| 1. |
General information on the Blue Plaque Schools Project 2018 |
| 1.1 |
On 24 September 2014 Harold Cressy High School in Cape Town was declared a Provincial Heritage Site under the new National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999). This focussed attention on the valuable contribution schools make in the shaping of societies and the preservation of heritage. |
| 1.2 |
Many schools in the Western Cape have a long history and a proud heritage of providing education to their communities. Some of these schools are household names, their excellence having reached the public's attention in several ways. Yet many others have remained unnoticed in the shadows due to our country's inequitable past. This is particularly true of the many mission schools that developed into fine institutions in underprivileged communities. Our belief is that every school counts and that all schools deserve recognition for their contribution. |
| 1.3 |
Blue Plaques are an internationally recognised symbol of buildings and places which have an important significance in the history and heritage of the local area. In Cape Town, the Simon van der Stel Foundation (hereafter referred to as "the Foundation") has run a Blue Plaque Project for the last 50 years. |
| 1.4 |
This project means that historically interesting and worthwhile buildings and sites in Cape Town are given recognition and status through the awarding of a Blue Plaque. For more information and to see images of Blue Plaques, go to www.simonvdstel.org. |
| 1.5 |
Schools have largely been overlooked and under-represented in the awarding of Blue Plaques, and the Foundation, together with the Centre for Conservation Education (hereafter referred to as "the Centre"), would like to make schools aware of the project and encourage those schools that feel they qualify for a Blue Plaque to make application. |
| 1.6 |
In 2017 the following schools were awarded Blue Plaques: |
| 1.6.1 |
Alexander Sinton High (for the school's survival under difficult circumstances) |
| 1.6.2 |
Camps Bay Primary (for an architecturally significant building) |
| 1.6.3 |
Dryden Street Primary (for an architecturally significant building) |
| 1.6.4 |
St Paul's Primary (for the age of the school – founded in 1859) |
| 1.6.5 |
Star of the Sea Convent Primary (for the contribution made by its founder, Fr John Duignam) |
| 1.7 |
We would like to encourage schools to apply for 2018, paying careful attention to the categories listed in paragraph 4. |
| 1.8 |
This project is currently limited to schools in the inner city of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula (mainly Metro South and Metro Central education districts, but also parts of Metro North and Metro East). This is because of the terms of the establishment of the Conservator Trust that supplies the funding for this project and that is managed by the Foundation. Because the Trust was established so long ago, it functions according to the former municipal boundaries. We are aware that this has disadvantaged schools that fall outside these boundaries but otherwise qualify. In order to reassess the situation, the Blue Plaque Schools Project might need to be put on hold during 2019 so that the organisers can assess the situation and improve this programme to include more schools. Therefore, 2018 is possibly the last year the programme will run in its present form and if you feel your school qualifies, please apply without delay. |
| 2.1 |
Receiving a Blue Plaque can have the following benefits to schools: |
| 2.1.1 |
Blue Plaques are internationally recognised as symbols of the heritage status of a building or site. |
| 2.1.2 |
Blue Plaques are prestigious and only a limited number will be awarded each year, depending on available resources. |
| 2.1.3 |
Blue Plaques are affixed to the front of the school as a permanent historical marker to commemorate a link between the school and an activity, event or famous person. They are prominently displayed so that learners, parents and visitors can see them. |
| 2.1.4 |
Through being awarded a Blue Plaque, a school receives recognition for the contribution it has made to the education of its community and to education in general. |
| 2.1.5 |
Blue Plaques are a source of community pride and achievement. |
| 2.1.6 |
The Blue Plaques are tastefully designed and made of durable material. |
| 2.1.7 |
Schools decide on the language and wording on the plaque themselves, with input and approval from a panel appointed by the Foundation. |
| 2.1.8 |
Schools that receive Blue Plaques will be listed on the Foundation's website. |
| 2.2 |
The application process has been kept simple so that schools are not required to spend time making lengthy and elaborate proposals. |
| 3. |
How the Blue Plaque Schools Project works |
| 3.1 |
The plaques are expensive to manufacture. Every year the Foundation will make one Blue Plaque award to a deserving school within the designated area at no cost to the school. Schools that feel they fit the criteria are invited to apply. |
| 3.2 |
However, schools that are in a position to pay for the Blue Plaque themselves are also invited to apply. Four schools can be considered under this system in 2018. |
| 3.3 |
The cost of a Blue Plaque, including installation, is R 1 750,00. This may be subject to change and successful applicant schools that will carry the cost themselves will be invoiced for 100% of the cost before the plaque is ordered. |
| 3.4 |
Every application will be considered on merit by a panel of adjudicators representing the Foundation and the Centre. Schools must meet at least one of the six criteria listed in paragraph 4 as categories; they must motivate their application, listing sources so that information can be verified; they must declare themselves willing to display the Blue Plaque on the front of their building; and they must submit their application by the due date. An application form (Annexure A) is attached. Application does not guarantee success. |
| 3.5 |
Schools will be notified via email and telephone whether they have been awarded a Blue Plaque or not. This is entirely at the discretion of the panel. |
| 3.6 |
Schools that receive Blue Plaques should organise an official handing over and unveiling ceremony themselves at a date and time that suits the school and the organisers. It should, if possible, be within the same calendar year as the award. A representative from the Foundation or the Centre will be present if invited. The Blue Plaque will be affixed to the wall a few days before the event and the cost of installation will be included in the cost of the plaque. |
| 4.1 |
The categories are as follows: |
| 4.1.1 |
The age of the school (needs to be older than 125 years to qualify) |
| 4.1.2 |
An architecturally significant building (e.g. well-known architect; building style; etc.) |
| 4.1.3 |
The school's particular exceptional service to the community (e.g. first school in the community, oldest independent school, contribution to special education, etc.) |
| 4.1.4 |
The school's survival under difficult circumstances (e.g. the South African War, forced removals; role in the struggle for democracy, natural disaster, etc.)
|
| 4.1.5 |
A past learner or educator who has distinguished themselves (must no longer be living) |
| 4.1.6 |
Schools that have been closed, but nevertheless played a significant role in education |
| 4.2 |
Schools may find that they qualify for more than one category and can indicate this in their application under the heading 'Our motivation ...'. However, this will not necessarily strengthen the application. It is actually better to focus on ONE category that best fits the school. |
| 5.1 |
The closing date for submissions for 2018 is 14 August 2018. |
| 5.3 |
Hand-delivered, postal or faxed applications will also be accepted, as long as they are received before the closing date. These applications should be addressed or delivered to: The Principal, Centre for Conservation Education, 9 Aliwal Rd, Wynberg, 7800, or faxed to (021) 762-8690. |
| 6. |
For more information, contact the principal of the Centre, Sigi Howes, on tel. no. (021) 762-1622. |
| 7. |
Kindly bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of schools in your district. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2018:07:07
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