GIBSON HOUSE
At Gibson House students from across the country come together to form a diverse, multicultural community. Our facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, and social development. Our staff members are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and they are committed to providing the highest level of care and support to our boys.
History
Gibson House, the School Boarding Establishment, was completed in 1934 and has served Glenwood High School ever since. Originally the House had a capacity of only 60 boys but was extended in the early 1970s to accommodate 151 boys. It has expanded over the years to accommodate 200 boys.
The House was named after one of the first boarders, Roy Gibson, son of Durban's "Lady in White" Perla Siedle Gibson. Roy had a distinguished military career during World War II until he met an untimely death while serving with the Black Watch in Italy.
Gibson House takes part in all School activities as a single unit, and, as a result the fine spirit and enthusiasm of the Boarders, it is able to compete very favourably with the four-day scholar Houses.
One of the key features of life at Gibson House is the friendly spirit of camaraderie which exists. This has been built up over the years and the homely atmosphere which prevails, is as a result of the conscientious effort to minimise the institutional atmosphere which exists in many other school boarding establishments. Naturally, a high standard of politeness and good manners has always been emphasised and the Boarders are always a credit to the School.
Gibson House has a fine tradition of sporting and academic achievement and this is reflected in the many well-known names appearing on the Honours Boards in the Dining Hall.
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Having a 'buddy' is the privilege of a Gibson House Prefect only. The prefects have a responsibility to mentor and help the boarders that are their ‘buddies’. In turn the Form II boys assist the prefect with menial tasks such as filling water bottles, calling people, organizing a cupboard, fetching items, polishing shoes, carrying bags to and from school, taking clothing to the laundry and completing laundry slips and clearing cutlery and crockery from Prefects Table.
Many of these relationships transcend the walls of Gibson and last a life-time.
Buddy System
A Form Stay in happens once a year. The boys from each Form do an activity as group to help build camaraderie within the form. The Form Stay In usually involves activities such as a trip to the beach, Ushaka or Laser Tag.
Form Stay In
At Glenwood we are particularly proud of our tradition of playing in plain black boots. This long held tradition strives for inclusiveness, rejects superficiality and materialism. On Fridays as we polish our boots as brothers in arms we also use the opportunity to build school spirit by singing songs and ‘gwijos’.
Friday night boot polishing
In the mentorship programme, we address issues pertaining to leadership with the focus being on our fellow learners, our community and the influence we can have in society. Each boy within the boarding establishment is allocated to a duty master. Every boy at Gibson House we strive to be a home away from home and every boy is known and cared for. Your son’s mentor will be with him on the journey from Grade till he matriculates. Regular meetings should be held to discuss any issues your son is struggling with. The mentorship programme is our attempt to restore faith in humanity and to develop young men that will be better husbands and fathers in the future.
Mentorship
The Odd Ball Olympics happen once a year at the House Stay In. The Odd Ball Olympics are a series of activities that is meant to foster brotherhood within the boarding establishment. It allows boys from each Form to compete against the prefects in a number of challenges. The highlight of this event is surely the much vaunted slip and slide challenge on the cricket covers.
Odd Ball Olympics
As the sun run rises on a Sunday morning, boarders gather in the car park in front of Gibson for an enjoyable surf session in the warm Indian Ocean. Many of our boys arrive with little knowledge of surfing and body-boarding and leave as seasoned professionals. This group of boys has grown under the tutelage of Mr Blamey.
Sunday Surfing
STAFF
The Superintendent, along with the Operational Manager are in overall control of the House. There are also Boarding Masters who assist in the day-to-day running of Gibson House. These men are tasked to do various daily duties ranging from overseeing meals, supervising after-school activities, and studying. The staff are on duty on specific weekdays and on weekends twenty-four hours a day to ensure active supervision of boys in their care. You will get to know these people as the term progresses.
Personal Growth
Living away from home in a dorm provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth. Gibson Men learn to develop life skills such as time management, work ethic, and independence. We strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals by instilling our core values.
Peer Learning
At Gibson House, you have the opportunity to live, play, study, and socialize among your peers. Our diverse boarding school setting with boarders from different backgrounds offers a special opportunity for growth and learning. Our boys learn to expand their perspectives and horizons as they learn together both in and out of the classroom.
Co-curricular Activities on your doorstep
When you live on campus, you have access to a world of choices to help develop your academic, sports and cultural talent. At Gibson, boys are encouraged to pursue their hobbies and join groups that match their passions.
Develop a growth
mind-set
At Gibson, we provide ample opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges head-on, and grow as individuals. Your sons will learn to become skilled communicators and effective problem solvers. Your sons will be equipped to make a positive impact inside and outside the classroom.
Opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork skills
Gibson provides numerous opportunities for boarders to develop essential leadership and teamwork skills, preparing them for future success in various aspects of their lives. At Gibson House, boys can take on various leadership roles within the house or in other spheres, such as student councils, clubs, and sports teams. The experiences of boarding school equip boarders with invaluable skills for university, the workplace, and beyond.
Strong Sense of Community
At Gibson House, boarders experience a deep sense of camaraderie and belonging. The close-knit community encourages students to form lifelong friendships, support one another through challenges, and celebrate each other's successes. This supportive environment fosters personal growth, resilience, and emotional intelligence, creating a true brotherhood that extends beyond their school years.
