Grantley Adams School thriving despite the odds

 

THE Grantley Adams Memorial School has been facing some challenges, but this has not stopped the institution from excelling in sports and academics.
 
Speaking at the school’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony was Chairman of the Board, Dennis Holder. Holder stated that the school has truly been the “beacon on the hill” in the face of the many challenges that befall it.
 
Being faced in the earlier days with missing windows, and having algae and mould growing on the premises, according to Holder, steps were made by the Ministry of Education, past student associations as well as community members to ensure that these problems no longer existed. However, the school is now facing a new challenge.
 
“The Minister stated the last time he was here that he has a concern about fraternisation … but it hurts my heart to see 6:30 on an evening a bus load of students were congregated at the bus stop … and it was not because they were liming, nor because they were in any activity, but because they could not get a Bathsheba bus to Bridgetown,” explained the Chairman. 
 
Holder further explained that it is not the first time he had seen this occurrence. Principal of the school, Dennis Browne, confirmed this by stating that parents, students and teachers usually opt for the first bus out of the school because another one is unlikely to pass by there.
 
As a result, the decision was made to incorporate extra-curricular activities in school time, so that students can still benefit without being stranded after school. 
 
The Principal went on to say that this incorporation has produced favourable results as this year had the highest number of students sitting CXCs over the last three years. Thanks to the remedial programme at the school, Browne acknowledged and congratulated students who left school with as many as six to eight passes in their exams. 
 
Additionally, Grantley Adams continues to do well in the sporting arena. The Principal alluded to the school’s excellence in Hockey, Cricket, Go-Karting and Inter-School Fitness Competitions, among many others; and made mention of their community involvement.
 
While still being faced with internal issues such as poor parent attendance to meetings and not having a functional Science lab, Principal Browne is sure that the school will continue to grow in the future.

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