WESTERN BUREAU:
IN AN integrated package, which showcased both culture and academics, the Albert Town High School in southern Trelawny, last Thursday staged an 'Open Day Exposition', which delighted all those who experienced it.
Under the scrutiny of officials of the Ministry of Education, who opened two new classrooms at the institution, the various departments staged impressive displays, which left no doubt that the teaching/learning process was alive and well at the school.
"Our teachers are now technologically equipped with video cameras, overhead projectors and computers so they are now able to move away from just chalk and talk," said the school's principal Rudolph Brown.
"For this, we must thank the Ministry of Education and the fund-raising initiative of the school community."
While the display of the students' handiwork in areas such as home economics, art and craft, agriculture and literature was most impressive, the major highlight was the cultural presentation, which encompassed the musical prowess of the school's band, which accompanied the students in song, dance, and speech.
Items such as creative song by Christian DJ Denton Robinson and dub poetry by the energetic Leetrice Francis were quite exceptional in terms of both delivery and driving up the excitement level among fellow students, teachers, education officials and well-wishers.
In his piece, the lyrical Robinson, expounded the virtues of Christian values, as he skilfully handled the accompanying dancehall beat delivered by the school's band.
Dub Poet Francis was all energy as she induced much laughter with her stinging social commentary, covering issues such as love, politics, crime and religion.
'We have to applaud these students because it is obvious that they are quite talented," said Mr. Karl Frater, the school's senior vice principal.
"Part of our mission is to produce well rounded students and what you see here today is an indication that we are getting it right."
Adelle Brown, the deputy chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, who deputised for and read the message from Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, said she was quite pleased with what has been happening at Albert Town High.
At the end of the official programme, the excitement intensified as the RJR afternoon radio programme, 'The Beat' was broadcast live from the school featuring on air interviews with teachers and students.
