ABOUT
Where Every Voice Is Heard
Where Every Sign Is Seen
ABOUT
Our Vision
Effective education to and care of
Deaf learners and learners with
hearing loss.
Our Mission
To equip Deaf learners and learners with hearing loss with knowledge, skills and values which they require to have fulfilled lives and to be equal citizens.
Our Learners
- vary between the ages of 3 and 20 years.
- are Deaf or
- have hearing loss
- are diverse in their abilities and educational needs
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
What Makes Us Unique?
- Alternative Assessment Strategies
- D/deaf and hearing educators and assistants
- South African Sign Language as a subject from 3 years – grade 12
- Vocational and skills orientated courses
- Section for Multi-Disabled D/deaf learners
- Vocational accompaniment and placement of learners
- Numerous sport and cultural activities
Comprehensive Support Services
- Health Care
- Social Services
- Psychological Services
- Audiological Services
- Occupational Services
- Student Support
- Transport of day-scholars
- Weekend and holiday transport
- 9 Hostels ensuring age-appropriate care with 24hr supervision
- De la Bat Church with a full-time resident minister
- Resource Centre and community services
The Anthem Project
SCHOOL ANTHEM
There’s a school that was willed by God
To break open the silence
Let this school give us the freedom
To break down the boundaries
Oh, happy days of fulfillment,
Of finding the meaning of the word
the speech, the knowledge
Let’s keep on conquering worlds!
Let’s keep on conquering worlds!
Where the beauty of valley and mountains
Surrounds and welcomes us all,
We find joy in the endurance
And winning remains our goal.
Therefore we now bring a tribute
To a school that we cherish;
Calling out with joy: EFFATA
For the day starting here now!
For the day starting here now!
SKOOLLIED
Daar’s `n skool wat God gewil het
om die stilte oop te breek.
Skenk daardeur vir ons bevryding
dat ons grense oor kan steek.
O gevulde blye dae
van ons soeke na die sin
van die woord, die spraak, die kunde.
Laat ons wêrelde oorwin.
Laat ons wêrelde oorwin.
Waar vallei en berg se skoonheid
ons omring en tuis laat voel,
vind ons vreugde in die spierspan,
bly die wenpaal steeds ons doel.
Daarom bring ons nou ons hulde
aan `n skool wat ons bemin.
Roep ons luid en bly “EFFATA”
oor die dag wat hier begin.
Oor die dag wat hier begin.
School Uniform
History
Rev. George Thom
January 1, 1821
Rev. George Thom asked the synod in a letter to pay attention to the education and care of the deaf.
Read moreEducational Institute For The Deaf
January 1, 1880
The synod of the Dutch Reformed Church decided to make an appeal to the whole church to establish an educational institution for the Deaf.
Read moreDoofstommen Instituut
January 1, 1881
The ‘Doofstommen Instituut’ in Worcester began with Mr. Jan de la Bat as principal and Lenie du Toit of Wellington as the first pupil.
Read moreDivision For The Blind
January 1, 1891
Division for the blind began and the school was renamed as ‘Instituut vir Doofstommen en Blinden’.
Read moreSeperated
January 1, 1905
The Deaf and Blind are separated into two sections.
Read more2nd Principal
January 1, 1927
Rev. Gawie de la Bat, son of Mr. Jan de la Bat, is appointed as the second principal.
Read moreSchool For The Deaf
January 1, 1928
Referred to as ‘School for the Deaf’ for the first time.
Read moreNew Premises
January 1, 1929
New premises on the east side of Worcester and along the railway line to the north are acquired.
Read moreMultiple Disabilities
January 1, 1935
Rev. de la Bat requested the management to pay attention to the care of Deaf adults with multiple disabilities.
Read moreNursery School
January 1, 1944
The first nursery school for the deaf is established in the Old Mill House (designed by Sir Herbert Baker) with 18 children.
Read more3rd Principal
January 1, 1953
Mr. JG Badenhorst is appointed as the third principal.
Read moreNew Buildings
January 1, 1957
The Gawie de la Bat Nursery’s new buildings on campus are acquired.
Read more4th Principal
January 1, 1976
Dr. Johan Hamilton is appointed as the fourth principal.
Read more100 Years
January 1, 1981
With the 100-year celebration, the school was renamed De la Bat School.
Read more5th Principal
January 1, 1993
Dr. Hamilton is appointed as executive director of the Institute for the Deaf and Mr Eugene van Vuuren as the fifth principal of De la Bat School.
Read morePublic School
January 1, 1996
The school as a ‘church school’ becomes a public school.
Read more6th Principal
January 1, 2008
Mr P.A. Cook is appointed as the sixth principal.
Read moreSAGL
January 1, 2011
South African Sign Language Project is launched.
Read more