Rosignol Secondary was on Tuesday officially declared an `A’ List school with the unveiling of a plaque after more than $45M was spent to upgrade it.
There were promises that the school would produce students who would be among the top in the country at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said that the fruit of the investment would be seen and known when the students start performing at their maximum.
She promised to ensure that Region Five would not be left behind and said that the students are now in a position to top the country.
She said while all of the other regions had ‘A’ list schools, high achievers had to leave Region Five and travel far distances or stay at relatives’ homes to attend a top school.
To bring it to the standard of an ‘A’ list school, certain infrastructure and facilities had to be put in place.
The students have also been provided with the required text books.
The school currently has 35 teachers but needs one more and the ministry is in the process of hiring the other teacher. Eighteen of them are trained and seven are graduates.
Four new teachers were added last year, resulting in the school now offering six new subjects, including Biology, Physics, Building Technology and Spanish.
It will soon offer Mechanical Engineering, Technology and Visual Arts. In all, the school would be delivering 25 subjects and is about to add two more, matching schools in Georgetown.
A block had to be constructed to accommodate two science labs that were stocked with materials and resources such as tools and equipment.
The old lab had to be converted into five classrooms to provide more space and prevent overcrowding.
Major rehabilitation works were also done including painting and electrical work.
Twenty-one computer systems were also added to the information technology lab so that during a session each student could have individual access. The ministry also stocked and enhanced the home economics department.
The agricultural science department was also upgraded and a lab was added. With regards to sport and physical education, a tarmac was also built to facilitate volleyball and football games and gears provided.
The minister urged parents to check with their children and visit the schools to ensure they complete their School Based Assessments on time.
Students who have supportive parents, she said, are the ones who have performed well.
Regional Education Officer (acting), Annesta Douglas said her department is “committed to supervise, monitor and enhance the learning environment and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of education in this school…”
She said too that “while teachers are central to the learning process in school, other stakeholders such as parents, alumni, dedicated friends and members of the school’s community also play a vital role.”
Acting headmistress, Cheryl Ferguson outlined the history of the school while Regional chairman of Region Five, Bindrabhan Bisnauth and chairman of the Parent-Teachers’ Association, Shinwell Mohabir also gave brief remarks.
