The first day of the 2016/2017 academic year (September 05, 2016) also meant the 100th anniversary of the Berbice High School (BHS).
Under the theme “seizing the opportunity to train and build a cohesive society”, BHS on Monday hosted its Centenary celebration at the school’s auditorium.
President David Granger attended the ceremony where he urged the students to be proud of the institution and follow in the footsteps of outstanding individuals who would have completed their studies at the Secondary School.
The Head of State further advised them to obey the rules of the school and embrace innovation, specifically in the Sciences, Technology and Mathematics.
It is with this in mind that the President offered $1M for the improvement of the school’s Information Technology Centre.
Berbice High School was established on September 05, 1916 and according to the Head Teacher of the School, Tracy Helligar, although it is an old institution with strong principles and traditions, simultaneously it is a lively institution where development is continuous.
She said “at this school, the emphasis is placed on the whole personal development of each child as oppose to place one sole emphasis on academic achievement, this method of education instruction along with the utilization of information technology and a variety of teaching strategies has been the main reason why Berbice High School is the top school in Region Six.”
Formerly known as the Berbice High School for boys, the School was established in a modest way on the ground floor of the residence occupied by Rev. J. A. Scrimpgeour, BA. C.A. Pugslet. He was the first Head Teacher of the School and started the institution with just nine students.
The school was handed over to the Government in 1966, following which the enrollment climbed to 741 pupils and was rated as the most prestigious school in the country with a student population, which boasted stellar academic accomplishment.
With the establishment of the multilateral system, the school was decanted in 1976 and has since seen many transitions in its academic profile which is presently on the rise as it expands the number of subjects being offered.
At the 2016 CSEC examination, two students of BHS were placed among the top 15 performers in the country.
Also in attendance at Monday’s ceremony was First Lady, Sandra Granger, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally among others.
