Education Minister Commends Ferncourt High

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has expressed delight at the launch of a sixth form programme at the Ferncourt High School, in St. Ann.

The programme has been launched for 25 students who are pursuing studies in the sciences.

Speaking at the recent launch of the programme at the school, Rev. Thwaites said the Ministry of Education has been placing much emphasis on the promotion of the sciences in the schools.

“The Ministry is currently placing emphasis on promoting the sciences and there are plans to upgrade or provide new laboratory facilities in several high and primary schools, starting during this school year,” the Minister noted.

Rev. Thwaites said qualifications in the sciences are in demand, and Ferncourt High School is well positioned to equip students with vocational training.

“The sciences are part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects that are in demand by the labour market and institutions of higher learning. Ferncourt is also well positioned in terms of equipping students with Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), along with the traditional grammar school curriculum,” the Minister said.

He congratulated the administration at Ferncourt High for their thriftiness in the construction of four new classrooms and sanitary conveniences at the institution.

The classrooms were constructed at a cost of $14.7 million,  while the sanitary conveniences were built at a cost of $10.3 million, through canteen sales and savings from Government subventions to the school.

“This is the second time in two weeks that I have had the pleasure to participate in the opening of expanded school facilities that have been financed through the thriftiness of the local management. In these times of fiscal constraints, it is commendable when school administrators underwrite the cost of plant expansion through savings from their subventions from the Ministry, supported by fund-raising activities and donations,” the Minister said.

“The school raised $8.7 million from canteen sales and $17.5 million from savings over three years from its subvention,” he added.

Ferncourt High School, which was officially opened in 1938, has an enrollment of 1,467 students.