Jamaica College
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jamaica College, is a prominent all boys high school in Jamaica. It is located at 189 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica. The school is widely known for its sports as well as academics, and has been a breeding ground for prominent members of the society. Jamaica College Old Boys include the present prime minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, and former prime ministers of Jamaica, Michael Manley and Norman Manley.
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[edit] History
Jamaica College was founded in 1789 as the Drax Free School in the parish of St. Ann by Charles Drax, a planter of that parish.
Drax came to Jamaica from Barbados in 1721 and left money in his will to establish a charity school in St. Ann. There was some delay and legal proceedings before the money was handed over to the St. Ann Vestry. In 1806 Walton Pen was bought for the site of the school, and a year later another act of Legislature gave the school the name, "The Jamaica Free School".
In 1879, during the governorship of Sir Anthony Musgrave, provision was made by law for the Jamaica Free School, under a new name, The Jamaica High School, to come under the control of the Jamaica School Commission. The school now had a new headmaster, Reverend (later Archdeacon) William Simms. This law also authorized the removal of the school from Walton Pen in St. Ann in 1883, and classes were conducted in the Barbican Great House until 1885.
The buildings on Old Hope Road were opened on 9th July, 1885, and the first classes here took place in September of the same year.
In September, 1890 a college was opened in connection with the school, which was known as University College. In 1902 the Jamaica High School and University College were amalgamated under the name Jamaica College.
Jamaica College developed as a boarding institution until 1967 when that system was removed.
[edit] Today
Today, as a day school, it boasts students from a wide cross-section of the community. Over the years it has nurtured a rich tradition in athletic and academic fields. Its Old Boys continue to play important roles in the religious, political, business and professional services of our country. Its history continues to be written by its present students who respond to its motto, "Fervet Opus in Campis".
[edit] Trivia
- Jamaica College's full motto is : Floreat collegium, fervet opus in campis (May the college flourish, work is burning in the field).
- Jamaica College is the third oldest High School in Jamaica (217 years old). And is considered one of the most respected high schools in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
- Jamaica College has produced a number of prominent members of Jamaican society including cricketer Jimmy Adams, Duane Lue Fung prominent business man and RJR & TVJ personalities Simon Crosskill and Derrick Wilks. There is a more complete list on the alumnae website.
