Prep's emphasis on a well rounded individual with academic, sporting and cultural exposure encouraged me to develop potential in me which I had never known existed. With the teaching staff and facilities to support this ethos, I found myself revelling in this new climate of personal growth. Academically I was challenged daily by motivated and dedicated teaching staff, who made a permanent impact on me and the likes of whom I have never forgotten and who were imbued with a passion and desire so strong that one cannot help but be infused and affected as well. My sporting abilities were honed and brought to the fore and have inculcated in me a regimen of health and fitness to this very day. At a cultural level I was exposed to music and the arts and to this day I retain a finer appreciation of the creative arts.

I've gained much from what I've learnt at Prep; however the one thing which made the most significant impact on me is the structure and discipline this fine school has taught me. Like the old adage goes - Nothing in life is achieved without hard work and this I believe this is the best life lesson Prep has taught me. Since leaving Prep I have matriculated from Durban High School and achieved 9th position in the province in the KZN matric finals and have gone on to qualify as a doctor from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2006. I am currently serving my internship at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. Looking back I guess the old Prep warcry rings out loud and true.."From small beginnings, better fortune follows...."

Shaheer Aboobaker

For me DPHS is not just a school but home. It gave me a sense of belonging and purpose, one that made my 7 years at the school a very special and memorable time. DPHS allowed me to be myself, and the emphasis on being the best that you can be, allowed for me to set concrete goals from an early age. The strive towards an all-round excellence rather than focusing on a specific field, and the encouragement to get involved in every facet of school life all contributed in allowing me to benefit from DPHS in every possible way.

I think every Prep boy will agree that friendships were not made, but rather brothers were found. Prep allowed for me to meet up with and forge relationships that I know will be there for life.

The passion which the school has for its heritage and tradition is indeed what I think makes DPHS the school it is today. Old boys and parents alike will not deny that Prep touches you in a very special way, and that it will always hold a place in ones heart Once you are a Prep boy, there is no doubt that you will always look back on your time their with fond memories, on a place that had meaning and was filled with good times, friendships, laughs and memories.

Angelo van Dyk
Head Boy at Kearsney College in 2006.
Studying at Stellenbosch University for a BA PPE

I don’t think anything could have equipped me for High School and my future better than DPHS. My reasons are relatively straightforward. Prep taught me and then gave me the essential fundamentals for life. I learnt how to respect and cherish all relationships, whether it is towards school staff, your school peers and team mates, and pupils from other schools. Prep encouraged me to live a balanced lifestyle where I was able to participate in almost any sport and also focus on my academics. The ‘Prep Pal’ and grade 7 leader system develop leadership qualities, which are skills that I have used countlessly in my life. There is a spirit at DPHS that gives you the motivation to be the best that you can be, which I believe is very special.

Nicholas Farrar
Selected as deputy head boy at DHS for 2008

Alistair Hargreaves
Sharks rugby player