The St. George’s School of Sciences was commissioned today as the Government moves to provide specialized education at the secondary level, which it says is part of a plan to respond to the country’s diversified economy.

The commissioning of the “state-of-the-art” school comes three years after the old school building was completely destroyed by fire.  

In his address at the commissioning ceremony, President Irfaan Ali said by commissioning the School of Sciences, his Government is unlocking “a new vision” for education in Guyana. 

“From the ashes has risen the St George’s School of Sciences, Guyana’s first secondary institution dedicated to scientific education. This is no ordinary school, this is a school of excellence, created for those with the hunger to learn and the commitment to achieve. Admission to this institution is not automatic, it is earned. Students must demonstrate strong competence in English, Mathematics and Science,” the President said.

The President said the school will not be a haven for “idlers”, but rather it will serve as a sanctuary for the diligent, the curious and the committed.

The school is equipped with smart classrooms with interactive boards, multimedia technology and digital tools that support 21^st century learning, and Science and Information Technology labs.

Every child that attends the school will also receive a laptop to assist them with their studies.

Noting that the school’s curriculum is designed to promote extended learning opportunities, President Ali said students will be exposed to programmes focused on music, sports, foreign languages, TVET, and community service.

“STEM education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is crucial in today’s world because we live in a rapidly changing technology driven global economy – from climate change to artificial intelligence, from health to renewable energy, the challenges and opportunities of the 21^st century demand problem solvers who can thinking critically, analyze data and innovate with purpose. In developing countries like Guyana, it is especially important, as it empowers young people to participate meaningfully in national development, close the digital divide and compete on the global stage,” the President said as made a case for the school.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said it was heartbreaking to witness the old building go up in flames back in 2022.

At the time of the fire, the school housed 420 students.

Minister Manickchand said the Ministry of Education took a decision to build a specialized school with a focus on the sciences.

The first set of Grade Seven students entered the school in 2024, and according to the Education Minister, they are excelling in the sciences.

“I am happy to tell you that the children who were placed here last year, had to have achieved at least 70% in Mathematics, and 60% in English and 60% in Science, that’s last year. This year, because all of our investments have produced much better results at the NGSA, the children who are coming here had to have achieved 85% in Mathematics, 70% in English and 70% in Science. We have some of our brightest children right here, at St George’s and that’s not by accident,” Minister Manickchand said.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of the students, according to Minister Manickchand, achieved 70% and more after a full academic year.

The Ministry of Education, Minister Manickchand said, has also rebuilt the Christ Church Secondary School, the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, and the St. Mary’s Secondary School, which will be renamed Brickdam Secondary, all of which were destroyed by fire.

Minister Manickchand said in total, the Education Ministry is building a total of 40 secondary schools, even as it places heavy focus on improving the quality of education delivered across the country.

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