Droopnath Ramphul State College

Droopnath Ramphul State College (DRSC) is a state secondary school based in Calebasses, Mauritius. Students are prepared for the School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate. The school derives its name from an eminent judge Droopnath Ramphul.

Droopnath Ramphul State College was one of the leading national colleges for girls in Mauritius. This college is known for promoting its students in academics as well as other extra-curricular activities over the years. 

Droopnath Ramphul State College is now an academy admitting both boys and girls with the changes in the academic rules and regulations.

History 
This state college was built in 1975 . 
Under the rectorship of Mrs Arlette Bazire, the school began functioning in an old railway station near the Beau Plan roundabout. 

In 1980, it was named after Judge Droopnath Ramphul (born 20 February 1921). He is best remembered and honoured for his contributions to education.

In June 1995,  students transferred to a new location in Souvenir, Calebasses. The school was then renamed to Queen Elizabeth College (North).

Following protest against the use of the name QEC-North by QEC girls, the school went to its original name till 2003 when it became a Form VI College and was thereafter named Droopnath Ramphul State College.

In June 2006, the school became a national college, and after three years, a fresh intake of Form I students with four A+ was enrolled. Students mostly come from Port Louis, the north, and the east. 

In 2008, DRSC had a population of roughly 795 students, 535 of whom were from DRSC and 260 from Pamplemousses State Secondary School, who were accommodated at DRSC because their school was under construction.

In 2014, DRSC had attained its first Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) scholarship for the HSC Examination done in 2013 on the girl's side (alongside Collège Du Saint Esprit on the boy's side).  

In 2021, DRSC was transformed into an academy. Currently, the school only serves grades 10 to 13. The school admits both boys and girls who performed well in the National Certificate of Education (NCE). 

In 2023, DRSC was the first school to have attain the Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) scholarship for the HSC Examination done in 2022 on the girl's side (alongside Royal College Curepipe on the boy's side).

Unique Design 

DRSC is distinguished for its distinctive architectural architecture among Mauritius' state colleges. The Administrative Block is on three levels and is placed in a circular building resembling a control tower, providing staff with a panoramic view of the entire school.

School Mission 
The mission of the school is to: 

 Help students achieve a high standard of learning.
 Train students in tomorrow's skills.
 Prepare students for life-long learning and living in the fast changing, multi-cultural and socio-economic world.
 Empower students to face challenges of their future lives in the global village

Subjects available at school

Ordinary Level (Grade 10 to 11) 
At the Ordinary Level (School Certificate [SC]), students are expected to choose eight subjects at school and learn it for two years. 

Student may wish to do a ninth subject (this subject may not be necessary available at school). However, they will have to do it as a "private" subject and will also need to pay for it. 

If the student is struggling with an optional subject OR Additional Mathematics, they may wish to "drop" that subject in Grade 11 and choose to do only seven subjects. However, this is not recommended.

Advanced Level (Grade 12 to 13)

Clubs offered by School

Art Club 
The club gives the opportunity to students to meet in a more relaxed and informal setting to work on art. 

"We believe that art gives us a chance to truly find ourselves according to our imagination and uniqueness. It allows students to connect with their creativity and through art, each of us is able to transform our thinking skills into incredible masterpieces."

One of the club's aims is to foster and develop an appreciation of art and the exploration of diverse aesthetics. Around April 2022, the club organised "Thrift Shop Event" where members collected old clothes and accessories from students of the school itself and converted the old attires and items into fashionable and voguish outfits. The activity not only encouraged the budding talent of students but the funds gathered was donated to a student in need.

Benevolent Club 
The benevolent club of DRSC has helped the entire school community and throughout the year, various activities were carried out for noble causes.

Each year, the benevolent club organises activities to raise funds, in order to help those in need.

English Literary Club

Environment Club 
The concept of ‘going green’ refers to the practice of environmentally friendly lifestyles which help preserve and sustain the environment.

Integrity Club

Music Club 
Annual activities organised by the Club:

 Musical Ceremony for National Independence Day

 Music Day

Science, Health & Wellness Club 
The DRSC Science Club is a very dynamic club where members are encouraged to ‘think outside the box’ and give free rein confidently to their creativity application of scientific principles.

Around March 2021, the Grade 13 Orchid students and the Physics Department have participated in the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council's "Building of Simplified Antenna for Satellite Data Reception" and have successfully developed an antenna to receive signals at DRSC.  

"We successfully detected a cyclone in Mozambique channel. From my Physics lab." -Mrs Rauma Imrit, Physics Educator (2021)

Annual activities organised by the Club:

 Blood Donations
 Science Exibition

Sports Club 
Annual activities organised by the Club:

 Inter-Class Competitions (Football, Badminton, Volleyball, and etc.)
 Tafisa World Walking Day
 Sports Day

UNESCO Club

Annual Extra-curricular Activities

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award 
The Duke Program at DRSC was set up in the year 2015 by educators Mrs. Reekoye (Hindi Language Educator) and Mr. Mohun (Physical Education Educator). 

“In line with the Mission and Vision of our school, the Award provides opportunities to students to and experiences that will help them in their future life and career as among others, it teaches them organisational skills and team building.” - Mrs. Mantee Sookharee, Rector (2023)

“For the last 15 years, I have been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It has always been a unique experience for me to be involved with all participants in this adventurous journey.” - Mr. Harish Mohun, Physical Education Educator (2023)

National Youth Civic Service (NYCS) 
The National Youth Civic Service (NYCS) is a national programme which aims at developing an independent and assertive youth community to become responsible citizens. It not only enables youngsters to build a resilient character but also create their own identity and adapt to society through interactive group works, community projects as well as sports.

Present (2023) 
The current rector of the college is Mrs. Sookharee.

See also
 Education in Mauritius
 List of secondary schools in Mauritius

References

External links 

 DRSC Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1
 Droopnath Ramphul State College
 ‘Droopnath Ramphul’, the School of Life. Le Mauricien.
 Trois lauréates pour le Droopnath Ramphul State College
 Students who participated in the Robotics Competition

Secondary schools in Mauritius
Educational institutions established in 1975
1975 establishments in Mauritius
Girls' schools in Mauritius
Pamplemousses District