Nearly three years after it was ravaged by fire on July 20, 2022, the St George’s High School, a landmark of over a century, which was reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes, was recommissioned on Tuesday. The new school is now the first-ever educational institution dedicated exclusively to science.
The rebuilt St George’s School of Science, located on the same site as the original St George’s High School, was reconstructed at an estimated cost of $253.8 million.
The new school is a specialised institution with a focus on medical science education. It aims to provide a clear pathway for students interested in medical fields, particularly those who may not have initially qualified for top-tier secondary schools.
President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Education Minister, Priya Manickchand look on as Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn plays a game of chess with a student
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted that the institution has an in-depth focus on students attaining strong results in Mathematics, English and most especially, Science.
“Admission to the institution is not automatic, it is earned. Students must demonstrate strong competence in English, Mathematics and Science with marks that reflect discipline and potential. This school will not be a haven for idlers.”
He added that the features make this institution a torchbearer for the world-class education system being built across Guyana: Smart classrooms equipped with interactive boards, multimedia technology and digital tools that support 21st-century learning. State-of-the-art science and information technology (IT) laboratories designed to foster hands-on learning, where students can conduct experiments, build simulations, and develop strong digital literacy.
Device-based learning — every student will receive a laptop, a powerful tool for research, learning and creativity. A daily breakfast programme, ensuring that no student starts their day hungry — because a nourished mind starts with a nourished body and a holistic curriculum that deliberately departs from the narrow confines of rote learning. The school will provide extended learning opportunities through tutorials and will require student participation in music, sports, foreign languages, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and community service.
“We want to produce scientists with soul, technicians with talent, and leaders with compassion. So, that is what we want to do also — produce leaders with compassion.”
According to the President, this school will serve as an incubator for future scientists and innovators. In this regard, he said there are several areas in which the Government aims to take global leadership efforts that will require a strong scientific approach.
“The science of the environment, the science of climate change — these are the areas we are preparing ourselves to lead in globally, and all of it requires a scientific approach.
“We need local talent to fill those roles. We need to train our children, not just to get jobs, but to lead industries. We are also building a national digital ecosystem — one that connects classrooms, hospitals, Government services, agriculture, commerce and industry — through the power of information and communication technology (ICT).”
He added that, as the Government rolls out this system, they need to prepare their citizens for a digital future. He also mentioned that the Government cannot do so unless science and technology assume greater importance within our education system.
“We need students to be equipped with analytical skills, technical competencies, and a creative mindset to thrive in a digitally connected and data-driven world.”
Students attending the new school must have scored at least 80 per cent in English, 65 per cent in science, and 60 per cent in Mathematics to be eligible.
The school has been operational for about a year since it was reconstructed.
Following the blaze, the Education Ministry had put systems in place for the displaced students to ensure that they were placed in a school.
