Paterson High School in Gqeberha's northern areas has become a beacon of light.
From retaining its The Herald Isuzu Schools Quiz title two years in a row to being represented at the International Science Technology Engineering Competition in Bali, Indonesia, the Schauderville school is an example to other schools — especially those in the city’s northern areas and townships.
Over the past few years, the school has participated in The Herald’s popular high school quiz competition, competing against more than 100 pupils from at least 30 Nelson Mandela Bay and Kouga schools, including Collegiate Girls’ High, Pearson High, Sanctor High and Khwezi Lomso Senior Secondary — beating them all two years consecutively.
In 2022 and 2023, Paterson beat Humansdorp’s Nico Malan 15-12 and Victoria Park High Victoria Park High 18-9 respectively in the finals.
In 2021, it finished fourth.
And “the School on the Hill”, established in 1925 by John Paterson who also founded The Herald, continues to soar.
Just a few weeks ago, we read about head boy, Rikyle Jordaan, 17, who was selected to attend the international science competition in Bali from May 2-5.
Speaking to The Herald, Rikyle said he said he was grateful to his school and teachers for creating growth opportunities for the pupils.
“I initially did not want to attend Paterson High, I wanted to go to a former Model C school,” he said.
“But my mother said: ‘Do not let your circumstances define or determine your future — you are ultimately responsible for how your future will look’.
“That has been my motto since grade 8.
“I just want to tell those young people who feel that their current circumstances do not contribute to their growth to focus on the positive and be the best they can be.
“Through me being the best I could be, opportunities arose.
“I am forever grateful for that, and to my school for going the extra mile. The sacrifices the teachers make are immense.”
Rikyle and all the Paterson staff, including teacher Kenneth Prins, recently received Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade’s Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Science, are an example of what can be achieved — even in schools traditionally considered disadvantaged — if all those involved are dedicated and work towards a common goal: all-round excellence.
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