Chisipite Senior School, a premier independent girls’ institution in Zimbabwe, has long been renowned for its commitment to providing a holistic education that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in both their academic pursuits and personal lives. The school’s unwavering focus on fostering individual growth and development has solidified its position as a leading educational institution within the country.
One of the most recent and significant developments at Chisipite Senior School has been the installation of a world-class astroturf hockey field. This state-of-the-art facility represents a major milestone for the school, not only in terms of sports infrastructure but also in its broader commitment to providing a top-tier educational experience.
The decision to invest in an astroturf field was driven by several factors. Astroturf offers a number of advantages over traditional grass fields, including reduced water consumption, low maintenance requirements, enhanced durability, and a consistent playing surface throughout the year. These benefits are particularly important in a region like Zimbabwe, where weather conditions can be unpredictable.
A legacy of hockey excellence
Chisipite Senior School is an ATS-affiliated school with a strong hockey tradition. The installation of the new astroturf field has further elevated the school’s hockey program, enabling it to host international tournaments and attract top-level competition from around the world. This not only enhances the school’s reputation but also provides valuable opportunities for students to compete at a high level.
“We are responsible for organizing the District and National Trials,” said Dr. Reilly, Head of Chisipite Senior School. “Hockey has always thrived on the lush fields of Chisipite, as well as in the hearts and minds of the school’s community.”
Chisipite’s hockey program has a long and successful history dating back to the late 1950s. Over the years, the school has produced numerous quality players who have gone on to represent provincial and national teams.
Touring abroad has been a significant part of Chisipite’s hockey tradition. The 1999 School Magazine records a highly successful tour to Bloemfontein, South Africa, where the First Team won the tournament against the top 15 schools in southern Africa. The team also received awards for best dressed and most disciplined.
The Golden and Silver Girls Hockey Tournament is Zimbabwe’s premier schoolgirls’ hockey competition. Founded in 1981, Chisipite won its first title two years later and went on to dominate the tournament for several years. The school holds the record for the most wins in this prestigious sporting event, with a total of 18 titles.
The school has also hosted the Zimbabwe Hockey Under 13 Girls Invitational A Team versus Zimbabwe Hockey Under 13 Girls Invitational B Team.
Investing in the future
The construction of the astroturf hockey pitch involved extensive earthworks, including the extension of the main field. A basketball court was relocated to provide space for food stands and terraced seating. Topsoil and grass from the construction site were moved to an unused area, allowing contractors to expand the main field by an impressive 2790 square meters. This expansion made room for two full-sized hockey or soccer pitches facing east-west and an athletic track.
The astroturf field has also contributed to the overall development of the Chisipite Senior School campus. The construction project was completed to exacting international standards, ensuring that the facility meets the highest quality requirements.
The completion of the astroturf field is just one example of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing a “Future-Fit Campus.” The school has also invested in other facilities and initiatives to ensure that its students have access to the best possible learning environment. These include an indoor hockey/tennis court that has been repurposed as a basketball court, new volleyball courts, and additional SMART interactive boards.
A renewed sense of community
Various events hosted at the astroturf have fostered positive energy and a renewed sense of community, providing the school with the opportunity to share the “Chisi Experience” with the wider community.
Some of the events hosted at the astroturf include the opening ceremony, the Pearl Cup fixture, the inaugural Fontanian Day, inter-school hockey matches, and the inaugural Fillies Fountain Hockey Festival. The hosting of these events has brought together hundreds of parents, players, and pupils, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
Astroturf lighting and campus developments
The astroturf field is equipped with high-tech floodlights designed by Musco Lighting, a leading provider of sports lighting solutions. The lighting infrastructure ensures that every part of the playing surface is evenly illuminated, eliminating “dark spots” and providing a consistent playing environment.
The environmentally sustainable design of the floodlights minimizes light seepage, ensuring that surrounding areas are not affected by intrusive lighting. This allows spectators to enjoy nighttime hockey fixtures without disturbing the local community.
Other campus developments have included the repurposing of the indoor hockey/tennis court as a basketball court, the construction of new volleyball courts, and the refurbishment of the Millenium Pavilion bathrooms.
There are also permanent entrance ramps to ensure that, people living with disabilities or those experiencing challenges with mobility, are able to access the top area of the grand stand as well as the food area.
A legacy of excellence
The decision to build an astroturf field was made at a Board of Governors meeting in May 2023. Dr. Reilly recalled the excitement and determination that fuelled the project, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of many individuals who contributed to its success.
“We have built something that commemorates Chisipite’s storied past, celebrates its platinum jubilee present, and looks ahead to its promising future,” Dr. Reilly said.
Chisipite Senior School opened its doors in 1954 with two members of staff and forty-eight pupils. Over nearly seventy years, it has remained a leading girls’ school in Zimbabwe, providing a holistic education that prepares students for successful and fulfilling adult lives.
“We strive to ensure that each and every pupil finds her school to be a happy and safe environment,” said Dr. Reilly.
Text: Martin Chemhere
From: S&D ISSUE 69
