School Age
Current Dalians
Dale Staff
Springboks
staff
At the heart of the Dale College story is a committed, professional, and qualified team of educators who are passionate about the delivery of quality education for every Dalian. Our committed admin and support staff ensure that the day-to-day operations of the school are taken care of. Our hardworking team of grounds and gardens staff ensure that the campus reflects our passion for excellence.
HISTORY
Dale College was established in 1861. With so many generations of education behind it the College is steeped in history with many interesting stories to tell. In 1877 a foundation stone was laid by the then Govenor of the Cape, Sir Bartle Frere, and the school named Dale College after the Superintendent-general of education of the Cape Colony, Sir Langham Dale. The distinctive heron of the Dale family crest became the school’s emblem. Over the years Dale has evolved into a great institution that has adapted and grown into a school that is proudly representative of the community it serves. The corridors proudly reflect its traditions, achievements, and glories of the past. This great history feeds a very exciting vision for the future.
FACILITIES
The College buildings are located on the highest point of our vast campus, and boasts great features that enable our Dalians to excel in a range of activities. Fully equipped classrooms, modern computer and science labs, and the iconic Old Dalian Assembly Hall ensure that our learners have every advantage to excel in their academic lives. The Frank Joubert Hostel is home to many of our boys. The sporting amenities are vast and numerous, ensuring that Dale College continues to produce world-class sporting excellence.
SPORT & EXTRA MURALS
Dale College has always been associated with sporting excellence and has produced a significant number of sportsmen that have been awarded national colours. We pay attention to process, preparation, and enjoyment in our coaching, and never forget to have fun. The comradery and spirit that is felt each time a Dale team runs onto the field is a mark of the brotherhood that is Dale College. And just as sport conditions the body, our wide range of cultural activities are designed to stimulate the brain and condition the soul. There is an activity to suit every interest, from debating, media, and art, to interact and first-aid, to name but a few. We seek to provide opportunity for every Dalian to find his own unique giftedness, and flourish.
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
Since as far back as I can remember, even if I did not wear the red and black hoops I now pride, the sturdy sons of Dale stirred a reverence that was almost unfathomable. The Dalians of those years, on the rugby field, on the track, in the pool, and in social spaces where we interacted exuded incredible passion. A passion for each other, for the game, and for life. I have come to know this passion more intimately. It is a defining characteristic of the brotherhood of Dale College.
It is many things, this brotherhood: it is encompassing, inspiring, uplifting, reflects courage in the face of adversity, love, support, a sense of humour, a love for iGwijo, and an ability to meet the rhythm of the brother alongside you. It is a sensitivity to the knowledge that life is tough, but that if we stand together we can achieve great things. It breathes confidence in who we are, what the Dalians before us have achieved, and a confidence in ourselves to achieve what we are destined to do.
Sir Langham Dale, almost two centuries ago, had the sense to create a school that has impacted society around the world and continues to do so. Our history is rich, colourful and inspiring. It has created a legacy which has carried us through an important transformation and continues to inspire us. Our active dream is for Dale College to be a school of excellence, a springboard of opportunity, a place of stimulation for all who interact with us. We dream to be both, a home from home for those in our Boarding House, and rooted in the Eastern Cape and Qonce communities we serve. Importantly, we need to remain sensitive to the challenges of our local communities.
The legacy of Dale College has weathered many storms, but the passion and brotherhood has never been dented. I am privileged to be a part of this brotherhood. And I am privileged to wear the Heron on my chest.
Per Ardua ad Astra
Dr Garth Shaw • Headmaster
Dale College 2027 Vision is more than just a dream. It is a roadmap that will fundamentally transform the Dale College of today into a centre of excellence in Qonce – enriched with an incredible legacy, enthused by its vibrant present, and excited by the incredible potential still to be realized. What we make with the average 700 000 hours that is our lifetime is ours to choose, but a lifetime best served is a lifetime of significance, where we are able to contribute to the greater good, and leave the world better for having us.
Dale’s Vision2027 envisions a campus that serves a contemporary Dale and reflects our commitment to excellence in both function and form.
We are working hard on a number of exciting projects that will further enhance the Dale offering. These include:
- A new basketball centre at the Athlone Sports Complex.
- A refurbishment of the King Astroturf hockey centre.
- The construction of a High-Performance Sports centre.
- The development of a cafeteria precinct in the Junior Quad – The Hungry Heron.
- The upgrade of our boarding facilities.
- The development of a comprehensive campus development plan, including a campus aesthetics project.
- Digital Dale – the development of WiFi-enabled curriculum support materials with the infrastructure to support it.