How about a journey back to 1877? That is when Durban Girls’ College first opened its doors. It was then known as the Durban Young Ladies’ Collegiate Institution.
Durban Girls’ College has a fascinating history. Six Durban Commissioners and Protestant clergy founded it. J F Churchill led them. Their names live on. They are remembered in a special service. The six school houses bear their names. These are Churchill, Cottam, Greenacre, Hunter, Palmer and Rutherford.
In 1905 Durban Girls’ College moved. Its new home was in Musgrave Road on the Berea. Sir Benjamin Greenacre donated this land. Over time the campus grew. It developed into what we see today. Students now enjoy world-class facilities. These cater for academics, culture and sports.
Today about 830 girls attend Durban Girls’ College. They range from pre-primary to grade 12. Around 70 of these girls board at College House. The college has an Anglican foundation. Its motto is “Nisi Dominus Frustra”. This Latin phrase means “Without God, all is in vain”. This reflects the school’s values.
Durban Girls’ College pupils excel academically. They write the Independent Examinations Board IEB exams. In 2005 four girls from DGC were among the top 50 nationally.
Durban Girls’ College offers impressive facilities. There is a library with stained-glass windows. The auditorium seats nearly 200 people. It has excellent acoustics. The music school houses the Megan Noyce Music Hall. There is also a Centenary Hall. The Cape Dutch-style Trust House includes an art studio. A Junior Primary caters to younger learners. An AstroTurf offers stunning views of Durban’s beachfront. Miller Grove House features a large function room and deck. The aquatic centre, fitness centre, squash and tennis courts provide sporting opportunities.
College House provides boarding. It accommodates 65 girls for four nights a week. This helps them focus on their studies and sports. It is close to many facilities. These include the fitness centre, courts and aquatic centre. The boarding house also has coffee lounges, verandas, courtyards and gardens.
Durban Girls’ College is known for its sports. It excels in swimming, water polo and synchronised swimming. It is also a top hockey school. The school promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Many notable women have graduated from Durban Girls’ College. Lara Logan is a television journalist. Professor Elizabeth Sneddon was a playwright. Virginia Wade won Wimbledon. Yasmeen Akhalwaya is an author. She wrote “Masalas & Spices of Southern Africa”.
Durban Girls’ College continues to inspire. It encourages young women to achieve their potential. The school combines tradition with innovation. It embraces positive change. Durban Girls’ College develops significant young women. They embody integrity, courage, agility, respect and empathy. The school provides a holistic and globally relevant education.