" Fide et Virtute"
Motto: FIDE ET VERTUTE
Established: 4th of May 1891
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Colors: Maroon and Royal Blue
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Kingswood College was originally a high school for boys. At this time, almost all of the schools on the island had been categorized as state aided government schools, and missionary schools. In the beginning, grants f
rom the government were available until the school showed signs of having established itself with a solidcore of good teachers and a good and expanding complement of students. The first few years of the school's existence was a real struggle for Blaze. The income from the fees barely sufficed to cover the cost of running the school. As institutions run by individuals did not qualify for government assistance, Blaze had no option but hand over the struggling institution to the Methodist Mission to continue till 1961 the year during which the school was taken over by the stateUnder the aegis of the mission, Blaze left an indelible stamp over the school. From the outset, he modelled the school on the English Public School. It is not without significance that a house system was introduced to the school in 1922 and the names selected were those of some of the main public schools in England (Eton, Harrow, Wi******er and Rugby). He built up a cadre on the strength of his reputation as an educationist. He coined the term "Gentlemen of Kingswood" to describe the body of students of his school and in all his years as principal of the school (from 1891 until 1923) he endeavoured to give meaning and substance to that often repeated phrase "Gentlemen of Kingswood". He chose a motto for the school in Latin, Fide et Virtute as was customary at the time. He then chose the distinctive school colours, maroon and dark blue, and he wrote the words of the school song.
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Kingswood Song:
Hill-throned, where Nature is gracious and kind,
Home of our early youth, grant us the love of truth,
Health for the body, and light for the mind. KINGSWOOD, O may we be loyal and true to thee,
Holding what'er betide, Virtue and Faith our guide. Loyally, Manfully
All of us true to thee,
No room for trimmer, coward, or fool;
Word and will true and clean,
Work and play strong and keen,
None for himself, but all for the school! None for himself, but all,
All for the school! Nor shall the world destroy our love and pride,
For both, we know, the stronger shall grow,
And whatever thy fortunes, we stand at thy side. Present and Past shall be one in the heart, all for thee,
Holding what'er betide, Virtue and Faith our guide. Then in all things, whatever Duty's voice many call
Ready we follow and spring to our work;
Country or School may call; play the game, Forward, all! Duty we dare not flee, heavy the cost may be,
Holding what'er betide, Virtue and faith our guide.
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