1980-1989

The 1980s was a decade of innovation and modernisation at Herschel and when inducted as headmistress in 1986, Mrs Pamela Duff (at that time Ms MacDonald) ensured that this was continued throughout her time at Herschel. At the time of her arrival at Herschel, Mrs Duff asked pupils to list what they believed to be the main priorities of the school and what would serve them well in the coming years. Most frequently mentioned by the girls included the introduction of computers because, although typing was offered as a subject for the matrics, there were no computers at the school, also suggested were computer teachers and a Guidance and Careers counsellor. However, at the top of everybody’s lists was a new theatre.

A high side-view of Herschel in the 1980's

Speech and Drama were offered as a matric subject at Herschel in the 1980s, but there was no theatre in which to perform or rehearse. The only option was the Mary Jagger Hall. The Mary Jagger Hall was used for the majority of events, occasions and large group gatherings, including assemblies, where pupils sat on the floor, and Physical Education. Essentially, it was used as a multi-purpose venue, serving as a Gym Hall, Lecture Room and Theatre for pupils, staff and parents at Herschel. Using this venue as a theatre for school productions and Speech and Drama lessons was not ideal because the Mary Jagger had ropes hanging from the ceiling as well as parallel bars on the walls for exercising. There were no stage wings, backstage or dressing room. There was a strong sense that this hall simply was not sufficient and so, in the first term of 1988, the building of the theatre commenced. This continued throughout the fourth term of that same year. The theatre was officially opened by the Mayor Ald. Peter Muller on Wednesday, October 5^th. One particularly interesting fact about the theatre is that there are only 299 fixed seats. Had they built 300 seats or more, they would have to have installed a fire curtain in front of the stage; something that they simply could not afford. In order to solve the issue of the lack of seating, sliding doors were installed at the back of the theatre so that there could be more space for chairs to be put in the foyer area. The first play held in the theatre was the Wizard of Oz, with the production running from October 19^th to October 22^nd. Also in the fourth term, the first speech day was held in the theatre at which Mr Raymond Ackerman owner of Pick ‘n Pay was the guest speaker. He was chosen as guest speaker because he was, in fact, an old Herschellian as he had attended Herschel in his Nursery School years during a time in Herschel’s history in which boys could attend Herschel at this level.

The theatre during the construction in 1988

The theatre was not the only building development seen in the 1980s. In the first term of 1989 a tuckshop, two classrooms and the Molteno lecture theatre were also built. Plans also were created for a new Pre-Preparatory building, which was completed in the fourth term of the same year. In addition to the classroom’s being built, the Headmistress’ house was built. During Miss Geldard’s time as headmistress she lived, during the week, in what is now known as the admin block, under the boarding house. The Head’s office used to be where the reception is now in 2012, the lounge/dining room is where the currents head’s office is situated, and the head’s bedroom was where the headmaster’s PA’s office is presently. When Mrs Duff came to Herschel (at that time her name was Miss Macdonald) she refused to live under the boarding house and therefore the school agreed to build what is now known as the Head’s House in what was known as the ‘Cabbage Patch’ and was next to the old tennis court. Her secretary moved below the boarding house.  Her and her new husband Mr Duff moved into the house in July 1986 and had planted and bought various plants to surround their new house.

Mrs Botha (a teacher who still currently works at Herschel and who worked there during the 1980’s) thought that the biggest change from the 80’s was that of the campus and that the number of students has doubled. She commented that Herschel in the 1980’s was a happy place to be, not very competitive and was not run like a business and that there are now many more sports and subjects available to the students. Mrs Adley (who was also a teacher then) said that the school is still very similar to what it is today but also comented on the growth of the school, in number and buildings.

The 1980’s were a time of growth and development for Herschel as a school and can be said to be the foundation of the school life today.