As far back as 1913, the importance of special education began to receive the attention it deserved. By 1917, this focus led to the establishment of the first special class at Woodstock Girls’ Primary School, marking the beginning of a significant journey in educational development. Over the next two decades, the concept of special education rapidly gained momentum. By 1937, there were already 42 special classes across various schools, and just three years later, this number had soared to 155, demonstrating the growing recognition of the need for specialized instruction.
In the early 1950s, attention shifted towards providing further education for these pupils in post-primary sections. In 1952, a ground-breaking initiative was launched to introduce post-primary education for pupils from special classes within primary schools. This experimental phase began with the creation of thirteen such post-primary classes across select schools. The success of this initiative was undeniable, and in 1953, the Cape Education Department took a bold step forward by establishing the first Special Vocational Training School at Westcliff Primary School in Cape Town. During this time, the school functioned as both a primary school and a Special Vocational Training School, laying the foundation for a new era in special education.
By 1954, it had become clear that post-primary education in specially equipped schools was not just beneficial but necessary for these children. This realization led to a significant milestone in 1956 when Westcliff attained full status as a Special Vocational Training School. The remaining primary school pupils were transferred to other schools in the vicinity, allowing Westcliff to fully dedicate itself to the specialized education of its students.
To meet the unique needs of its pupils, Westcliff introduced a range of pre-vocational training courses. Boys were offered technical courses in sheet-metal work, woodwork, and painting, while girls could pursue domestic science and needlework. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled trades, the school soon expanded its offerings to include panel-beating and spray-painting for boys. By 1956, Westcliff had firmly established itself as a fully-fledged Special School, where students received specialized education in pre-vocational technical subjects.
The success of Westcliff inspired the establishment of additional post-primary classes and Special Schools across the Cape Province. By 1957, three schools were functioning as Special Schools: Westcliff in Cape Town, Baysville in East London, and N.J. Heyns in Kimberley. Between 1957 and 1983, the number of Special Schools in the Cape Province grew to nine, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized education.
Westcliff, the pioneering institution in this field, soon outgrew its original premises in Cape Town. In response, a more central and spacious site was acquired in Bellville, where a modern, functional, and attractive school was constructed. The new buildings were occupied in 1960, and the school retained its original name, Westcliff, when it was officially opened in 1961. Since then, Westcliff has continued to serve the community, now operating from its Bellville site for over six decades.
The school’s curriculum continued to evolve over the years. In Bellville, a ladies’ hairdressing course was added to the existing technical courses. By 1968, further courses, such as Institutional Management for girls and Motor Vehicle Repairing for boys, were introduced. In 1978, a Copy-Typing course for girls was also added, ensuring that Westcliff’s students were equipped with a diverse set of skills to prepare them for the future.
Westcliff has shown remarkable growth since its establishment. To accommodate the ever-increasing number of students, six prefabricated classrooms were added, reflecting the school’s commitment to meeting the demand for quality education. The constant flow of applications for admission to Westcliff has remained steady over the years, highlighting the school’s enduring reputation.
Over the decades, both past and present pupils of Westcliff have achieved outstanding successes in various fields, showcasing the effectiveness of the education they received. In the realm of sports, numerous students have excelled at both provincial and national levels, further underscoring the school’s commitment to holistic education. Similarly, many past and present members of the teaching staff have made significant contributions to the teaching profession, sports, and society at large.
Westcliff’s journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of special education, is a testament to the vision and dedication of those who recognized the importance of providing specialized education to children who needed it most. Today, Westcliff continues to thrive, building on its legacy and paving the way for future generations.