BHS continues to make a lot of strides – Pompey

Principal of the Bethel High School (BHS) Miriam Pompey has stated that the school has “made a lot of strides” since 1999 when it was known for gang violence.

During an interview yesterday, Pompey, who joined the staff in 1999, said the school had a reputation for having very “deviant” students.{{more}}

“It was a time when there were many gang wars in the school and a time when a negative stigma was attached to the school…since then we have made a lot of strides” she told reporters during an interview at Campden Park, where the school is located.

Pompey acknowledged past principals Irwin ‘FI’ Jack, Georgina Williams, Sylvia Findlay and Wendel Edwards, whom she said contributed significantly to the development of the school.

“I am proud to say that this school, the Bethel High School, is one of the top leading schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the principal said, adding that although this may be so, “over the years we have been fluctuating in terms of the pass rate of students at CXC exams.”

Pompey further stated that she is hoping that the school will continue to strive for excellence, although they have concerns in the academic department.

“We are hoping that in the not too distant future, that we will be able to climb the ladder and we will get to at least a pass rate of 80 per cent,” said Pompey, who observed that currently, many of their students enter the school without basic literacy and numeracy skills.

She, however, added “even though they may not achieve, after their stint here, 11 and 12 subjects, we are proud to say that we would have added value to their life”.

She stressed that students who attend the school, having left, they are prepared to contribute to the development of St Vincent and the Grenadines. (AS)