Denbigh High School – Demonstration of Excellence

Competition and excellence are the hallmark of a successful school.

In a hard to please society and nation, non traditional schools have traditionally been bombarded by texts and innuendos. Prejudices are rife and many of our parents take pre active measures in bolstering academic knowledge to ensure their students gain a pass for the traditional high schools.  In a country where status is a norm , non traditional high schools are for the most part avoided.

Non traditional high schools however in the last 10 years are to be congratulated for making assertive steps to correct the biases and prejudices as they churn out  examination successes equally on par with traditional high schools. We have been hearing about schools such as McGrath High and Old Harbour High but I, the product of  a urban traditional high school take this medium to congratulate Denbigh High School, a  rising star in the field of education. I mean total education.

Blessed with innovative  and inspiring past and present leadership, the school is making strides in ensuring excellence is the hallmark of its students. The current leadership is continuing the mission of imparting knowledge so every child can achieve his or her full  potential. I observed that the school is serious about enlightening students not only in straight academic but endearing them to the social graces and finer things in life. Such was the leadership that students last week were engaged in producing and participating in a tea party. The students have also sent an excellent School Challenge team who played my alma mater Wolmer’s Boys’ School  in a match in Round Two of TVJ’s School Challenge Quiz.

A plus for this school is it is maintaining a pristine physical environment by well kept and clean buildings, fabulous green spaces and clean grounds. I have not seen this except for a few schools such as Immaculate Conception High. But not only is the physical environment worth mentioning , I have to commend the school at behavourial  management. The school during class time maintained such silence. That is commendable as one’s visit to  many urban schools on any day will  have students exuding high decibels of noise as students  loiter on  the school ground or corridor . Denbigh High must therefore be applauded. It delighted me that at least there are institutions carrying out the true purpose of educating our  youngsters.

I  learned that the school will be implementing an Inter – House Quiz which will  provide  the type of competitive and motivating spirit essential for this generation who will face a globally competitive world on exiting college.  Such quizzes will also  allow those students who are not a part of  the school challenge  team to feel valued and  empowered as they represent their houses in fierce rivalry against others. The early start at competition can only augur well and I congratulate  and  salute Principal Mrs. Kasan Troupe , her two vice principals and Grade coordinators for this bold step.  Like other innovations, the leadership is visionary. 

Denbigh High is showing the nation that with serious and assertive leadership , bold moves and united efforts  any school in Jamaica can shine. With excellent  college and university graduates no school should be struggling. We have the workforce to transform  our education system and educate our  children towards excellent CSEC outcomes. If schools  would just  seriously take up the mantle for “wholistic”  education ( academic, social and physical) our education system  and graduates can be on par with any in the post –colonial world, whether a  Barbados, Singapore, Hong Kong,  Malaysia or India. Denbigh ‘s leadership is ensuring just that . What about other schools? The nation awaits your performance.

Yours sincerely

Winston Donald

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