The school's roots began in post-revolution France. The Marist Order, also known as the Little Brothers of Mary, was founded by the Father Marcellin Champagnat to educate young children, especially the neglected or those suffering from poverty. The order has since spread throughout the world. The Order arrived in Johannesburg in 1889, three years after the founding of the city. They were among the first to establish a boys' school in the little mining town that was to become the centre of business and finance in South Africa. The location was at Koch St in downtown Johannesburg.
A second school was established in Observatory but it became apparent that the school premises in Koch St were becoming inadequate as the city grew and encroached on the property. Additional property was sought for a new school. Land was purchased in Inanda, then a semi-rural area north of Johannesburg, and building commenced in 1940. St David's opened in 1941 as a private boarding school, and by 1953 the school had 475 pupils, 200 of them being boarders. In 1963 the school acquired another 45 acres (18 hectares) of land, making it the largest Marist establishment in South Africa.[citation needed]
St David's today
As of 2022, the school has 1,400 pupils. The school is separated into Junior Preparatory (Grade 00 and grade 0), Preparatory (Grades 1–7) and High School (Grades 8–12). The Preparatory School has 640 boys and the high school 750 boys.[citation needed]
Uniform
Students wear a navy blue blazer with vertical gold stripes and a navy blue tie with diagonal gold stripes. The Marist Monogram (an intertwined "A.M." for "Ave Maria") appears on the pocket of the blazer. A "Half Colours" tie is awarded to students excelling in academics or any of the school's sports, cultural, or service activities. "Full Colours" are awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves as being one of the best in their sport or other disciplines. [citation needed]
Hierarchy and student structures
The Matrics (grade 12) constitute the leadership body of the school, known as the Matric Leadership Group. Between twelve and fourteen grade 11 boys are elected by the school in October to constitute the Prefect body for the following year. They take over the leadership of the school in mid-October when the Matrics commence their study leave.[citation needed]
Sporting tradition
Students participate in summer and winter sports, teams are arranged according to age groups (Under 14, 15, 16 and Open) to compete against other schools. The primary sports in the high school are rugby union, cricket, soccer, swimming, waterpolo and hockey. In winter, the school fields about 15 rugby teams and 13 hockey teams every week. The school also has tennis, canoeing, cross country and basketball.[citation needed]
The school has choirs, bands and private instrument tuition. Annual events include inter-House music and play competitions, as well as yearly major dramatic productions.
Notable alumni
Temba Bavuma – South African cricketer, plays for the Proteas and the Highveld Lions. Temba made his debut for South Africa against the West Indies in 2014.
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