On 13 January 1988, Hoërskool Oosterland opened its doors to pupils grade 8 and 9.[1] In the beginning the school had 355 pupils and 15 teachers. The school was initially known as the "Tweede Afrikaanse Hoërskool" (Second Afrikaans Highschool), apparently also Afrikaans Medium. The school was later renamed Hoërskool Oosterland in a name-giving competition.
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The name points historically to one of the ships with which the French Huguenots landed in 1688 (300 years prior to the opening of the school). Geographically the name Oosterland (Easternland) has a link to the Eastern part of Secunda in which the school is situated, as well as the location of Secunda in the former Eastern Transvaal (today Mpumalanga). The Scool is nicknamed "Oosies" by the pupils.
The current principal is Elzette Botes, a teacher at the scool since the opening, and was formally inaugurated in 2009. Before her the principle was LLJ van Der Merwe who was one of the founding fathers of the school and played a key role in the building and development of the school in the early years.
The School is well known for its uniform which consists of a red jersey, a trademark of the school. The Student Counsil (Oosie Raad) plays a key role in the manner and order in the school, they are responsible for break time surveillance, attendance order and organisation of school functions. They are noticeable with their cream pants and blue jerseys which differ from the rest of the pupils dresscode.
The School has top of the range sporting facility which consists of a gymnasium an cricket academy (built in 2010). The First Pavilion was also built in 2010 on the west side of the A Rugby Field. The school also has Rugby fields, Hockey fields, Netball courts and tennis courts. The Main focus is on the development of sport players in the school. The School participates annually in competitions in the following sport types: Rugby, Cricket (Male and Female), 7's Rugby, Hockey (Male And Female), Netball, Tennis, Jukskei and Athletics.
The School is a top achiever in the field of Culture, Public Speaking, Debate, Chess, March Band and Land Service are just few of the many activities in which the schools pupils excel. The School's March band is one of the only 5 left in South Africa and has become some type of a trademark of the school. They won Inspection at the SAMOV national Band competition in 2010.
The school's main focus is Academics and respectively thay have outstanding academic results compared to other South African Schools.
The school's gardens are home to a variety of indigenous trees.