CAMPERDOWN HIGH, not generally known as a Spelling Bee powerhouse, has been the winning institution of the Kingston Parish Finals for the past two years.
The school used to participate in the Spelling Bee many years ago, but through the efforts of principal Cynthia Cooke, new seeds were sown.
"We wanted to have spelling
as part of our summer school programme, and from that Kevaughn emerged as our boy champion," she explained. Past students were petitioned to help pay the training fees. Fuelled by Kevaughn's success, the alumni in Florida readily assisted with fees again, enabling the school to take its second consecutive title.
A STRING OF POSITIVES
The spelling bee is merely the latest in a string of positives for the school. Already known for producing world class sprinters, as well as gifted football players, Camperdown has a very active club and society programme geared toward getting the students to participate.
"Every Wednesday, we shorten the school days, so that the clubs can meet. Formal classes stop at 12:40 p.m., and the clubs have their meetings until around 2:30," she pointed out.
Students are given many choices, from the Literary and Debating Society, Key Club, Rangers and Guides and the School Choir. Students are even encouraged to do community service for 30 hours a week.
As part of the curriculum, Mrs. Cooke explained that students must do at least one foreign language and one science subject.
"We feel that these subjects are the core for everything; language, the sciences, mathematics, and English and the humanities for example history. We feel that if you are proficient in these areas, then you can do anything."
TWO BIRTHDAYS
According to the principal, Camperdown has two birthdays. The school was established in 1930, which would make it 75 years old this year (2005). However, it only dates back to 1958 as a government grant-aided school.
When pressed about improvements that she would like to see, Mrs. Cooke was very philosophical.
"The main thing is not to be satisfied with mediocrity. We need to create that mindset that we will only accept the best in whatever we're doing. We want to bring back volunteerism, loyalty and support to others."
She went on to explain that Friday mornings are geared toward personal development activities seeking to improve the values and attitudes of the students, which in turn, will bring positive results.
"By getting them to respect themselves, then they will want look, feel and do good. Their grades will also improve and then they will have that 'winning attitude' to their work, to sports to everything."
