additionally, one had to wear a straw boater (basher) as part of one’s school uniform while in public view to and from school.

School books were issued to the scholars and these had to be covered in brown (butchers) paper in order to preserve same. One was punished for non-adherence to this ruling to the extent of two to three strokes of the cane being dispensed to serious defaulters so, needless to say, books were always immaculately covered.

Among other qualifications, the school offered GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ level curricula and then an ‘M’ level in 1964 (one year’s study after ‘O’ level instead of two) which gained one entry, specifically, into a South African university.

Athletics’ activities comprised three competing houses namely Eagle, Falcon and Hawk covering all of the customary track and field events culminating in an annual inter-house and inter-schools events.

Besides cricket and rugby, one was spoilt for choice be it soccer, hockey, basketball, lawn tennis or swimming.

Additionally, we had a woodwork club, a chess club, a young farmers club, a school choir, a gymnastics club, badminton and lawn tennis clubs, a rowing club, a dramatic society, a photographic society, a printing press and a contingent of school cadets. Most of these activities were also competed against other schools but not necessarily on an annual basis.

Without mentioning names, I recall with great fondness and admiration, three teachers and a head master who had supreme subject knowledge and unmatched expertise in imparting this learning to the scholars – to them I shall remain forever grateful.

The excellent schooling foundation, especially in the subjects of physics, chemistry and mathematics made tertiary education a less onerous undertaking within the mechanical engineering field, which is what I accomplished and have recently retired from.

KBHS School Magazine – 1964

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Staff photo

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Staff List

Kitwe Boys_ KBHS Magazine 1964 – Annual Report

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Annual Report p4

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Prefects 1964

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Rugby Team photo

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Soccer Team photo

Kitwe Boys_KBHS Magazine 1964 – Athletics Team photo

KBHS School Magazine – 1961

Staff – Kitwe Boys High School – 1961

Images courtesy of George M. Lazarevic – former Head Boy (1964) at Kitwe Boys High School