St. Stanislaus College, one hundred and thirty six years old (1866-2002), is a Senior Secondary School owned and managed by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education. The College aims at imparting to students intellectual, technical and social skills and forming citizens who are imbued with reverence of God, and a spirit of love for their country.
The philosophy of the school – “to ensure that staff and students work singularly and collectively towards the full social and academic upliftment of the College and the country as a whole” is linked to the school’s Motto ‘Aeterna Non Caduca’ – ‘Not for this life only but for Eternity’. The school offers an education that emphasises academic excellence and respect for all; it aims at fostering cooperation, a spirit of sharing, caring and working for the good of all.
The school term, divided into three terms, commences in September and ends in July of the following year. There are thirty nine school weeks in an academic year; each week has thirty five periods, that is, seven periods per day, with each period lasting forty minutes. School assembles at 8.50 a.m. and dismisses at 3.00p.m. There is a morning break from 10.20 a.m. to 10.40 a.m. and lunch break from 12.00 to 12.50 p.m.
Admission to the school is normally through the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination. The normal five years’ course of studies leads to the Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CXC Examinations) and the G.C.E (London) Ordinary Level. There is a further two years for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (London) and/or the Caribbean Examinations Proficiency Examination (C.A.P.E.).
There are nine Departments in the School: Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Science, Languages, Social Studies, Mathematics, Business, Agricultural Science, Allied Arts. The school curriculum includes Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Spanish, French, Social Studies, History, Geography, Agriculture Science, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, Art, Physical education, Music, Food and Nutrition, Home Management, Clothing and Textiles, Technical Drawing, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electricity, Electronics and Information Technology.
Sports play an integral part in the lives of students. On the College premises in Brickdam, there are facilities for playing basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis. The College playground in Carifesta Avenue provides facilities for cricket, football, hockey, circle tennis and athletics. Both boys and girls participate actively in games. Scouting is also offered for boys and girls. There is a Bible Club, an Islamic Society and a Hindu Society, adding a touch of religious flavour to the lives of students. Many of the sporting activities, elocution competitions and debates are conducted on a House basis; there are four Houses: Butler, Etheridge, Galton and Weld. The Ministry of Education continues to provide some text books. Exercise books are received from the Ministry once per term for students and teachers.
The school is ably assisted by parents, individuals, the St. Stanislaus College Association, and the Toronto and Barbados Chapters of the College Association.
(Contributed by Dr. K. Khan)
