Coordinates [1] Gender Boys Only Motto Sables the rare species Founded 1940 | Denomination non-denominated Medium of language English Mascot Sable Antelope Average class size 47 | |
Authority Classes offered Form 1 to Upper 6 ['A' level] | ||
Allan Wilson High school is a boys-only school situated in Harare, Zimbabwe. The school uniform comprises three main variants: full khaki - shorts and a short sleeve shirt (3rd Kit); khaki shorts and a white long/short sleeve shirt (2nd kit); and black long trousers, white shirt and a black blazer (1st Kit). First kit is worn with a straw boater, 2nd kit was historically worn with a black cap or boater whilst 3rd kit is worn with either a cap or grey floppy hat.
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The school motto was originally "They were Men of Men" in homage to Allan Wilson and his patrol who lost their lives to Lobengulas men at Shangani in 1893 during the First Matebele War. With independence and a feeling that the motto had lost its meaning; staff and students looked inward and decided on the motto "We are Men of Men" a reflection of the sentiment of the time.
The school shares a boundary fence/wall with Prince Edward School to the north and Harare Polytechnic to the south.
History
The school was founded in 1940 as Allan Wilson Technical Boys' High School. Its sister school is Queen Elizabeth Girls' High School, which was founded in the same year. Although standards at the school have declined considerably, the pass rate is still quite high and the boys manage to hold their own against other schools on the sports field. There is potential of revival through the Old Boys' Committee with many Old Boys now being based in the United States, the UK, and South Africa. There are also many successful Old Boys living in Zimbabwe. In recent days the school has seen a decline in sport and education standards, with the rugby team the only sport showing potential, with minimal resources.
Sports
Sports at the school include rugby, soccer, loan tennis, table tennis, cricket,weight lifting, karate, judo, volleyball, swimming, basketball, handball, badminton, chess, hockey, athletics and cross country. Every scholar is encouraged to participate in at least one sporting discipline. The school has competed against Prince Edward, St Johns College, Peterhouse, St Georges College; Oriel Boys High; and Cranborne High.
Clubs
Academic education
Allan Wilson School was founded as a "modern general scondary school" in 1940, and originally did not offer public examinations. This changed in 1952 when it was accorded the status of "technical high school". From 1974, the curriculum was broadened and the school offered a comprehensive range of subjects.
Historically 'O' and 'A' Levels were written under the auspices of The University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate UCLES and prior to this exams were also offered by Oxford Examination Board and Associated Examining Board. UCLES was undertaken as a collaborative effort with the University of Zimbabwe.
Since 1988, 'O' and 'A' Level curriculum revolves around the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) protocol of 'O' Level and 'A' LEVEL examinations. O-Levels are written after the first four years of high school, that is, at the end of Form IV (Year 11), A-Levels after the last 2 years of school, in Form VI (Year 13).
In their first term of Form 1 at Allan Wilson the boys are streamed into 4-5 classes using their grade 7 results. Boys in the top stream study Physical Science. Apart from academic subjects boys who wish to do so may take Art, Commerce, Metalwork, Religious Education, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, to 'O' levels. Progression to Advanced Level and subsequent choice of subject matter is dependent on passing Ordinary Level.